Taif Camel Festival 2026: First Trophy Races Set

The historic Taif Camel Racing Track is hosting the first trophy races of the eighth Crown Prince Camel Festival 2026 on Saturday, 5 September 2026, coinciding with the conclusion of the Haqayiq category. The festival runs across 11 days, from 3 to 13 September 2026, at the Taif Camel Square.

The eighth edition offers a total prize pool exceeding SAR 50 million. On the day of the first trophy races, evening session prizes alone surpass SAR 6 million. First-place prizes in the six trophy races range from SAR 400,000 to SAR 700,000, with awards going to the top five finishers in each of those races.

The full program features 248 races over 11 days, held in morning and evening sessions across all officially recognized camel racing categories. Opening day includes 38 races: 21 morning heats for the Saudi Production category and 17 general evening heats. General morning and evening races carry SAR 90,000 each, shared among the top 10 finishers. The Haqayiq category competes in 92 heats over three days, each covering 2 km, for a total of 184 km of racing.

New additions this year

The Saudi Camel Racing Federation has allocated SAR 3.3 million in prize money for the Saudi Production races, distributed among the top ten finishers in each race. A new SAR 500,000 prize goes to the owner accumulating the most points across general and Saudi Production races, while a Saudis-only Cup worth SAR 500,000 debuts this season for Saudi participants.

The festival also stages Arab rounds for non-Gulf Arab member federations at the Taif Camel Square from 3 to 13 September 2026, and introduces Mazayen (beauty) competitions and an expanded training track. The event blends heritage and sport, offering residents and visitors a chance to experience one of the Kingdom's cherished traditions.

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