Camel beauty pageant in Al Dhafra - in pictures

Breeders and spectators gather to see which camels make best in show

The Camel Beauty Pageant is upon us. Similar events have become more common in Gulf states. All photos: Khushnum Bhandari / The National

Spectators and breeders arrive at the competition, held at Madinat Zayed in Al Dhafra, Abu Dhabi.

All the participating camels are first tested by medical and screening committees. Contestants will be judged on physical and aesthetic attributes.

The two categories of camels are dark ones, called Majaheim, and the brown variety, called Mahaliat or Asaili.

Camel breeders watch the competition closely.

Emirati judges base the qualities of camel, and staff are hired by the festival organisers to manage the animals.

Each camel’s lips, neck, and head and hoof size is assessed, as is its posture.

Breeders yell at their animals.

The top three camels are draped in winners’ blankets.

Awards and cash prizes given out at the end of each day.

The festival also presents the Bedouin lifestyle to the world.

Mohammed Al Muhairi, director of camel beauty competitions at Al Dhafra Festival.

The National