Under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, Prime Minister and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Al-Ula Provincial Royal Commission, the Al-Ula Provincial Royal Commission, in cooperation with the Saudi Arabian Camel Federation, announced the establishment of the “Cup Al-Ula for Camels” from March 14 to 17 with a total prize value of over 80 million Saudi Riyals. The Cup aims to develop camel sport as a title of heritage and culture of the Kingdom, highlighting the identity of Al-Ula and its natural cultural environment, and is the culmination of a busy season of numerous camel races in the Kingdom and the region, with a total prize value of more than 80 million Saudi Riyals.
Al-Ula Camel Cup includes 16 races, of which 6 are marathon races and 10 are elite races. The Al-Ula Camel Cup will also feature a range of diverse activities available to participants, including artistic, musical and cultural performances and includes a unique heritage market and art and craft exhibitions showcasing the culture of the Ancient Camel.
The Director General of the Royal Commission for Al-Ula Province, engineer Amr bin Saleh Al-Madani, confirmed that camel racing has been an ancient heritage and culture of the Kingdom throughout history, and it is an ancestral sport that has been passed down to parents and children and received great attention and support from a wise leadership, adding: Camels have a deep meaning, rooted in Al-Ula, where it was a meeting place for caravans.
Al-Madani added: “The Commission looks forward to hosting and organizing this cup in collaboration with the Saudi Arabian Camel Federation to together present to the Kingdom and the world an exceptional event that shows the history and heritage of the Kingdom and sheds light on Al-Ula, its natural and cultural environment and ancient human heritage”.
For his part, the Executive Director of the Saudi Arabian Camel Federation, engineer Mahmoud Sulaiman Al-Balawi, confirmed that camel sport continues to develop and flourish in the Kingdom with the support of the wise leadership, commitment and insight of His Highness the Minister. sports, as well as the activities of His Highness Prince Fahd bin Jalawi bin Abdulaziz, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Camel Federation, which will become a real link to our ancient history.
He said: Al-Ula is one of the international tourism destinations and we are committed to organizing this World Cup to spread the culture of camel sports in the Kingdom and abroad, and to present this historical sport from the heart of Al-Ula, which is a vibrant natural museum. and the beauty of nature. Spread this sport throughout the world.
The Al-Ula Camel Cup is one of the sporting events within the Al-Ula Moments event.