Riyadh, October 2025 — The 2025–26 camel racing season has officially kicked off in Saudi Arabia, drawing record numbers of participants and international attention as the ancient sport continues its impressive modernization under the Kingdom’s sports development drive.
Tradition Meets Technology
The opening event, held at the historic King Abdulaziz Camel Festival Grounds, featured over 12,000 camels from across the Gulf, Africa and Asia. Organizers highlighted advanced tracking technology, automated race timing, and drone coverage — innovations that ensure transparency and excitement for both local and international audiences.
Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in camel racing infrastructure over the past five years, elevating it from a regional pastime to a professionalized sport with world-class standards.
A National Heritage, Modernized
For many Saudis, camel racing is more than competition — it’s a symbol of identity and pride. The Saudi Camel Federation continues to merge cultural heritage with innovation, attracting younger generations and even inspiring women’s participation in racing teams and management roles.
Officials emphasized that the season’s opening symbolizes not just sport, but progress: “We’re preserving our heritage while shaping the future,” one organizer noted during the opening ceremony.
Economic and Cultural Impact
The 2025–26 season is expected to inject millions into the local economy through tourism, hospitality, and sponsorships. International investors and media networks have already expressed growing interest, recognizing camel racing as a unique component of Saudi Arabia’s evolving sports and entertainment landscape.
Looking Ahead
- Upcoming races will feature new categories, including mixed-gender youth competitions.
- Prize pools are set to break previous records, making Saudi Arabia’s camel racing circuit one of the richest in the world.
- The season will culminate in the Crown Prince Camel Festival, expected to attract global attention once again.
Camel racing is proving that Saudi Arabia’s sporting vision isn’t just about global imports — it’s about turning its own traditions into world-class spectacles. For KSAsportz, this season is a celebration of heritage, innovation, and national pride.