2,000 camels to 'catwalk' in desert for beauty contest
By Silvia Radan (Our staff reporter)
26 March 2008
ABU DHABI - At least 2,000 camels will fill the desert surrounding
Zayed City in the Western Region of Abu Dhabi, all washed, brushed and
looking their best for the first international camel beauty contest.
Organised by the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH)
under the patronage of General Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan,
Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of UAE Armed
Forces, the Mazayin Dhafra Camel Festival 2008 will take place on
April 2-10.
Owners of camels from both UAE and other Gulf countries are welcomed
to bring their animals to the festival, in which prizes totalling Dh35
million and 100 cars, mostly four-wheels and pick-ups, will be given
away.
The camel contest will be split between Asayel (pedigree) camels from
this region and Majahim (dark-skinned) camels. Only pure-bred origin
camels would be allowed to participate and they must be free of any
contagious diseases or serious defects.
Apart from the camel shows, the festival will also showcase Bedouin
traditions and folklore.
"Every evening there will be poetry recitals and music," said ADACH
Director-General Mohammed Khalaf Al Mazrouei, who is also vice-
chairman of the organising committee of the festival. "Also, local
ladies will set up a souq featuring handicrafts and traditional
clothes," said Al Mazrouei.
"People will come to the festival for two reasons - to enjoy the shows
and to enjoy camping in the desert," Al Mazrouei pointed out.
Indeed, camping will be pretty much the only option for those wanting
to enjoy the festival, apart from Liwa Hotel, which is located about
60km from Zayed City. The organisers, though, are offering all
necessary facilities for overnight campers.
Hammoud Hamid Al Mansouri, Director-General of Western Region
Municipality Council, added that environment protection will not be
forgotten during the festival.
"We will provide garbage sacks and encourage everyone not to leave
their waste in the sand, while we will also have cleaners who will
make sure all rubbish will be collected," he said.
http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticleNew.asp?xfile=data/theuae/2...
unrelated camel news
http://www.abc.net.au/rural/news/content/200803/s2197423.htm
http://www.gulfnews.com/nation/Environment/10200361.html
http://blogs.nzherald.co.nz/blog/escapism/2008/3/26/bird-park-provides-respite-camels-photos/?c_id=7 |