KUWAIT CITY, Feb 19:  The 23rd annual Kuwait International Camel Racing Championship is set to begin this Thursday, attracting wide participation from camel owners in Kuwait as well as from various Gulf and Arab countries. The championship will feature 81 rounds, spanning six days, and will take place at the Martyr Fahad Al-Ahmad track of the Kuwait Camel Racing Club, the event's official organizer.

In a statement to KUNA on Wednesday, Hussein Al-Dawas, chairman of the Kuwait Camel Racing Club and deputy chairman of the tournament’s organizing committee, praised the patronage of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah for the championship. He noted that the event has grown into one of the most significant gatherings for fans of this traditional Arab sport, drawing participants from across the Gulf and Arab regions.

Al-Dawas explained that the tournament will kick off with several rounds in the morning, followed by four major rounds in the evening to coincide with the official opening of the championship. The first day’s competitions will focus on the Haqaiq camels, specifically the young Qa'dan and Abkar camels.

The tournament will continue with scheduled rounds, featuring camels of varying ages and competing over different distances. The championship will conclude next Tuesday, coinciding with Kuwait's national holidays. The final round will be particularly significant, as it will determine the winner of the coveted golden sword, presented by the championship’s sponsor.

He further emphasized that, with the support of the Public Authority for Sports, the organizing committee has completed all necessary preparations, including the opening and closing ceremonies. The high level of interest from camel owners and enthusiasts registering for the competition demonstrates the passion and enthusiasm for this authentic heritage sport.

Generous cash prizes, along with cups, symbols, and swords studded with gold and silver, will be awarded to the winning camel owners. Al-Dawas anticipates a high level of competition, as the championship will feature some of the finest camels from the Gulf region, known for being among the best in the world.

Additionally, the championship will include rounds specifically dedicated to supporting local camel production in Kuwait, encouraging owners to produce high-quality camels. Al-Dawas expressed confidence in the readiness of local camel owners, who have been actively participating in the local season in preparation for the competition.

He also highlighted the ongoing success of the event, largely driven by the substantial participation of camel owners from across the Gulf. Al-Dawas called on fans of this cultural sport to attend the event and witness the exciting races firsthand at the Kuwait Camel Racing Club.