Taif 2026 Camel Festival Adds Arab Rounds

Saudi Camel Sports will introduce dedicated Arab rounds for non-Gulf Arab member federations at the eighth Crown Prince Camel Festival 2026, held at Taif Camel Square in Taif from 3 to 13 September 2026.

Official invitations have been sent through the Arab Camel Racing Federation to non-Gulf Arab member federations, inviting them to take part in these new rounds. The races will feature both human and robotic riders across several categories and distances, expanding the international dimension of the festival.

The 2026 program is one of the largest to date, comprising 248 races over 11 days in morning and evening sessions. Races span the official camel categories: Haqayeq, Laqaya, Jadh'a, Camel Riders Race, Thanaya, Heel and Zamoul. Distances range from 2 km up to 6 km, with Camel Riders races set at 5 km for men and 2 km for women.

Total prize money for the festival exceeds SAR 50,000,000, covering all races including the newly added Arab rounds. The event also introduces the Crown Prince Camel Festival Cup, a Saudis-only award worth SAR 500,000 for the competitor who gathers the most points across the festival's races in the 2026–27 season.

What it means for the community

The expanded Arab participation and record prize pool position the Taif festival as a major fixture on the regional camel-racing calendar, drawing competitors and visitors from across the Arab world. General admission at major Saudi camel festivals is typically free for regular spectators, while VIP seating at such events usually starts around SAR 150. No official 2026 details have yet been published on entry fees, registration steps, or the use of national platforms for Arab rounds registration or ticketing.

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