Camel Racing, Falconry and Gulf Heritage Sports — 2026-09-14
The Saudi Crown Prince Camel Festival concluded its eighth edition in Taif with record-breaking participation, featuring 114 camels worth up to $131 million in the finale. Meanwhile, the falconry market hit a new global peak as an exceptionally rare white falcon sold for AED 2.1 million ($571,000) at an Abu Dhabi auction, while Qatar’s S’hail 2026 exhibition opened to showcase heritage alongside modern tracking technologies.
Camel Racing, Falconry and Gulf Heritage Sports — 2026-09-14
Top developments
Crown Prince Camel Festival Finale Draws Record Valuations
The eighth edition of the Saudi Crown Prince Camel Festival wrapped up in Taif on September 13, 2026, under the patronage of Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The final races featured 114 camels with a combined estimated value of SAR 492 million (approx. $131 million), highlighting the immense financial stakes in Gulf camel racing. Saudi camels dominated the competition with 131 race wins, followed by Emirati camels with 35 wins and Qatari camels with 27.
World Record Falcon Sale at Abu Dhabi Auction
An "exceptionally rare" white falcon sold for AED 2.1 million (USD 571,000) during the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) auctions, setting a new world record for a single bird. This sale marks the third falcon to exceed the AED 1 million threshold during this year's lucrative auction series, underscoring the booming high-stakes market for elite hunting birds in the UAE.
S’hail 2026 Opens in Qatar with Tech Integration
The 10th edition of the Katara International Hunting and Falcons Exhibition (S’hail 2026) opened on September 9 in Doha. The exhibition highlights the convergence of traditional falconry with modern technology, displaying falcons alongside advanced tracking devices and off-road vehicles used in contemporary hunting. The event serves as a major hub for regional breeders and enthusiasts to exchange knowledge and showcase heritage practices.
Al-Marmoom Season Launches with Smart Technologies
The Dubai Camel Racing Club launched the 2026–2027 season at Al-Marmoom Racetrack, emphasizing the integration of smart technologies and wide regional participation. The new season aims to maintain Al-Marmoom's status as a premier venue for elite stables, following the massive success of the previous festival which offered a $2.46 million prize purse.
Local view
Local media outlets such as Al-Arabiya and Saudi Press Agency affiliates highlighted the historic sweep by Saudi jockeys in the human-rider category of the Crown Prince Festival, noting that all cups were secured by local competitors. In the UAE, Emirates 24 reported on the "strong start" to the Al-Marmoom season, citing official statements about the comprehensive preparations and the adoption of new digital tools for race management.
Context & numbers
- Prize Money: The Saudi Crown Prince Camel Festival featured entries valued up to SAR 492 million ($131 million).
- Auction Records: The recent AED 2.1 million falcon sale in Abu Dhabi is the highest price ever recorded at a falcon auction globally.
- Distance Covered: Camels competed over 14,000 kilometers cumulatively during the eight editions of the Crown Prince Festival.
- Exhibition Scale: The upcoming Saudi International Falcons and Hunting Exhibition (opening Oct 1) will host over 1,440 brands.
On the radar
- Saudi International Falcons and Hunting Exhibition: Scheduled to open on October 1, 2026, in Malham, north of Riyadh, featuring over 1,440 exhibitors.
- Al Dhafra Festival: Organizers are preparing for the 20th edition, with over AED 97 million ($26.4 million) in prize money announced for camel beauty and racing competitions.
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