Millions in prizes up for grabs at Qatar's Camel Festival – in pictures

Camels from across the region have entered the first competition held in the GCC country

Camels are gathered to take part in a contest during the first Qatar Camel Festival, at Lebsayyer area of al-Shahaniyyah, around 25 Km northwest of the Qatari capital, on March 8, 2022. (Photo by KARIM JAAFAR / AFP)

Qatar has allowed camels from across the region to enter, drawing breeders from Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the UAE with millions of dollars in prizes at stake.

Organisers were on alert to combat tampering, which includes the use of Botox.

The camels are put through X-rays and other monitoring.

To pick the winners, the judges look at 'the size and beauty' of the head, the length of the neck and the position of the camel's hump.

For black camels the size of its head can be a deal-breaker, but for white camels, consistency of colour counts.

Authorities in Qatar and its neighbours are seeking to boost the profile of traditional practices as they compete with mega events such as football's World Cup and Formula One grands prix.

The festival has attracted Qatar's growing urban population as well as its desert-dwelling Bedouin.

The National