Doha, February 11 (QNA) - The Qatar Camel Festival "Jazilat Al Atta" 2026 concluded on Wednesday in Doha, with strong participation from across the Gulf region.

The closing day featured the prestigious "Sword" round in the Majaheem category, one of the most prominent contests of the festival. A total of 188 camels competed through six herds of 30 camels each, owned by six participants, in a tightly contested competition judged by specialist committees.

Saudi owner Abdulaziz Abdullah Salim secured first place with herd M3, claiming the golden sword and a Range Rover prize. Fellow Saudi competitor Saif Saad Al Rassam finished second with herd M1, receiving the silver sword and a BMW 7 Series.

Qatar's Saud Mubarak Shafi Al Shafi took third place with herd M6, earning the bronze sword and a BMW X5. Qatari owner Faraj Salem Al Athba came fourth, receiving a cash prize of 100,000 riyals, while Saudi participant Talal Al Ghoneim completed the top five, winning 80,000 riyals.

In line with festival tradition, the official crowning of the Sword category winner has been postponed to the closing ceremony scheduled for Friday. Several other major rounds across the Maghateer and Asayel categories have also been deferred to the final event.

Over the course of the festival, camels competed in 119 rounds across three main categories — Maghateer, Asayel and Majaheem — with organizers allocating 56 vehicles, 149 trophies and additional cash prizes. Awards are distributed to the top 10 finishers in most rounds, while the top five are recognized in the most prestigious competitions.

Organizers said the annual festival aims to preserve Gulf heritage, protect pure camel bloodlines and encourage wider participation in traditional competitions, while also strengthening social ties and supporting domestic tourism. (QNA)