https://arab.news/wfytk
- World’s most prestigious camel racing event to take place on April 24-27
- Event is organized by the Royal Commission for AlUla in collaboration with Saudi Camel Racing Federation
ALULA: The AlUla Camel Cup, the world’s most prestigious camel racing event, returns to Saudi Arabia from April 24-27.
Last year’s inaugural edition — organized by the Royal Commission for AlUla in conjunction with the Saudi Camel Racing Federation — attracted some 2,550 visitors.
With 2024 designated the Year of the Camel to celebrate the animal’s cultural significance, enduring community connection and status in the Kingdom, organizers say the tournament will honor that legacy.
Ziad Al-Suhaibini, the RCU’s chief sports officer, said: “The AlUla Camel Cup stands proudly as the pinnacle of camel racing and has assumed a starring role in elevating AlUla’s regional and global standing as a premier heritage sports destination.
“As we start the countdown to this year’s highly anticipated second edition, we are excited to present another exceptional event where sporting excellence, cultural heritage and audience engagement converge.
“Aligning perfectly with our sports sector strategy at RCU, this same formula will ensure another sporting spectacle which not only shows our country’s rich heritage to the world, but also lays new foundations for growth and development in the years ahead.”
Taking place at AlUla’s Mughayra Heritage Sports Village, the four-day event will feature the region’s fastest camels and most talented riders across several rounds of competition. There are substantial prize pots and exquisitely designed AlUla Camel Cup champion trophies up for grabs.
Rami Almoallim, vice president of destination marketing & management at the RCU, said: “The return of the AlUla Camel Cup is news certain to be welcomed enthusiastically by communities across the Kingdom, not least because camel racing is an ancient heritage sport woven into the fabric of our culture and traditions.
“Last year’s fabulous first edition was a perfect example that camel racing today remains an enduring thread connecting the past to the present.”
The origins of camel racing date back to the seventh century and plays a crucial role in upholding AlUla's status as a heritage destination.