Al Dhafra Festival

Every winter, the vast sands of Abu Dhabi’s Al Dhafra region come alive with the Al Dhafra Festival. For more than two months from October to January, thousands gather in Madinat Zayed and special venues among the dunes, where camels, falcons, horses, traditional crafts, and Emirati cuisine all converge in a vibrant showcase of Bedouin culture. This is the ultimate opportunity to experience the UAE’s living heritage.

The festival is a feast for the senses. Elegant camel parades and beauty contests, poetry and music echoing across the dunes, the aroma of frankincense and grilled lamb, the touch of handwoven textiles and sun-warmed sand-Al Dhafra is not just an event, but a journey into the soul of the desert and the pride of a nation.

Camel Beauty Pageants & Races

Falconry, Saluki & Horse Races, Traditional Sports

Traditional Crafts, Souq & Cultural Performances

Al Dhafra Festival was founded in Abu Dhabi’s western region in 2008 to preserve and pass on the Bedouin culture and traditions that have shaped Emirati society for centuries. Its origins are inspired by ancient gatherings where Bedouin tribes would cross the desert to trade, race camels, and reunite with relatives-now revived as a modern festival.

At the heart of the festival is the camel beauty pageant (mazayna), a centuries-old tradition that symbolizes the cultural and economic importance of camels in Emirati society. Thousands of camels from across the Arabian Peninsula compete in over 350 categories, judged on neck length, eyelashes, coat, and posture, with tens of millions of dirhams in prize money awarded each year. The honor of victory-known as "Namoos"-is a source of immense family pride, celebrated with parades, music, and camels adorned with saffron.

Beyond the camel contests, Al Dhafra features falconry, Saluki and horse races, poetry recitals, traditional music, and handicrafts such as palm weaving, embroidery, and pottery. The festival grounds become a living museum, with heritage villages, souqs, and Majlis tents offering Arabic coffee and dates. For locals, Al Dhafra is a vital link to ancestral wisdom, a place to reconnect with relatives, and a platform to share their culture with the world.

Today, Al Dhafra Festival is one of the UAE’s most important cultural events, attracting participants and visitors from across the Gulf. Supported by the UAE President and the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, this festival blends competition, artistry, and hospitality, making it a cornerstone of the national cultural calendar and a living symbol of pride for all generations.

I visited from Europe and was amazed by the scale of the camel parades and the warmth of the people. Learning palm weaving and tasting the lamb were unforgettable. It’s a festival that truly welcomes everyone.

• More than 25,000 camels participate in the camel beauty pageant each year, with total prize money reaching tens of millions of dirhams.

The Al Dhafra Festival is held every year from October to January in Madinat Zayed, Western Abu Dhabi. Don’t miss the camel beauty pageant, traditional cuisine, and the magic of Emirati culture in the heart of the desert.