The landmark celebration of Emirati heritage is back on 27 October 2026.
Al Dhafra Festival makes a proud return to the Western Region with a programme that celebrates Emirati heritage, community spirit, and camels. The highlight of the festival is the camel mazayna — also called the camel pageant — where the finest camels are judged for their appearance and lineage. The 20th edition runs from 27 October 2026 to 13 January 2027 and is presented under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
At its core is the camel mazayna, a beauty competition that assesses the finest herds for appearance and lineage. This year, the contests span four stations with 355 rounds and 3,370 prizes, focused on Majahim, Asayel, Asayel hybrids and Wadh. The scale is significant. Across the festival, there are more than 4,800 prizes, while the camel mazayna alone accounts for prizes valued at over AED 92.6 million. It is a showcase that sustains breeding excellence and preserves authentic bloodlines, while bringing competitors and spectators together from across the region.
Heritage sits front and centre beyond the arena. Expect falconry and falcon beauty, Arabian horse racing and the Al Dhafra Arabian Horse Beauty Competition, Saluki beauty and racing, camel milking, plus events celebrating dates and their packaging, cooking, sour milk and tea preparation. There will also be contests for Naeem sheep beauty, best traditional dress and children’s categories, alongside Shilat Al Dhafra poetry chants. The Al Dhafra Heritage Market ties it all together with crafts, performances and cultural programming.
Where: Al Dhafra Festival, Madinat Zayed, Abu Dhabi
When: 27 October 2026 to 13 January 2027
Contact: https://visitabudhabi.ae