JEDDAH: Under the patronage of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Saudi Arabian Camels Federation announced the launch of the Crown Prince Camel Festival from Aug. 11 to Sept. 2 in Taif, southwestern Saudi Arabia. Turki Al-Sheikh, chairman of the board of directors of Saudi Arabia’s General Sports Authority (GSA), thanked the crown prince for his patronage as part of the leadership’s interests in the state’s different sectors. These interests seek to achieve the success of local and international events through the support of programs, championships and events. Local and international camel owners will be competing for prizes of a total of SR45 million ($11,998,800). Prince Fahd bin Abdul Aziz bin Musaed, president of the Saudi Arabian Camels Federation and president of the organizing committee of the Crown Prince Festival, said that the festival will be held in Taif, given the historic importance of the Taif field and its good weather conditions during summer. Other events for families will accompany the festival, aiming to attract an audience in general and camel sports fans in particular. Prince Fahd said that special preparations had already started, given the importance of the event that carries the crown prince’s name and the ambitions of camel owners and fans internationally. He urged all participants to commit to the regulations and conditions of the committee. The Crown Prince Camel Cup aims to highlight the camel heritage and promote it within the Saudi, Arab and Islamic culture. It also aims to generate economic revenues through organizing a diverse sport, economic and cultural festival that promotes participation, entrenches legacy, spreads nationalism and reflects the heritage depth of Saudi Arabia. The Saudi Arabian Camels Federation will announce the full program on Saturday.