Dh35 million will be given as prize money during Abu Dhabi camel festival

Abu Dhabi: A total of Dh35 million will be given away as prize money during the first ‘Mazayin Dhafra Camel Festival' being organised in the western region next month, said an official.

Ganem Huraiz Al Mazroui, director of the competition, told a press conference on Tuesday the winners in the competition will get Dh35 millions in cash prizes, 100 cars will also be given away.

He said around 2,000 competitors have been registered so far and the number is expected to increase.

All eyes will be on the ‘Asayel' (pedigree) of the camel. ‘Majahim' (dark-skinned) camels will also be an attraction. A ‘camel beauty contest' among other activities will be held during the festival at Zayed City in the Western Region from April 2 to 10.

The festival is being organised by Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH) and sponsored by General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, as part of ADACH efforts to promote local folklore through cultural events.

The participating camels are required to be of purebred origin and free of any contagious diseases or serious defects.