H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Attends 3rd Al Dhafra Camel Racing Festival

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region, attended the 3rd Al Dhafra Camel Racing Festival. He was present to witness the Haqayeq category race, held at Madinat Zayed’s Al Dhafra Racetrack. The event is a key celebration of the UAE’s rich heritage and culture, bringing together participants and camel owners from across the region.

During the festival, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed praised the strong support of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for heritage sports, particularly camel racing. He emphasised that the wise leadership continues the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan in preserving and promoting UAE culture, ensuring it is passed on to future generations.

After the races, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed crowned the winners of the Haqayeq category. He congratulated the champions on their achievements and acknowledged the broad participation of camel owners from across the GCC. The Sheikh highlighted camel racing as a deeply rooted national tradition that reflects the Emirati connection to history, heritage, and identity.

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan also praised the outstanding organisation of the festival’s third edition. He underlined the importance of developing heritage sports further and enhancing their presence within the community. The festival is not only a sporting competition but also an opportunity to strengthen social and cultural ties among participants and spectators.

Participants and camel owners expressed gratitude for the continuous support of UAE leadership for camel racing. The festival demonstrates this commitment by hosting well-organised events that attract wide participation from across the UAE and GCC, encouraging engagement with the country’s cultural traditions.

The 3rd Al Dhafra Camel Racing Festival features 107 races across three categories: Haqayeq, Luqaya, and Eydha. A total of 24 major trophies are awarded, with eight trophies in each category. In addition, the organising committee has allocated significant cash prizes for winners from 1st to 10th place, adding prestige and excitement to the competition.

The festival was attended by several prominent officials, including Humaid Saeed Al Neyadi, Director of the Office of the President’s Court; Nasser Mohammed Al Mansouri, Under-Secretary of the Ruler’s Representative Court in Al Dhafra Region; and Abdulla Mubarak Al Muhairi, Director of the Camel Race Association. Their presence underscores the importance of the event within the UAE and the broader GCC region.

The 3rd Al Dhafra Camel Racing Festival demonstrates the UAE’s commitment to preserving its cultural heritage. Through high-level competitions, recognition of winners, and broad community participation, the festival strengthens traditional sports and encourages younger generations to engage with the country’s history and values.