Camel beauty contest on the sidelines of the World Cup - in pictures

  • This fine specimen won the camel beauty contest held in Ash-Shahaniyah, Qatar. All photos: Reuters
    This fine specimen won the camel beauty contest held in Ash-Shahaniyah, Qatar. All photos: Reuters
  • The camel contest was held as Qatar is hosting a bigger competition - the Fifa World Cup
    The camel contest was held as Qatar is hosting a bigger competition - the Fifa World Cup
  • The beauty contest was organised by the Qatar Camel Mzayen Club
    The beauty contest was organised by the Qatar Camel Mzayen Club
  • A man admires some of the competitors
    A man admires some of the competitors
  • Club president Hamad Jaber Al Athba said the camel beauty contest was inspired by the football World Cup in Qatar
    Club president Hamad Jaber Al Athba said the camel beauty contest was inspired by the football World Cup in Qatar
  • Mr Al Athba said the camel was 'a companion during the beginning of civilisation in the Gulf'
    Mr Al Athba said the camel was 'a companion during the beginning of civilisation in the Gulf'
  • A camel is inspected by judges
    A camel is inspected by judges
  • A man prepares coffee for spectators
    A man prepares coffee for spectators
  • Competition between camels was fierce with different categories according to age and type
    Competition between camels was fierce with different categories according to age and type
  • To avoid fraud and detect cosmetic surgery, a medical committee examined the animals before allowing them to participate
    To avoid fraud and detect cosmetic surgery, a medical committee examined the animals before allowing them to participate
  • The committee president said owners sometimes used fillers, Botox or silicon to increase their camel’s chances of winning — foul play that results in disqualification
    The committee president said owners sometimes used fillers, Botox or silicon to increase their camel’s chances of winning — foul play that results in disqualification
  • Spectators enjoy the beauty contest
    Spectators enjoy the beauty contest
  • Mohanna Ibrahim Al Anazi was thrilled as his camels came first and third
    Mohanna Ibrahim Al Anazi was thrilled as his camels came first and third
  • The camel beauty contest proved hugely popular with the crowd
    The camel beauty contest proved hugely popular with the crowd