The Camel Beauty Contest, KSA

I had no idea that camel beauty contest were a thing but they are!  There is some serious prize money involved as well.  Vice has a short video about a contest in UAE and the winner gets $1,000,000!  The KSA Camel Festival, located in Um Rgabah in the Dahna Desert about 310 km northeast from Riyadh, is split over several weekends, each for a specific color of camel.

It was quite the unique experience, as we neared the location there were tents set up everywhere outside of the fair grounds.  We were with an organized tour operator which gave us VIP treatment. Our group was taken to a special area opposite the grandstands and next to the media tent to view the camels as they entered the arena. Not surprising, the only women at the event were part of our group.  Next we went to some large tents for tea and coffee and then an excellent lunch!  Such good food! There was also some cultural tents set up and we learned about what makes a camel a beauty pageant winner.  (And we got to see a hunting dog in action, poor field mouse!)