Abu Dhabi is preparing to host the Razeen Camel Mazayna, a major competition forming part of the 20th edition of the Al Dhafra Festival. The event will take place from November 15 to 22 at the Razeen Camel Mazayna Arena, bringing together participants in one of the United Arab Emirates’ best-known celebrations of camel heritage.
The Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority announced that this stage of the festival will feature 82 competition rounds and 775 awards, with total cash prizes reaching AED 9.95 million. Competitors will take part in four main breed categories: Local Asayel, Majahim, Crossbred Asayel and Wadh. The programme includes 38 rounds for Local Asayel, 32 for Majahim, nine for Crossbred Asayel and three for Wadh.
This year’s programme has also been expanded with six new competition rounds. Three have been added to the Crossbred Asayel category, covering the Mafareed, Haqayeq and Laqaya age groups. Another three rounds have been introduced for the Wadh category, covering the same age groups.
The Razeen event is the second stage of the festival’s 20th edition. The opening stage, known as the Suwaihan Mazayna, was held in the Al Ain region from October 27 to November 3. That stage also featured 82 rounds and a total prize fund of AED 9.95 million.
The festival will continue in Madinat Zayed from December 3 to 10, with 88 rounds and AED 10.73 million in prizes. Further competitions will follow in December and January, including the Cash Prizes Rounds and the Ramouz Rounds.
Across all five stages, the 2026–2027 edition is scheduled to include 383 rounds, with total prize money of AED 97.24 million. Participation is open to people aged 18 and above, and registration is handled through the official Falak Al Namoos smart application.
The festival is designed to preserve and promote the UAE’s camel-breeding traditions while creating opportunities for participants and visitors to engage with the country’s cultural heritage. Its large prize fund and expanded programme also underline the importance of traditional competitions in Abu Dhabi’s cultural calendar.
