Under the patronage of Lt General HH Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Interior, the fourth edition of Razeen camel beauty festival has kicked off and will last until next Monday.
The event was attended by Major General Nasser Al Awadhi Al Menhali, assistant undersecretary of the ministry of interior for naturalization, residents and expatriates, and Faraj bin Hamooda, a former federal national council member and deputy chairman of the Abu Dhabi economic council, a number of dignitaries, and a huge crowd of citizens.
Having more than one camel beauty festival organized in the country reflects the support of our visionary rulers in preserving this folkloric heritage, stressed Al Menhali. By so doing, they follow the footsteps of late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan in taking interest in genuine Arabic heritage side by side with keeping pace with modernization and progress witnessed by the country under the flag of His Highness President of the UAE and General His highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme commander of the UAE armed forces.
Sheikh Saif sponsorship to this festival gave camel owners a strong motive and extreme delight, he said, indicating that Sheikh Saif is always backing various sport and heritage events that boost foundations of national identity for the Emirati society and instill genuine values in the hearts of youngsters so that they remain sticking to their national environment and its various cultural components.
What makes this festival special is that it coincides with the 40th anniversary for the UAE national day celebrations, he added, extending thanks to all participants and supporters.
For his part, bin Homooda thanked Lt General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan for sponsoring and supporting the festival saying that such festivals help preserve local heritage and quality of camels.
Camel beauty contests in the UAE had a humble start nine years ago, but now they have become prestigious events with camel prices rocketing into millions of dirhams and the number of participants hugely increased, added bin Homooda.
Razeen camel beauty contest is held in preparation for the Al Dhafra camel beauty contest (Mazayna), the biggest in the UAE, he pointed out.
With the participation of Arabic camels (known as Al Omaniyat), black camels (known as Al Majahim) and stallions (al zomoul), the Razeen contest becomes very special event, he further added.
The Razeen contest nourishes the heritage of the desert life and embodies our rulers’ interest in camels, said Saleh Al Menhali, organization committee member. This contest has become an annual tradition encouraging everybody to show the best and most beautiful camels, apart from its role in strengthening bonds of relations among all tribes, he further added.
Winners of various contests were awarded cash money.