Al Dhafra Festival 2026 Celebrates Emirati Heritage

Experience the 20th Al Dhafra Festival in Abu Dhabi as the emirate celebrates Emirati heritage through camel competitions, traditional sports, cultural activities, and family programmes.

Running across multiple stages from October 27, 2026, to January 12, 2027, the festival will form part of the 2026–27 Camel Mazayna Season. The Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority will organise the season, with total prizes exceeding AED 97 million.

The milestone edition will introduce 22 new competition rounds, increasing the total to 383 rounds. In addition, visitors can explore traditional markets and activities that showcase the UAE’s cultural heritage.

The festival will feature camel beauty competitions alongside falconry, camel milking, Saktoun rifle shooting, and other heritage contests. Meanwhile, the Al Dhafra Festival Finale will include Arabian horse racing, Saluki racing, Falcon Mazayna, Saluki Mazayna, and Al Naeem Sheep Mazayna.

The Al Dhafra Traditional Market will also offer cultural experiences, including the Shillat Al Dhafra contest and tea competitions. Moreover, the festival will provide a platform for breeders, owners, and participants to celebrate the enduring role of camels in Emirati culture.

Event Information

The 20th Al Dhafra Festival will begin with the Sweihan Camel Mazayna from October 27 to November 3, 2026. The Razeen Camel Mazayna will follow from November 15 to 22.

Next, the Madinat Zayed Camel Mazayna will take place from December 3 to 10. The Al Dhafra Festival Finale will then run from December 12 to 19, followed by the Elite Rounds, known as Al Romooz, from January 3 to 12, 2027.

The five stages will collectively feature 383 camel competition rounds. Furthermore, the camel beauty contests will account for AED 92.6 million of the overall prize fund.

Date: 27 October 2026 – 12 January 2027
Venue: Sweihan, Razeen, Madinat Zayed and Al Dhafra, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Organiser: Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority
Prize Fund: More than AED 97 million
For further information Visit: Abu Dhabi Media Office

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