Marquees in the middle of the desert, light and dark camels everywhere and their owners running excitedly across the site.

What takes place 180 kilometers from the glittering metropolis of Abu Dhabi looks like authentic Bedouin life to the observer at first glance, but is in fact a well-equipped beauty pageant for camels and an important economic factor: prize money is awarded every year near the small town of Al Dhafra of $14 million awarded.

The last-placed camel is worth at least 60,000 euros, the best ones win millions in prize money.

Jana Redweik

picture editor

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As an outsider, you are probably wondering what makes a beautiful camel in the first place.

However, what we know from our own society also exists in camel circles: ideals of beauty.

Here it is considered beautiful who has a large head, thick, long eyelashes, a long, elegant neck, dark hair on the humps, long legs — and drooping lips.

Drug tests should clarify whether sedatives helped to relax the lips a little more.

What we often know from sports or from actors and models is also available here: the camels have their own doctors, physiotherapists, nutritionists — and sometimes plastic surgeons.

While lip injections, botox or other cosmetic surgeries are commonplace for humans these days, they are frowned upon and not allowed for camels.

At a similar competition in Saudi Arabia recently, camels were disqualified after being found to have had surgery and botox treatments.

During the selection of the winners, only female camels are awarded prizes, the air vibrates: “Yalla, yalla!” calls and trills echo far across the site.

As the jury approaches, the owners herd their camels from the stands.

The animals recognize the voice of their masters and stretch their beautiful necks up - point gain!


Despite the remoteness of the location, the competition will be televised live and event-related hashtags are trending regionally on Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok.

Influencers of the scene have millions of followers.

In addition to prize money, a win here also promises fame, honor and social recognition.

In addition, the value of a camel awarded in a competition often triples.


While the camels are cared for and cared for by workers from developing countries, the owners stay in air-conditioned tents that have been set up in temporary desert camps around the festival site, where they celebrate themselves and their brief return to the way of life of their ancestors — in the luxury version, of course.

Caspar Wündrich |

Photography (casparwuendrich.de)