Saudi costumes enhance foreign visitors' experience at camel pageant

Cairo: A corner showcasing traditional Saudi costumes at a flagship camel pageant underway near Riyadh has riveted the attention of foreign visitors.

The attires displayed at the Cultural Camp at the current King Abdulaziz Camel Festival gives foreign tourists the opportunity to learn about the traditional costumes in various areas of the kingdom.

The experience has impressed the visitors, many of whom appeared clad in the costumes inspired by Saudi heritage, according to the Saudi news agency SPA.

The attires include the costumes and headgear worn by men, in addition to women's traditional outfits marked by unique designs and bright colours.

Many foreigners were keen to take photos while wearing these costumes, recording their visits and boosting the allure of the festival.

The "Saudi Costume" experience aims to highlight the diversity of traditional costumes in the kingdom and revive Saudi heritage by acquainting young generations and tourists with the traditions associated with clothing in different regions, SPA added.

The ninth edition of the festival started on December 1 and runs until January 3 under the theme "Pride of its People", in Al Sayahid northeast of Riyadh.

Camels are a popular animal closely linked to heritage in Saudi Arabia. The animal has long been dubbed as the “ship of the desert”, being the lifeline for desert dwellers.

Saudi Arabia has designated 2024 as the "Year of Camels", taking the shape of diverse programmes to boost national efforts to develop the camel sector.

The kingdom annually hosts the King Abdulaziz Camel Festival, one of the world’s largest in the field.

The pageant has become a major cultural, tourist, entertainment and economic event with its competitions and concomitant activities that attract thousands of fans from the region and around the world.