A number of local and international camel owners will compete in 532 races The festival aims to consolidate camel sports heritage, promote it in Saudi and Arab culture, and support the tourism and economic movement in the Kingdom RIYADH: Prince Fahd bin Jalawi bin Abdul Aziz, vice president of the Saudi Arabian Olympic Committee and president of the Saudi Camel Federation, has announced details of the third Crown Prince Camel Festival, which will begin in Taif Camel Square on Aug. 8. Prince Fahd said that the festival would see competition among a number of local and international camel owners, with 532 races, competing for a total prize pool of SR53 million ($14.1 million). The festival will start with a preliminary stage for all age groups with 32 races, while the marathon will be eight races, and the final will consist of 204 races. He said that the festival aims to consolidate camel sports heritage, promote it in Saudi and Arab culture, and support the tourism and economic movement in the Kingdom, which enhances community participation and ingrains national heritage. Prince Fahd said that the festival achieved remarkable participation in its second running last year, which gained it a place in Guinness World Records after more than 13,000 camels participated in the festival. Prince Fahd expressed his thanks and gratitude to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their support for the advancement of the camel sport, and to Prince Abdul Aziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, minister of sports, president of the Saudi Arabian Olympic Committee and president of the International Camel Federation, for his follow-up and support of the camel federation’s programs in general, and the Crown Prince Camel Festival in particular.