•  Second edition of the prestigious AlUla Camel Cup runs until Saturday
• 'The AlUla Camel Cup reflects the importance of camel racing as a symbol of the Kingdom's heritage and culture' – Ziad AlSuhaibani, Chief Sports Officer, RCU

AlUla, Saudi Arabia – 25 April 2024: The second edition of the AlUla Camel Cup has been officially unveiled, with the pinnacle of camel racing serving as a fitting testament to the 'ships of the desert' as Saudi Arabia marks the 'Year of the Camel'.

The AlUla Camel Cup is organised by the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) as part of the AlUla Moments calendar, in partnership with the Saudi Camel Racing Federation (SCRF). This year's prestigious event, which runs until Saturday, provides a mix of sport, culture, heritage, tradition, and more, and evolves a beloved sporting tradition that has thrived in Saudi Arabia since the 7th century.

 Speaking at the official press conference for the 2024 AlUla Camel Cup, Ziad AlSuhaibani, Chief Sports Officer, RCU, said: 'The AlUla Camel Cup reflects the importance of camel racing as a symbol of the Kingdom's heritage and culture, reflecting our wise leadership's commitment to empower and support sports and athletes, and boost the prosperity of camel racing and sports in general within the Kingdom.

'This event embodies AlUla's commitment to preserving and passing on its heritage to future generations. The AlUla Camel Cup is a major sporting event on the AlUla Moments calendar and is especially important this year, as 2024 has been designated the 'Year of the Camel', in recognition of the cultural and historical value of camels in Saudi society. We welcome everyone to join us in this special moment of sporting heritage as we reiterate our mission to preserve our traditions and promote them to global audiences here in AlUla, the home of heritage sports.'

This year, AlUla Camel Cup celebrates far more than sport. The 2024 AlUla Camel Cup will host the AlUla Design Awards ceremony on Friday, and the winning camel covers will be displayed in the very heart of the Heritage Village. This award is a prestigious recognition of outstanding designs inspired by AlUla's cultural, natural and artistic heritage, with the awards ceremony a platform that promotes dialogue between innovation and tradition. It is also a demonstration of the interplay between past and present, and an emphasis on AlUla's profound influence on the creative process.

Rami AlMoallim, Vice President of Destination Management & Marketing, RCU, said: 'Last year, the first edition of the AlUla Camel Cup attracted thousands of visitors, marking a major milestone in the promotion of the sport in the region. This year's edition is back even bigger, and we are confident that it will exceed all expectations, with its entertaining activities and cultural and heritage experiences making it the perfect destination for the entire family.

'The events will feature displays, both stationary and mobile, that celebrate the history of AlUla and the rich heritage of Saudi Arabia. They will also emphasise the historical importance of camels in the culture of AlUla, highlighting their history and vital role in the life of the local community throughout the ages.'

Furthermore, this year's AlUla Camel Cup also paves the way for two prestigious camel racing championships that kick off this year. The first is the World Championship for International Camel Endurance, which will be held in AlUla on May 4. The second event is the Arab Cup for Camel Racing, which will commence with the participation of 15 Arab countries.

Mahmoud AlBalawi, Executive Director of SCRF, said: 'The AlUla Camel Cup attracts the best riders and the best camels throughout not just the region but the world. Qualification for the AlUla Camel Cup is deliberately challenging, with 11 camel races taking place under the federation's jurisdiction throughout the season in order to qualify for this illustrious competition. In addition to our collaboration with the AlUla Camel Cup, the Saudi Camel Racing Federation's programmes target all corners of Saudi Arabia in a bid to continue to grow and improve the cherished sport of camel racing. There are more than 50 camel racing tracks across the country, including the elite AlUla Camel Racing Venue where the AlUla Camel Cup takes place.'

Mazen Alasraj, Head of the AlUla Camel Cup Media Centre, SCRF, said: 'The AlUla Camel Cup attracts the interest of media throughout the Kingdom, the region and internationally – we have more than 200 media representatives at the event, working across Arabic, English and other international languages. This coverage boosts not just the event but ensures camel racing reaches an even wider audience. In addition to seven local and regional broadcasters, all competitions at this year's AlUla Camel Cup will be shown on the Federation's own social media channels, as well as those belonging to RCU and AlUla Moments.'

Additional events at the AlUla Camel Cup 2024 include interactive experiences, such as camel rides, along with art installations, where visitors can unleash their creativity, and F&B attractions that explore local and international flavours. There are also camel-inspired products and artisanal goods that reflect AlUla's heritage and history.

As well as the second edition of the AlUla Camel Cup, AlUla continues its journey to becoming a global destination for sports. Events this year have included the AlUla Tour, AlUla Trail Race, the Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo Championship, and the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Endurance Cup.

These sporting events are instrumental in the Kingdom's transformation journey, in line with Saudi Vision 2030, and with AlUla's commitment to responsible and sustainable development.