GCC Camel Owners Gather for Razeen Mazayna Event

The vibrant desert scene of Razeen in Abu Dhabi will host the eagerly awaited Razeen Mazayna camel competitions, set to commence on 15 November 2025, as part of the 19th Al Dhafra Festival. This week-long celebration is a showcase of excitement, cultural heritage, and intense rivalry, highlighting the UAE's strong connection to its camel traditions.

Hosted by the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, the Razeen Mazayna is an integral segment of a broader festival that spans Suweihan, Razeen, Madinat Zayed, and culminates in the Al Dhafra Grand Finale. Across the festival, there will be a staggering 355 rounds, offering a total of 3,370 prizes valued at an impressive AED88.7 million. Celebrating four distinguished categories of camels—Majahim, Local Asayel, Asayel Crossbred, and Wadh—this event attracts participants from the UAE and GCC nations alike.

The Razeen event features 76 competitions spread across six age groups: Mafarid, Haqayiq, Lagaya, Yedaa’, Thanaya, and Hool. Local Asayel camels will participate in 38 rounds, while Majahim and Asayel Crossbreds will contest in 32 and 6 rounds, respectively, with a total of 730 prizes up for grabs valued at AED11.45 million. Camels owned by both established royalty and tribal leaders will highlight the festival, illustrating the tradition and high breeding standards in the region.

The event is known for attracting substantial crowds, merging competitive spirit with rich cultural heritage. The initial phase, Suweihan Mazayna, which occurred between 27 October and 3 November, saw 2,402 camel owners from various countries, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, and Yemen, take part. The main stage at Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed Heritage Racetrack welcomed over 24,000 attendees, comprising camel aficionados, heritage supporters, and tourists, underscoring the festival's expanding international significance.

As the Razeen Mazayna is set to begin, the atmosphere is charged with anticipation. Owners are busy grooming their camels, ensuring they are impeccably presented, while spectators can look forward to witnessing the elegance and majestic charm of these iconic animals. The event will not only celebrate the shared heritage and community spirit but also the deep-rooted affection for camels that has been integral to the UAE's cultural identity for generations.