Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II on Wednesday attended the closing ceremony of the second World International Camel Endurance Championship, hosted by Jordan for the first time, as well as the sixth edition of the Jordan Camel Racing and Nabati Poetry Festival.
The Crown Prince watched the final rounds of the international camel championship at the Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Camel Racing Track in Al-Disah. He also watched a performance by the Camel Corps unit of the Public Security Directorate.
In the presence of Prince Fahd bin Jalawi, president of the Saudi, Arab and International Camel Racing Federations, the Crown Prince presented awards to the top finishers in the championship.
The Jordanian Camel Racing Team won first place in the men’s category, while the Saudi team claimed first place in the women’s category. Saudi Arabia also won the overall championship after collecting the highest number of points.
The Crown Prince also presented awards to the winners of the Jordan Camel Racing Festival, the Nabati Poetry Competition and the Best Camel competition.
In a speech, Jordanian Camel Sports Committee Chairman Ali Al-Masamrah said the Crown Prince’s continued support and interest in camel racing had contributed to its development, transforming it from an activity associated primarily with heritage and tradition into an organized sport with a growing presence and status that attracts participants from Jordan, the region and around the world.
Al-Masamrah noted the rising level of competition in camel racing, increased attention to breeds and camel quality, and growing youth participation. He also highlighted the importance of Jordan hosting Arab and international championships in the sport.
A total of 37 male and female camel riders from 11 countries participated in the championship: Jordan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Egypt, Algeria, Yemen, Denmark, Poland, Chad and Mali.
A number of senior civilian and military officials attended the closing ceremony.
