King Abdulaziz Camel Festival

The camel festival held at Rumah northeast of Riyadh each winter is among the largest gatherings of its kind, running for several weeks with tens of thousands of camels brought by owners from across the Arabian peninsula. The central event is mazayin, a beauty competition judged on the shape of the head, neck, hump, lips and legs, with very large prize funds; races, auctions, a heritage village, camel milk and wool displays and a market run alongside. Judging has led to disqualifications for cosmetic alteration of animals, which is prohibited and tested for. The site is a purpose-built grounds in open desert with parking, arenas and pens.

What you actually see

• The mazayin judging - the beauty competition in the main arena.
• Camel races - the racing events on the track.
• The pens and market - tens of thousands of animals and their owners.
• The heritage village - the crafts, food and displays alongside.

When to go

December to January, when the festival runs; dates shift and are announced in advance. Weekends and the final judging days are busiest. Outside the festival the grounds are empty.

Honest expectations

The site is in open desert with long distances between areas and limited shade. Crowds and traffic on judging days are heavy. Facilities are temporary. Outside the festival weeks there is nothing at Rumah.

Nearby

Riyadh lies southwest; Rawdat Khuraim is northeast.