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An expanse of heritage & culture at Al Dhafra Festival

Abu Dhabi - Al Dhafra Festival this year features over 15 competitions and rich heritage activities.

True to the Bedouin spirit, the ninth edition of Al Dhafra Festival is back this time with nearly 30,000 camels gathered at Madinat Zayed, the Western Region of Abu Dhabi. It is the first time this year that the camel beauty competition for Emirati breeders called Baynounah Mezaynah is now also part of the festival. During Al Dhafra 2015, there will be 103 camel competition rounds for both pure bred golden hair (Omani original) and black hair (Saudi original) camels, 37 of which will be for the Baynounah competitions and 66 for Al Dhafra competitions.The festival - that runs from Dec10 to 30 - features more than 15 outstanding competitions and rich heritage activities. It is dedicated to the protection of environmental and historical heritage of the UAE and is the reinforcement of the bond between the past and the present of the Emirati citizens.
The offers prizes with a total value of more than Dh55 million including 225 cars.
The number of laps at the Camel Mazayna Competition (Camel Beauty Contest) will reach 72 for both Asayel (locals) and Majahim (dark-skinned) camels. The other competitions and activities are: the Mahaleb Competition, the Heritage Camel Race, the Arab Heritage Saluki Race, the Falcon Hunting Competition (falcons bred in captivity), the Purebred Arabian Horse Race, the Dates' Mazayna, the Dates' Packaging Competition, the Photography Competition, the Handicrafts Competition, the Classic Cars Competition, the Camel Auction, the Traditional Market and the Children's Village.
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AFP photos