Everything you need to know about AlUla Camel Cup 2024
The second edition promises an exhilarating fusion of sport, culture, and entertainment alongside ‘Year of the Camel’ celebrations…
The camel racing season is galloping back stronger than ever this year. The highly anticipated AlUla Camel Cup, heralded as the pinnacle of camel racing, makes a grand return to the historic AlUla from Wednesday April 24 to Saturday April 27.
Organised by the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) in collaboration with the Saudi Camel Racing Federation (SCRF), the AlUla Camel Cup is back with a series of adrenaline-fuelled races and vibrant activities fusing sport, culture, and entertainment.
The four-day event will be staged at AlUla’s Mughayra Heritage Sports Village and feature the region’s fastest camels and most skilled jockeys, promising multiple rounds of top-tier competition. There will also be significant prize pools, with teams vying for the coveted, one-of-a-kind AlUla Camel Cup champion trophy.
The AlUla Camel Cup 2024 will also host the AlUla Design Award Ceremony on Friday, and showcase the winning camel covers (AlAjilahs) in the Heritage Village.
If you’d like to get a taste of one of the region’s oldest sports, cheering on these magnificent animals, here’s what you can expect at the AlUla Camel Cup happening this weekend.
Enjoy a myriad of activities
Visitors of all ages can enjoy a range of things to do. In addition to the camel racing, there will be captivating static and roaming acts that celebrate AlUla’s heritage and Saudi Arabia’s artistic legacy, including music, art and performances that highlight the historical significance of the camel in local culture.
Workshops for adults throughout the day will cover calligraphy, traditional pottery making, incense (bakhour) crafting, and Sadu weaving, providing hands-on learning experiences for visitors. Children, meanwhile, will enjoy a range of educational and creative activities, from camel origami, clay modelling, and a camel trivia game to an augmented reality scanner that animates drawings and a pixel wall colouring.
Additional attractions include camel riding, a Light Brite experience where guests can try their hand at creating shapes using acrylic pods and light, henna art, Bedouin face painting, and a calligraphy light show after sunset. Visitors can also indulge in a traditional Saudi Arabian coffee roasting and tasting session.
Explore eateries of all kinds
Feeling peckish? There are various restaurants and food stalls serving up a diverse pick of traditional fare and international cuisines. There’s also a coffee shop, a juice shop and a bar if you’d like to grab a cool fresh juice or a cup of Joe.
Be one of the chic onlookers
A highlight of the social calendar, the AlUla Camel Cup is the place to see, be seen, and dress your best. An on-site fashion boutique meant you could add to your wardrobe, too. What’s more, branded merch by Saudi Bronx – the first and only American camel racing team owned by Swizz Beatz – brought some NYC street style to the mix. Other exclusive retail pop-ups include gift shops and a boutique concept store. The retail experience will showcase regional brands offering a diverse array of products, including camel-themed streetwear, souvenirs and artisanal items reflecting AlUla’s heritage.
Explore the culture of camel racing
The abundance of camel carvings etched into the area’s ancient rock witness the pivotal role these iconic ‘ships of the desert’ have played in AlUla’s storied past. With origins dating back to the 7th century, camel racing is an ancient heritage sport woven into the fabric of the culture and traditions. Against the stunning heritage sites of AlUla, the AlUla Camel Cup stands as a thrilling spectacle.
Last year’s inaugural AlUla Camel Cup drew thousands of attendees, becoming a benchmark for the sport in the region. This year promises an even more remarkable experience that is made even more significant as 2024 marks the “Year of the Camel”, celebrating the animal’s pivotal role and esteemed stature in Saudi culture and society.
How to get tickets
Tickets for the AlUla Camel Cup 2024 are now available online via the Experience AlUla website. Secure your spot now to experience a thrilling showcase of the Arabian heritage sport, with prices starting at SAR50.
The AlUla Camel Cup offers a range of one-day, two-day and four-day tickets under general admission and premium categories. General Admission Passes start at SAR50 and are complimentary for children aged 13 and younger. It provides access to the Heritage Village, including live entertainment, immersive experiences and children’s activities, as well as a diverse food and beverage and retail offering.
The adult-only Premium Passes start at SAR180 and provide access to all General Admission areas, as well as the private premium lounge where children under 13 years are not allowed, which offers full catering and hospitality. The four-day General Admission Pass costs SAR150, while the four-day Premium Pass is SAR540 per person.
Get ready to witness the ‘Pinnacle of Camel Racing’ as AlUla crowns a Champion of Champions in one of the region’s oldest sports. See you there.
AlUla Camel Cup, Apr 24 to 27, Mughayra Heritage Sports Village. Book your tickets here. @experiencealula
Images: Supplied