In pictures: Al Dhafra camel festival in UAE

Emirati men gather their camels during the Al Dhafra Festival. The 15th edition of Al Dhafra Festival was held in the desert near the city of Madinat Zayed, some 150 kms west of the UAE capital, Abu Dhabi recently.

Camel owners watch the arbitation process during the Al Dhafra Camel Festival. The festival, which attracts participants from around the Gulf region, includes a camel beauty contest, a display of UAE handcrafts and other activities aimed at promoting the country's folklore.

An Emirati man is pictured with his camels during the Al Dhafra Camel Festival. Under strict COVID-19 countermeasures in place, camel owners from around the Gulf region travelled to the UAE to participate in the popular event.

Camels wear decorations during the Al Dhafra Festival.

An Emirati man walks their camels at sunrise during the Al Dhafra Camel Festival.

Emirati men gather their camels during the Al Dhafra Camel Festival.

Emirati men walk their camels at sunrise during the Al Dhafra Camel Festival.

Emirati men walk their camels at sunrise during the Al Dhafra Camel Festival.

The festival, which attracts participants from around the Gulf region, includes a camel beauty contest, a display of UAE handcrafts and other activities aimed at promoting the country's folklore