Post by : Mariam
Al-Faris
Under the patronage of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the 19th edition of the Al Dhafra Festival will be held by the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority. The festival, part of the Camel Mazayna Season, is set to run from 27th October 2025 to 22nd January 2026, highlighting Emirati heritage and traditional competitions.
This year’s festival will feature camel mazayna contests across four stations with 355 rounds. A total of 3,370 prizes valued at over AED88.7 million will be awarded in Majahim, Asayel, Asayel hybrids, and Wadh categories. The season will start with the Suweihan Mazayna (27th Oct–3rd Nov), followed by the Razeen Mazayna (15–22 Nov), the Madinat Zayed Mazayna (13–20 Dec), and conclude with the Al Dhafra Festival Mazayna (3–22 Jan 2026).
The festival will also feature 17 heritage competitions with approximately 1,520 prizes valued at over AED5.6 million. These include camel milking, falconry, falcon beauty contests, Arabian Saluki beauty and racing, Arabian horse racing, Al Dhafra Arabian Horse Beauty Competition, Naeem sheep beauty, date competitions, shooting, cooking, sour milk preparation, Ansif al-Qaoud, traditional dress, children’s contests, heritage poetry chants, and tea preparation.
The festival aims to strengthen community cohesion in line with the UAE Year of the Community. By encouraging family and community participation, it preserves heritage, fosters intergenerational interaction, and instills values of cooperation, belonging, and shared experiences. It also emphasizes camel breeding, falconry, and Arabian horse care while supporting enthusiasts of these authentic breeds.
Al Dhafra Festival boosts the camel trade, stimulates domestic and Gulf tourism, and contributes to local economic activity. By unifying standards and increasing participation, the festival ensures the success of the mazayna competitions and highlights Abu Dhabi as a premier destination for heritage and camel events.
The festival reflects Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority’s commitment to promoting and preserving Emirati and Arab traditions globally. By showcasing cultural values and documenting traditional practices, the event strengthens national identity and ensures that the rich heritage of the UAE is passed on to future generations.
The 19th Al Dhafra Festival not only celebrates cultural and sporting excellence but also strengthens Abu Dhabi’s position as a hub for heritage, community engagement, and sustainable economic growth.
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