The camel Beauty Festival tells part of the UAE heritage story. It is held annually under the patronage of General His Highness Sheikh Mohammad bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and organized by Abu Dhabi Culture and Heritage Authority.
Hamdan bin Ghanim Al Falahi, one of the camels owners said "We can not mention camels in our lives without mentioning late, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan (May his soul rest in eternal peace). He paid great attention to heritage and its maintenance".
Participation conditions
There are certain training and practices which highlight the camel beauty, including running in early morning, special mixture of fodders, milk, honey and dates. Then the judges look into the beauty of how the camel stands up and how it moves etc.
Decorations
The owners give strange names to their camels according to their age, origin and color. (Al Ibil and al Hijin) are famous names of camels. She-camels have their special names such as Um Huwar, Bint Al Najaib, Al Rakaib, Al Dhain etc.
Wining camels crowned with saffron and flowers wreaths
When the results are announced the winner of the first place is crowned with saffron and flowers wreath and its head is dyed with henna. The winners of the first three places wear big white scarf showing the Festival name and number of round. Then the winning camel is decorated with silk adorned with colored stones. The competition is attended by sheikhs, diplomats, dignitaries and media men.
