A total of 15 purebred Arabian camels fetched nearly Dh2.5 million at the ongoing 21st Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (Adihex). "The auction featured young male and female camels from the finest breeds, renowned for their exceptional racing abilities. Each camel is uniquely distinguished by its lineage and the accomplishments of its sire and dam, which are crucial factors in assessing its worth," organizers stated on Friday.
Adihex, which continues until September 8 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec), is an annual event focused on hunting, equestrian sports, and outdoor lifestyles. It also serves as a global stage for fostering cultural exchange among nations. The auction drew hundreds of bidders from the UAE and GCC countries, all seeking purebred camels known for their superior lineage and racing potential.
To ensure that only the best breeds were offered for sale, the Supreme Organising Committee for the Purebred Arabian Camel Auction implemented a series of terms and organizational protocols, along with financial guarantees to confirm the seriousness of the bidders. Camels are often referred to as "the ships of the desert," a moniker that underscores their historical role in supporting the nomadic Bedouin for centuries. Camel racing, a traditional sport practiced for centuries on the Arabian Peninsula, is believed to have originated in the 7th century and was organized by Bedouin tribes as part of cultural events, ceremonies, and celebrations, such as weddings or birthdays.
In contemporary times, camel races offer significant financial rewards to the winning camels and their owners, promoting the preservation of purebred lines and the continuation of this traditional sport across generations.
