Prize pot for 10th Al Dhafra Festival reaches Dh35m

The camel milk competition starts off the 10th Al Dhafra Festival in the Western Region, where great prestige and a Dh1m prize pot are up for grabs. Prizes worth Dh35m are on offer across the event. PShow more

ABU DHABI // Prizes worth Dh35 million will be awarded in a series of heritage competitions being staged at the 10th Al Dhafra Festival taking place in the Western Region until December 29.

Organisers said they expected more than 1,500 participants and at least 25,000 camels to enter the competitions as they vie for some of the 1,200 prizes on offer.

“We added two competitions to the festival this year, falcon beauty and saluki beauty, to answer calls from owners in the Western Region,” said Abdullah Butti Al Qubaisi, director of projects management and communication at the Abu Dhabi Cultural Programmes and Heritage Festivals Committee – Abu Dhabi.

The camel milk competition, inspired by Bedouin tradition, was the first contest staged at the festival.

Hundreds took part in one of three categories: Asayel (golden-red camel breed, native to Oman), Majahim (the black camel of Saudi Arabia) and hybrids.

The camels producing the most and best-tasting milk won each category, which this year awarded prizes with a total value of Dh1 million.

Each winning camel produced more than 10 litres of milk. The festival also held a sour milk contest for the product known locally as laban.

“We have achieved a lot in the past 10 years. Through Al Dhafra Festival we have created a platform for the UAE citizens and residents to express their pride for the UAE heritage and continue to preserve it and pass it on to their children,” said Mr Al Qubaisi.