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Prime VIP
Abu Dhabi: Under the patronage of President Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE Camel Racing Association will organise the Zayed Grand Prix from Sunday to Thursday with Dh10 million in prizes up for grabs for the winners of the 155 races at Al Wathba.
This was disclosed yesterday in a press conference held in the main stand of the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club.
Present at the conference were Abdullah Mubarak Al Muhairi, Director-General of UAE CRA, and Adnan Sultan Al Nuaimi, Director-General of Adec.
"The Zayed GP is a feast of heritage and excitement," Al Muhairi said.
"It is not only about camel racing, it also includes exhibitional stunt racing showing the capabilities of the camel riders, milking the camels, traditional camel and horse shows — which is a sort of the modern dressage — and folklore dancing and singing.
"The total cost of the festival is about Dh30 million with cash prizes of about Dh10 million for the races and other valuable prizes for the other competitions and contests, which are also part of our heritage."
There are 40 races for Haqayeq (two-year-old camels) over 4km, 35 races for Laqaya (three-year-olds) over 5km, 30 for Iezaa (four-year-olds) over 6km, 20 for Thanaya (five-year-olds) over 8km, 26 for Hool and Zamool (six years and above) over 8km, and four races for Sudanese camels.
"The festival will also include an auction for 59 of the purest-bred camels, while more than 1,400 participants are expected to compete in the traditional camel show [Al Ardha]." Al Muhairi said.
"The winner of the competition for milking the camels will get a new car."
