The King Abdulaziz Camel Festival, also known as “The Founder’s Festival,” is the largest event in the world of camels, showcasing a unique blend of culture, economy, sports, and entertainment in the heart of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This remarkable event highlights the significance of camels in Saudi, Arab, and Islamic culture, providing a unique platform to showcase the cultural, touristic, and economic aspects associated with the camel heritage.

The idea for this festival emerged on the horizon in 2000, and in the following years, it witnessed several developments. After a temporary hiatus of two years, 2017 marked a significant turning point when the Saudi Cabinet issued a decision to reorganize the festival according to updated standards that reflect a focus on health, security, and culture.

With the guidance of wise leadership and the Vision 2030 initiative, the festival has seen various developments and additions over the years. These include open and international categories for female and male camel races, committees for detecting violations and imposing strict penalties. The festival contributes to supporting culture, heritage, and national aspirations, enhancing the Kingdom’s global standing.

The seventh edition of the King Abdulaziz Camel Festival in 2023 includes various camel beauty competitions, camel racing, and two contests called “Al-Taba” and “Al-Hijij.” The total value of the prizes allocated by the organizing committee for the seventh edition reached around 300 million Saudi Riyals, including prizes for the King Abdulaziz Camel Race.

In the last edition, a special award called the “Founder’s Sword” was established, which is awarded to participants with the highest points, with a prize of two million Saudi Riyals. The participant, Aayid Al-Qahtani, won the award after earning 77 points.

The festival’s diverse activities cater to different segments of society, from children to adults and women. Additionally, the King Abdulaziz Camel Beauty Contest is considered one of the most prominent awards presented at the festival. Furthermore, in the 2018 edition, the festival introduced camel racing with substantial prizes amounting to 95 million Saudi Riyals, further solidifying the festival’s position as a must-attend annual event.