subject: A Brand New Al Dhafra Camel Festival 2012 [print this page] Camels have from ancient ties had close tied with the desert sands of Abu Dhabi. In fact most people who hear Lawrence of Arabia will immediately imagine a young mad shrouded in loose fitting and flowing white material riding a camel, his face covered , making his way through a desert storm. So it is no wonder that there is a celebratory festival for camels.
Al Dhafra Camel Festival is held during the month of December from the 17th to the 28th at the MadinatZayed, Western Region. The event is organized every year by the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage. With over 28,000 camels participating last year and competing for Dh42m, this years event is anticipated to be equally successful.
Similar to horse shows in the West, the Al Dhafra Camel Festival has special shows where Asayeli or the pedigree camels are show cased while there is also a separate segment for Majahim or dark skinned camels. Interestingly, a camel beauty contest also takes place.
Adding fun to the whole event is the souq that is held alongside the camel show. A souq is the Arabic version of an open market and unlike modern shops items in a traditional souq dont have fixed prices. In fact, in old times the shopkeeper and customer would bargain for as long as it took for both to settle on an agreeable price.
Similarly the souq at Al Dhafra Camel Festival 2012 will have clothes, pottery items as well as many other artefacts and souvenirs. Poetry reading sessions, dances and performances will also take place to entertain visitors.
If you are visiting Abu Dhabi during this period it is advisable that you book your accommodation early, as visitors during this season are relatively high. If you are looking for an Abu Dhabi Hotel, there are plenty available in this area. If you have a luxury hotel in mind, you might want to check out the Grand Millennium Al Wahda. An extremely stylish place with the right touch of class is located just 30 minutes away from the Abu Dhabi International Airport and is a very popular hotel Abu Dhabi UAE.
