The 15th edition of Al Dhafra Festival has begun at Madinet Zayed in the Al Dhafra Region of Abu Dhabi.
The festival is organized by the Cultural Program and Heritage Festivals Committee, and will run till January 22.
Major General Staff Pilot Faris Khalaf Al Mazrouei, Commander-in-Chief of the Abu Dhabi Police, and Chairman of the Cultural ProgramS and Heritage Festivals Committee, said, “Al Dhafra Festival embodies the approach adopted by late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, to strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position as the premier destination for camel owners locally, regionally and internationally.”
“In line with the Emirate’s vision to preserve UAE heritage, and quintessential Emirati customs and traditions, including the preservation of purebred camels, Al Dhafra Festival has become synonymous with the great cultural achievements made,” said Faris Khalaf.
Issa Saif Al Mazrouei, Deputy Chairman of the Committee, highlighted the directives of the Festival’s patron, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to expand Al Dhafra Festival by including camel pageantry in Suwayhan, Razin and Madinet Zayd, in addition to the principal Camel Beauty Contest of Al Dhafra Festival.
“Coinciding with the UAE’ Golden Jubilee Celebrations, the Festival’s activities now run from 28th October, 2021, to 22nd January, 2022, as part of the Abu Dhabi Camel Auction Season,” said Saif Mazrouei.
“For the first time in mazayna competitions, prizes will be based on a new points system. The festival’s 15th edition also witnesses new races for camel mazayna in two categories; hybrid and Wadh,” he added.
He noted that the Festival also supports those interested in traditional Arabian Saluki races, Falcon Mazayna, Arabian Saluki Mazayna, Archery, Ghanam Al Naim Mazayna (sheep beauty pageant).
Obaid Khalfan Al Mazrouei, Director of the Committee’s Planning and Projects Department, explained that Al Dhafra Festival features multi-faceted heritage activities and contests, primarily the Camel Beauty Pageant, which this year includes 82 rounds for Asayel, Majahim, hybrid Asayel and Wadh.
The festival features 313 camel runs and this new edition of the event includes the launch of the Bairaq Al Emarat Award for Asayel and Majahim camel breeds.
Al Mazroui urged the participants and visitors to comply with all COVID-19 countermeasures put in place by the competent authorities