AlUla, April 27, 2024, Under the esteemed patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince, Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU), the second edition of the AlUla Camel Cup has drawn to a close, marking a significant moment in the celebration of Saudi heritage and culture.
At the Mughayra Heritage Sports Village in AlUla Governorate, Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz presided over the closing ceremony, where awards were bestowed upon the victorious participants. The event, which ran from April 24 to 27, was a collaborative effort between the RCU and the Saudi Camel Racing Federation (SCRF), aimed at elevating camel racing as a cherished symbol of Saudi tradition.
Throughout its duration, the AlUla Camel Cup served as a beacon, spotlighting not only the thrilling sport of camel racing but also the distinctive natural and cultural splendor of AlUla. It stood as a culmination of the vibrant camel racing season, resonating not just within the Kingdom but also across the wider region.
Expressing their gratitude to HRH the Crown Prince for his patronage, Minister of Culture and RCU Governor Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, SCRF President Prince Fahd bin Jalawi bin Abdulaziz bin Musaed, and RCU Acting CEO Abeer AlAkel emphasized the event's pivotal role in preserving and promoting camel racing, a cherished cultural cornerstone of Saudi Arabia.
This year's AlUla Camel Cup carried special significance, aligning with the Kingdom's proclamation of 2024 as the "Year of the Camel." It provided a captivating spectacle for spectators, offering them a deep dive into Saudi Arabia's rich cultural tapestry through the lens of this ancient sport.
The AlUla Camel Cup was not just a sporting event but a testament to the enduring legacy of camel racing, tracing its roots back to the 7th century. It celebrated the integral role camels have played in Saudi culture over centuries, bridging the past with the present in a vibrant display of tradition and heritage.