With days remaining till the start of the 11th Al Dhafra Festival, camel caravans are already arriving at the opened desert premises on the edge of the Empty Quarters, establishing tents and camel pens for one of one of the most remarkable annual Bedouin gatherings. This year, the Festival will occur from 14th till 28th December, on the borders of Madinat Zayed, in Al Dhafra region of Abu Dhabi Emirate.

The coordinator, the Cultural Programmes and Heritage Festivals Committee - Abu Dhabi is expecting over 20,000 camels to participate, together with their at least 1,500 owners. They will mainly originate from the UAE, however likewise from Saudi Arabia, Oman and Kuwait. The huge bulk will certainly enter to Festival's camel mazayna (beauty) competitors, which will award over AED 30 million in cash prizes. Completely, Al Dhafra Festival's will supply AED 38 million to 1,400 competition champions. These are not just camel beauty ones, yet also a number of Emirati heritage related competitions, meant to encourage and preserve local customs and traditions.

As a matter of fact, heritage conservation and economic boost for Al Dhafra region has been the major purpose of the Festival ever since its initial edition in 2008.

" Today, we stress the should make every effort to supply detailed and important activities at Al Dhafra Festival, so about make certain a positive impact on Emirati society and the world generally. While we remain to verify the shared nature of human society, we consider our Arab society to be an important part of it. Therefore, the organisation of Al Dhafra Festival serves as an occasion to highlight our honest love for the country and our authentic commitment to His Highness the UAE President," claimed His Excellency Staff Major General Pilot Faris Khalaf Al Mazrouei.

" Camels continue to hold a prestigious position in our society. This is verified by all individuals in the camel charm contests, who with one voice settle on the significant function of camels."

"Please allow me highlight that all heritage competitions and activities at Al Dhafra Festival are very closely associated with our old way of life, showing the authentic Bedouin spirit and enhancing national pride," he included.

Initially a camel beauty competitors, Al Dhafra Festival has grown into a celebration of Bedouin practices. Camel charm contests apart, which are about motivating people to keep and properly care for camels, there is likewise a camel heritage race, camel milking competition, lamb ideal in program, ideal days competition, in addition to the traditional souk, classic automobiles exhibition, art workshops and a children's town.
Initially introduced at Al Dhafra Festival 2016, the falcon elegance program and falcon race, along with the saluki race are back this year too.

"We additionally have new activities this year. We are introducing Life of the Bedouin, an everyday show throughout the Festival entailing falconry, camel riding and verse. For the first time this year too, we'll have a shooting target competitors. This is carried out in partnership with Al Dhafra Shooting Club, and it will certainly be target shooting from 50 meters. The competitors is opened to everyone who wishes to take part," stated Mr. Obaid Khalfan Al Mazrouei, preparation and Projects Director at the Cultural Programmes and Heritage Festivals Board - Abu Dhabi.

According to him, the typical market brought in the participation of over 100 Emirati females, who will certainly show their Emirati heritage relevant handicrafts in the souk's stores spreading across 48,000 square meters.

Al Dhafra Festival will be opened to visitors daily from 10 am till 10 pm. Entrance is cost-free.