Crown Prince Camel Festival launches 'Laqaya' category with prizes over 10 million riyals

The 'Laqaya' category, the second age group in the eighth edition of the Crown Prince Camel Festival 2026, begins Sunday at Taif’s historic camel racing track, with total prizes amounting to 10.85 million riyals (SAR), distributed over three days.

This category includes 64 races, each covering a distance of 4 kilometers, with participating camels running a total of 256 kilometers over the three days.

The current edition of the festival was launched under the patronage of Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, and will continue until September 13. The event is organized by the Saudi Camel Federation, with total prize money exceeding 50 million riyals.

The 'Laqaya' category will conclude next Tuesday with six final races for the Crown Prince Camel Festival cups, offering total prizes of 5.7 million riyals. The winner of the 'Bakar - Open' race will receive 500,000 riyals, while the 'Qadaan - Open' winner will take home 400,000 riyals. The 'Bakar - General' winner is awarded 700,000 riyals, and the 'Qadaan - General' winner receives 500,000 riyals.

In the Saudi Production Cups, the 'Bakar - General' winner will receive 500,000 riyals, and the 'Qadaan - General' winner will be awarded 400,000 riyals.

The festival continues to promote camel racing as a cherished cultural heritage and a growing sports and economic sector, while also boosting tourism and commerce in Taif and enhancing Saudi Arabia’s international standing in camel sports.