The annual Al Dhafra Festival is showcasing the best of Bedouin traditions with bigger events and competitions at the Madinat Zayed in the Al Gharbia (the Western region), UAE.

The festival, which will run till January 1, brings some of the most beautiful and valuable camels from all over the Arabian Gulf including UAE to enter different competitions, categories and laps with more than Dh55 million ($14.9 million) in prizes to give away, said a statement.

Organised by the Cultural Programmes and Heritage Festivals Committee – Abu Dhabi (CPHFC), the festival is bigger this year with more events including 72 competitions for the camel beauty shows in addition to other contests related to Emirati traditions such as best milking camel, saluki race, falconry, dates and dates packaging, handicrafts, photography and classic cars competition.

A highlight of the festival is the horse race and the best handmade cover competition for the winning camels which is held for the first time this year.

Khaled Sharabassy, general manager, Tilal Liwa Hotel, where the festival is being held, said: “The Al Dhafra Festival is a much-anticipated event because the festival revives the Arab civil heritage which a lot of the younger generations today may not be familiar with.

“The festival also introduces Bedouin life to visitors of the UAE who are interested in knowing and experiencing their culture. We are very fortunate that our location is very close to Al Gharbia where most of the events will take place. We congratulate the organisers and the participants of this another successful year for the festival!” - TradeArabia News Service