Tomorrow marks a historic moment at the Crown Prince Camel Festival 2025 in Taif as the Human Jockey Races (Sabāq al-Hijānāh – سباق الهجانة) return to the track. For the sixth day of the festival, spectators at the historic Taif Camel Racing Track will watch 78 male and female jockeys from 8 countries compete across five heats.
Three heats are reserved for men (5 km each), while two heats are for women (2 km each). Each winner will earn 50,000 SAR, with prizes awarded down to tenth place. Contestants include athletes from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Oman, Kuwait, Yemen, Bahrain, Algeria, and the UK.
Al-Qahtani Eyes Back-to-Back Victories
Among the most anticipated entries is Saudi champion Salem Al-Qahtani, who won the festival’s premier human jockey race last year with his camel Al-ʿĀbir (“The Crosser”). He clocked 7:19.753 minutes in the 2024 edition.
“This year the competition will be tougher,” Al-Qahtani admitted, noting how rivals have stepped up their preparation. “But keeping the title is more difficult than winning it the first time. The joy of being congratulated last season by Prince Fahad bin Jalawi is still my greatest motivation.”
Jawzaa Al-Rashidi: Breaking Barriers for Women
For the women’s division, all eyes are on Jawzaa Al-Rashidi, a Saudi rider entering her first Crown Prince Camel Festival. A year ago, she transitioned from equestrian sports to camel racing, debuting at the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Camel Festival. Tomorrow, she will ride her camel Mubashirah (“The Bringer of Good News”) in the women’s final heat.
“We train together as a team of Saudi female jockeys, pushing each other to improve,” Al-Rashidi explained. “The Saudi Camel Federation has provided us with excellent facilities and constant support. I encourage every girl who loves camels to take this opportunity—don’t hesitate.”
A Tradition in Motion
Camel scientists such as Bernard Faye describe the animal as “the most multipurpose of all domestic species”, serving roles in transport, food production, sport, and heritage . Today, Saudi Arabia is at the forefront of transforming this heritage into a modern, inclusive sport.
In fact, the women’s international heat—first introduced in 2021—was a breakthrough moment, and tomorrow’s races continue that trajectory. With over 50 million SAR in total festival prizes, Taif has become the world’s premier stage where ancient tradition meets modern sporting ambition.
As Al-Rashidi put it: “This is more than competition—it’s writing our names into history alongside the camels.”
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