New Camel Racing Cup Offers SAR 500,000 Prize for Saudi Owners

A new Crown Prince Camel Festival Cup for Saudi camel owners will debut during the eighth Crown Prince Camel Festival in Taif, with a SAR 500,000 prize awarded to the owner who finishes top of the season-long standings.

The competition will begin when the festival opens on September 3rd, 2026, at the Taif Camel Racing Track and will run throughout the 2026–27 camel racing season.

According to the Saudi Camel Racing Federation, winners of public races and Saudi-bred races will receive 25 points, followed by 20 points for second place, 15 for third, 10 for fourth and five for fifth. In all other races, only the winner will earn 10 points. The federation said standings will be confirmed after each festival once doping test results have been finalised, while points will transfer automatically if a camel changes ownership during the season.

The regulations also state that owners whose camels are found to have used prohibited substances, electric shock devices or other methods that affect an animal's physical condition will be disqualified. If competitors finish level on points, the title will first be decided by the number of championship titles, or "symbols," won during the season, followed by the fastest recorded race time if required.