- Tickets to prestigious four-day heritage sport event are available online and start from SAR50
- The pinnacle of camel racing will return from 24-27 April organised by Royal Commission for AlUla in collaboration with Saudi Camel Racing Federation
- Event passes and further information available at experiencealula.com
AlUla, Saudi Arabia – -: Esteemed AlUla Camel Cup, heralded as the pinnacle of camel racing, makes a grand return to the historic AlUla from 24-27 April, promising an exhilarating spectacle for sports aficionados and cultural enthusiasts from across Saudi Arabia and the world.
Organised by the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) in partnership with the Saudi Camel Racing Federation (SCRF), the AlUla Camel Cup will combine heart-pounding races with a vibrant celebration of sport, culture and entertainment.
The AlUla Camel Cup 2024 is set to be an unforgettable experience, offering a blend of entertainment, cultural immersion and learning opportunities for the whole family to cherish and enjoy. The event will feature captivating static and roaming acts that celebrate AlUla’s heritage and Saudi Arabia’s artistic legacy. Through music, visuals and movement, attendees of all ages will be engrossed in performances that highlight the historical significance of the camel in AlUla’s culture.
Adults can partake in culturally enriching workshops throughout the day. These sessions will cover calligraphy, traditional pottery making, incense (bakhour) crafting and Sadu weaving, providing hands-on learning experiences that bring AlUla’s rich heritage to life. Children, meanwhile, will enjoy a range of educational and creative activities. From camel origami and clay modelling to an Augmented Reality (AR) Scanner that animates drawings, young visitors will explore AlUla’s culture in engaging ways. A camel trivia game and pixel wall colouring will also entertain and educate kids throughout the event.
Additional attractions include camel riding, a Light Brite experience where guests can express their creativity by creating shapes using acrylic pods and light, as well as henna art, Bedouin face painting and a calligraphy light show after sunset. Visitors can also indulge in a unique coffee experience featuring traditional Saudi Arabian coffee roasting and tasting.
Culinary delights from various cuisines will be available at pop-up F&B spots. The retail experience will showcase regional brands offering a diverse array of products, including camel-themed streetwear, souvenirs and artisanal items reflecting AlUla’s heritage.
The AlUla Camel Cup 2024 will also host the AlUla Design Award Ceremony on Friday, and showcase the winning camel covers (AlAjilahs) in the Heritage Village.
Rami AlMoallim, Vice President of Destination Management and Marketing said: “As the second edition of the AlUla Camel Cup draws closer, we warmly invite sports and culture enthusiasts from around the globe to join us for an experience unlike any other. This event exemplifies RCU’s commitment to sporting excellence infused with cultural depth, reflecting both our rich Saudi heritage and our forward-looking vision for AlUla. We are gearing up to deliver an unparalleled celebration of the ancient sport that is camel racing, set against the breathtaking backdrop of this oasis city that will resonate with fans and families alike. We look forward to welcoming guests to experience in person this culmination of Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural landscape and sports innovation.”
Set to be staged at AlUla’s Mughayra Heritage Sports Village, the four-day AlUla Camel Cup will feature the region’s fastest camels and most skilled jockeys, promising multiple rounds of top-tier competition. There will also be significant prize pools, with teams vying for the coveted, one-of-a-kind AlUla Camel Cup champion trophy.
Accompanied by an engaging lineup of cultural performances and entertainment, AlUla Camel Cup will again spotlight the ancient tradition of camel racing in the Kingdom and the wider region, bringing this beloved sport to the attention of both local and international spectators.
Last year’s inaugural AlUla Camel Cup drew thousands of attendees, becoming a benchmark for the sport in the region. This year promises an even more remarkable experience that is made even more significant as 2024 marks the “Year of the Camel”, celebrating the animal’s pivotal role and esteemed stature in Saudi culture and society.
With origins dating back to the 7th century, camel racing is a significant facet of cultural heritage, underscoring the timeless relevance of camels to the local community. Against the stunning heritage sites of AlUla, the AlUla Camel Cup stands not only as a thrilling spectacle but also as a homage to the camel’s integral role in AlUla’s storied past.
A hallmark event of the AlUla Moments calendar, the AlUla Camel Cup also plays a crucial role in upholding AlUla’s esteemed status as a luxury heritage boutique destination. This prestigious event is a testament to AlUla’s unwavering commitment to cultural preservation, ensuring that the rich tapestry of its heritage remains vibrant and relevant for future generations.
Tickets for the eagerly anticipated second edition of the AlUla Camel Cup are now available online at experiencealula.com. Secure your spot now to experience a thrilling showcase of the Arabian heritage sport, with prices starting at SAR50.
The AlUla Camel Cup offers a range of one-day, two-day and four-day tickets under general admission and premium categories. General Admission Passes start at SAR50 and are complimentary for children aged 13 and younger. It provides access to the Heritage Village, including live entertainment, immersive experiences and children’s activities, as well as a diverse food and beverage and retail offering. Adult-only Premium Passes start at SAR180 and provide access to all General Admission areas, as well as the private premium lounge where children under 13 years are not allowed, which offers full catering and hospitality. The four-day General Admission Pass costs SAR150, while the four-day Premium Pass is SAR540 per person.
