Razeen Mazayna Camel Festival Kicks Off With 730 Prizes

The desert sands of Razeen, Abu Dhabi, are set to come alive as the second phase of the 19th Al Dhafra Festival, the Razeen Mazayna camel competitions, begins on 15 November 2025. The week-long event promises excitement, tradition, and fierce competition, spotlighting the UAE’s deep-rooted camel heritage.

Organized by the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, the Razeen Mazayna is part of a larger festival spanning Suweihan, Razeen, Madinat Zayed, and the Al Dhafra Final, encompassing 355 rounds and distributing a total of 3,370 prizes valued at over AED88.7 million. The festival celebrates four major camel categories: Majahim, Local Asayel, Asayel Crossbred, and Wadh, with owners from across the UAE and GCC countries participating.

This leg in Razeen features 76 competitions across six age categories: Mafarid, Haqayiq, Lagaya, Yedaa’, Thanaya, and Hool. Local Asayel camels will compete in 38 rounds, Majahim in 32, and Asayel Crossbreds in 6, with a total of 730 prizes valued at AED11.45 million up for grabs. Camels owned by both royalty and tribal owners will take center stage, showcasing the grandeur, tradition, and meticulous breeding standards the festival is known for.

The festival has consistently drawn large crowds, combining sportsmanship with cultural heritage. The first phase, Suweihan Mazayna, held from 27 October to 3 November, saw participation from 2,402 camel owners from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, and Yemen. The main stage at Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed Heritage Racetrack attracted over 24,000 visitors, including camel owners, heritage enthusiasts, and tourists, highlighting the festival’s growing international appeal.

As the Razeen Mazayna kicks off, the excitement is palpable. Owners meticulously prepare their camels, polishing their appearance and perfecting their presentation, while spectators eagerly await displays of elegance, beauty, and the rare charm of these iconic animals. The event promises a celebration of heritage, community, and the enduring love for camels that has shaped the UAE’s cultural identity for generations.