The Emirates News Agency reported that the 20th edition of the Al Dhafra Festival begins tomorrow in the Suwaihan area of Abu Dhabi, organized under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The event brings together participants from across the UAE and neighboring countries for a celebration of traditional Emirati culture that has grown significantly since its early years. Organizers have prepared an extensive schedule that highlights the region’s heritage while offering prizes across multiple categories.
According to the agency, the festival spans several weeks and incorporates the Al Dhafra Camel Festival along with activities such as traditional dances, falconry displays and local craftsmanship exhibitions. The Suwaihan site was selected for its open desert landscape that accommodates large gatherings and livestock competitions. A dedicated area will host daily performances and food stalls featuring Emirati cuisine to engage both residents and visitors throughout the duration.
The Emirates News Agency detailed that more than 20,000 camels are expected to take part in the beauty and racing contests, building on participation levels seen in recent editions. Judges will evaluate animals based on established criteria that have been refined over the two decades of the festival’s existence. Winners in the top categories stand to receive substantial cash prizes and vehicles as recognition of their owners’ dedication to preserving purebred bloodlines.
Data from the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism shows that previous iterations of the Al Dhafra Festival have drawn upwards of 150,000 attendees annually, contributing to the emirate’s cultural tourism sector. The 20th edition coincides with ongoing efforts to document and safeguard intangible heritage elements such as camel husbandry practices and oral traditions. Festival coordinators have invited international observers to witness the scale of community involvement in these longstanding customs.
In statements carried by the Emirates News Agency, festival officials emphasized the role of such gatherings in strengthening social ties among Bedouin communities. One organizer noted that the event serves as a living museum where younger generations learn directly from elders about historical lifestyles. Additional workshops on traditional medicine, poetry and handicrafts will run parallel to the main competitions to broaden educational outreach.
The agency further reported that security, health and logistical arrangements have been coordinated with local authorities to ensure smooth operations across the expansive venue. Entry remains free for the public, with designated family zones and parking facilities provided to manage expected crowds. As the festival progresses, daily updates on competition results and side events will be shared through official channels to maintain engagement.