Camels in Crown Prince Camel Festival finals valued at up to SAR 492 million

The market value of camels competing in the final rounds of the eighth Crown Prince Camel Festival 2026, totaling 114 camels, is estimated between 270 million and 492 million riyals (SAR), according to experts and participants at the festival, which concludes its competitions today, Sunday.

The festival began on September 3 at the historic Taif Camel Racecourse, under the patronage of Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, and is organized by the Saudi Camel Federation, with total prize money exceeding 50 million riyals.

The first race features 35 camels, the second 13, the third 46, and the fourth and final race 20 camels, all representing elite herds from Saudi Arabia and other Gulf Cooperation Council countries.

Abdullah Al-Sharif, a Saudi camel owner and expert in camel racing, said that the prices of camels competing in the final day often reach record highs. The market value of a single camel in the "Heil" races ranges from 3 million to 6 million riyals, while those in the "Zamoul" races are valued between 1.5 million and 2 million riyals each.

Al-Sharif added, "These camels achieving such high values is not by chance, but the result of a comprehensive system of support and scrutiny. Simply qualifying to compete for the Sword and Rifle of the Crown Prince Camel Festival is an achievement that grants them significant market value, with some camels valued at over 7 or 8 million riyals."

He explained that the surge in market value is primarily due to the royal patronage and the unlimited support from the Crown Prince for this traditional sport, which has attracted major investors and owners from across the Gulf. This has transformed camel racing into a genuine economic industry with substantial investment returns.

Al-Sharif emphasized that camels reaching the final rounds possess rare bloodlines and have achieved significant results in previous races, festivals, and major championships. The price difference between "Heil" and "Zamoul" camels is based on production value; "Heil" camels are expected to produce future champions, increasing their investment value. Additionally, the size of the festival's prizes makes acquiring these camels a secure investment for owners.