2,000 camels to ‘catwalk’ in desert for beauty contest

At least 2,000 camels will fill the desert surrounding Zayed City in the Western Region of Abu Dhabi, all washed, brushed and looking their best for the first international camel beauty contest.

Organised by the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH) under the patronage of General Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of UAE Armed Forces, the Mazayin Dhafra Camel Festival 2008 will take place on April 2-10.
Owners of camels from both UAE and other Gulf countries are welcomed to bring their animals to the festival, in which prizes totalling Dh35 million and 100 cars, mostly four-wheels and pick-ups, will be given away.
The camel contest will be split between Asayel (pedigree) camels from this region and Majahim (dark-skinned) camels. Only pure-bred origin camels would be allowed to participate and they must be free of any contagious diseases or serious defects.
Apart from the camel shows, the festival will also showcase Bedouin traditions and folklore.
“Every evening there will be poetry recitals and music,” said ADACH Director-General Mohammed Khalaf Al Mazrouei, who is also vice-chairman of the organising committee of the festival. “Also, local ladies will set up a souq featuring handicrafts and traditional clothes,” said Al Mazrouei.
“People will come to the festival for two reasons – to enjoy the shows and to enjoy camping in the desert,” Al Mazrouei pointed out.
Indeed, camping will be pretty much the only option for those wanting to enjoy the festival, apart from Liwa Hotel, which is located about 60km from Zayed City. The organisers, though, are offering all necessary facilities for overnight campers.
Hammoud Hamid Al Mansouri, Director-General of Western Region Municipality Council, added that environment protection will not be forgotten during the festival.
“We will provide garbage sacks and encourage everyone not to leave their waste in the sand, while we will also have cleaners who will make sure all rubbish will be collected,” he said.