Wearing the traditional costume and clutching the symbol of the silver dagger in his hands, the Qatari citizen Fahd Ali Al-Muhannadi stood remembering his childhood days, and how camels had a high status.

Al-Mohannadi, the winner of the main round title for the "Al-Laqaya Open Seating" category in the "Founder's Race" festival for purebred Arab camels, is one of the Qatari owners keen to preserve the sport of parents and grandparents and instill it in the hearts of generations, preserve the pure and rare Arab breeds and promote Qatari culture.

Camel racing is a Qatari legacy

Al-Mohannadi considers that his passion and keenness to raise camels and participate in various races and festivals are inherited in the family from parents and grandparents, especially in light of the association of camels with the people of Qatar and the various aspects of life in the country since ancient times.

Camel racing is the most prominent heritage sport in the Gulf region (Al Jazeera)

Al-Muhannadi tells Al-Jazeera Net that he has a close relationship with the camels that he raises as if they were his children, so he knows through his practice of training and conscience if she is sick or not or if she is going through a psychological condition, and he also feels her in the event of her suffering from hunger or thirst, as well as making her feel happy in In case of winning races and support in case of loss.

Qatari camel owners accept participation in local races and festivals that are held in Qatar and various Gulf countries, as the Founder’s Festival of Purebred Arabian Camels in the State of Qatar this season witnesses the presence of 1891 owners, whether Qatari or coming from various Gulf countries.

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Al-Mohannadi explains that the "Founder" festival is the first camel festival in Qatar, and one of the most prominent events for camels in the Gulf region, especially in light of the huge prizes that are awarded to the winners in the various races that exceed 350 races throughout the days of the festival for all ages.

Over the course of 12 days, the “Founder” festival for Arabian camels this season witnessed the holding of 375 rounds in the categories of Haqaiq, Al-Qayat, Al-Jadaa’, Al-Thanaya, Al-Hayyal and Zumul, and the prizes amounted to tens of millions of riyals, in addition to 27 silver symbols (13 shelvings and 14 daggers) and one golden symbol, which is the golden sword for the winner. The closing half of the age of tricks is open.

The presence of 1891 Qatari owners or those coming from the Gulf countries at the "Founder" Festival of Arabian Camels (Al-Jazeera)

This citizen believes that attending camel races is one of the favorite hobbies of Qataris, which he is keen to instill in his children and future generations in order to preserve the Qatari identity and heritage, and stresses that he is keen to participate in all local and Gulf festivals.

Preserving heritage is one of the main goals of Qatari camel owners, including Al-Muhannadi, who named his mount, which won one of the symbols of the Founder's Festival, the name "Halitan" in reference to the historical Ain Halitan, which dates back to the origin of the city of Al-Khor in the north of the country.

On the sidelines of the "Founder" festival, 3 races were held for the human rider from the age of 18-45 years. These heritage races, in which a person races on the back of camels, are considered as restoring the memories and heritage of fathers and grandfathers in the use of camels in various aspects of life.

Huge prizes

The Organizing Committee for Camel Racing pays great attention to camel sport, organizing 9 local races and 3 festivals each season, as well as refresher races, and supporting owners to participate in various external festivals.

Mubarak Al-Nuaimi, Director of the Organizing Committee for the Camel Race, explains that the "Founder" festival witnessed a great turnout this season, despite the restrictions imposed on entry to the country during the recent period due to the World Cup, as the number of camels participating in the festival reached 9241 mounts.

Throwing the headband as an expression of joy is one of the common things in camel racing (Al-Jazeera)

Al-Nuaimi told Al-Jazeera Net that this year's festival was characterized by great competitiveness in most categories, especially the old age, as it was decided by a fraction of a second, which was evident in light of the owners sharing the symbols designated for the runs of folds, tricks and zoll.

He noted the distinguished public interaction witnessed by the festival, especially in light of the huge participation of Qatari and Gulf owners, as well as the keenness of visitors and fans of the Qatar World Cup to visit Al-Shahaniya Square, and to learn about a different and new sport for them, such as camel sport.

The closing day of the "Founder" festival witnessed 6 main rounds for the age of tricks and zamul, the total prizes of which are 25 million and 150 thousand riyals (about 7 million dollars). ).