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6th Crown Prince Camel Festival Opens at Taif Camel Square

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
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6th Crown Prince Camel Festival Opens at Taif Camel Square

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia. (SPA)

Held under the patronage of Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, the sixth edition of the Crown Prince Camel Festival was set to kick off in Taif on Saturday.

The festival, organized by the Saudi Camel Federation, will be held at the Taif Camel Square for one month, from August 10 to September 10.

Preliminary rounds will last for 12 days.

A large number of local and international camel owners are competing in the Mafarid, Haqqa, Laqaya, Jatha'a, Thanaya, Heil, Zamoul and Soudaniyat categories for prizes that topping SAR56 million.

Throughout the festival, 610 races will be held: 360 in the preliminary rounds and 250 in the final stages.

Minister of Sport and Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee President Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal expressed his gratitude to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed for their support to the sports sector, in general, and camel racing, in particular, and for their dedication to preserving and enriching the Kingdom's cultural heritage.

Deputy President of the International Camel Federation, President of the Saudi Camel Federation and Vice Chairman of the Saudi Arabian Olympic Committee Prince Fahd bin Juluwi bin Abdulaziz bin Musaid also thanked the Crown Prince for patronizing the festival.

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Culture

Thee Ain Village: Architectural Masterpieces on the Brink of World Heritage Status

Thee Ain, Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Thee Ain, Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Thee Ain Village: Architectural Masterpieces on the Brink of World Heritage Status

Thee Ain, Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Thee Ain, Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Nestled in the highlands of Tihamah, the Saudi village of Thee Ain captivates with its unique characteristics and meticulously paved streets and alleys.
As visitors wander through, the village’s architectural history unfolds, revealing the legacy of its 49 pyramid-shaped palaces built by skilled artisans centuries ago.
These structures have become a focal point for researchers and heritage enthusiasts intrigued by traditional construction methods.
The village’s rich cultural and natural heritage is now eagerly awaiting its potential inclusion on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
The Saudi Heritage Commission has worked diligently to prepare Thee Ain for this prestigious designation, transforming it into a tourist destination that attracts history enthusiasts and researchers.
The village’s geographical location adds to its historical and cultural significance, enhancing its appeal to visitors.
To fully grasp the beauty of Thee Ain’s structures, it’s essential to know they were built on a rocky hilltop 800 meters above sea level. Ancient builders carefully planned every detail, using early forms of “blueprints” to ensure that the buildings, some reaching up to four stories, fit perfectly with the available space.
Despite centuries of change and harsh weather, these buildings have remained sturdy and resilient. Today, they draw tourists from around the world, showcasing a rich architectural heritage that has evolved from a local gem to a global attraction.
Yahya Aref, a heritage expert and member of the Saudi Urban Heritage Association, told Asharq Al-Awsat that Thee Ain, spanning 15,354 square meters, was once called the “Marble Village” due to its rich marble deposits.
The village, built centuries ago, sits on a white cliff and features colorful, layered marble stones.
Aref explained that the village is designed in a pyramid-like shape with three levels. The top level includes forts for watching over farmland and providing protection. The central area houses the palaces, buildings, pathways, and a mosque.
He added that Thee Ain’s construction style is influential across the Arabian Peninsula.
Heritage buildings in the village start with a broad base that narrows by about 7 inches as it rises.
This design boosts the building’s durability. Additionally, small openings in the walls, which are wide inside, allowed residents to use sunlight to confuse and deter attackers.