The landmark celebration of Emirati heritage is back for its 19th edition.
Al Dhafra Festival makes a proud return to the Western Region with a programme that celebrates Emirati heritage, community spirit, and camels. The highlight of the festival is the camel mazayna — also called the camel pagaen — where the finest camels are judged for their appearance and lineage. The 19th edition runs from 27 October 2025 to 22 January 2026 and is presented under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
At its core is the camel mazayna, a beauty competition that assesses the finest herds for appearance and lineage. This year, the contests span four stations with 355 rounds and 3,370 prizes, focused on Majahim, Asayel, Asayel hybrids and Wadh. The scale is significant. Across the festival, there are more than 4,800 prizes worth over AED 94.4 million, while the camel mazayna alone accounts for prizes valued at over AED 88.7 million. It is a showcase that sustains breeding excellence and preserves authentic bloodlines, while bringing competitors and spectators together from across the region.
Heritage sits front and centre beyond the arena. Expect falconry and falcon beauty, Arabian horse racing and the Al Dhafra Arabian Horse Beauty Competition, Saluki beauty and racing, camel milking, plus events celebrating dates and their packaging, cooking, sour milk and tea preparation. There will also be contests for Naeem sheep beauty, best traditional dress and children’s categories, alongside Shilat Al Dhafra poetry chants. The Al Dhafra Heritage Market ties it all together with crafts, performances and cultural programming.
This edition aligns with the UAE’s Year of the Community, which champions unity under the tagline “Hand in Hand.” The festival aims to strengthen social bonds, promote intergenerational exchange and keep national identity alive through shared experiences on the sand. It remains one of the most compelling ways to understand the spirit of the Emirates.
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