Cairo: A number of camel owners, participating in an ongoing Saudi festival, have decided to cancel traditional celebrations as a precaution against the spread of the coronavirus and support related state efforts, according to a media report.
Those participants in the King Abdulaziz Camel Festival, which kicked off earlier this month, agreed to cancel the festive activities traditionally linked to contests in a sign of compliance with precautionary measures against COVID-19, Sabq news portal said.
Abidance by the anti-virus measures is necessary to stem the pandemic, the report quoted them as saying without specifying their number.
Saudi security agencies in conjunction with the Camel Club and the Health Ministry are carrying out daily field tours at the festival to verify compliance of participants and visitors with the preventive steps in place against COVID-19.
Cultural event
The King Abdul Aziz Camel Festival, a major cultural event in Saudi Arabia, began on December 1 upon directives of Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman.
The festival, held in the district of Southern Sayahdah south east of the capital Riyadh, draws over 1,800 participants annually including camel owners and fans from around the world.
Camels are a popular animal closely linked to heritage in the country.
The animal has long been dubbed as the “ship of the desert”, being the lifeline for desert dwellers.
