Yes, camel beauty pageants are a real thing. And they’re a huge deal.
For centuries in the United Arab Emirates, a camel could be the difference between life and death in the harsh conditions of the desert. Camels were at the center of Bedouin life — so much so Arabic poets wrote countless odes in admiration of these desert-dwelling creatures.
The Al Dhafra Festival is an annual celebration of Bedouin heritage and tradition in the UAE, centered around a mazayna, or a camel beauty pageant. Camel owners travel from around the Gulf, bringing with them their most beautiful camels to participate in the competition. And when the prize money is in the millions, some camel owners will go to extreme lengths to make sure their camels are the most beautiful of all.
I learned all of this visiting the Al Dhafra Festival for myself. Check out the video below to watch the whole story!
Other Events at the Al Dhafra Festival
While camels are clearly the star of the show at the Al Dhafra Festival, the gathering also celebrates many aspects of Bedouin life. Visitors can find falconry demonstrations, Arabian horse racing, and even a sheep beauty competition in the festival lineup.
The festival usually takes place over a span of 3 months, typically in the winter season (October to January). Festival events take place over this time period, with the full lineup of events usually released a month or two prior to the festival opening. I recommend checking Abu Dhabi Culture for upcoming dates.
Besides festival events, a traditional souq is held every evening of the festival, featuring local snacks such as luqaimat and Arabic coffee. You’ll be able to shop for traditional handicrafts and even see a few being made in action.
How To Visit the Al Dhafra Festival
Interested in visiting a camel beauty pageant for yourself? The Al Dhafra takes place every year in Madinat Zayed, in Abu Dhabi’s Empty Quarter. This area is the ancestral home of the Bani Yas Tribe, of which the Al Nahyan ruling family of Abu Dhabi are members.
Visitors are welcome to come to the festival on their own. The festival site is located just outside of Madinat Zayed, about a 2 hour drive from Abu Dhabi and 3.5 hour drive from Dubai. The festival site is accessible with 2WD, but I recommend 4WD if you want to drive around the site rather than walking as it is primarily unpaved roads.
If you want a guide to the festival, I highly recommend my new friend Marina the “Desert Diva.” She leads official tours of the Al Dhafra Festival and can help you see the ins and outs of the festival in a truly unique way.
Where to Stay for the Al Dhafra Festival
Since the festival site is far from the major cities of the UAE, I recommend staying the night, especially so you can enjoy a few days of events.
There are many campsites near the festival site with public showers and bathrooms, or you can opt for more wild camping out in the desert. Trust me, there’s nothing like waking up in the middle of the dunes.
If camping isn’t your thing, there are a few hotels located in and around Madinat Zayed. These book out early, so I recommend reserving in advance if possible. The closest hotel to the festival site is the Tilal Liwa Hotel, or Western Hotel is located in the nearby town of Madinat Zayed.
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Virginia Taylor (Ginna) is a travel writer and photographer exploring the world until her boots wear through. She’s currently on a mission to explore all 32 departments of Colombia, though she formerly called the Middle East home. Want to know more? Visit the About Page.