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Located in the Arabian Peninsula is Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates and its second largest city. But it also is known as the end location of the Bedouin caravans, taking part in the 2010 Beauty Pageant for Camels with a total of 28,000 camel contestants by 1,200 owners.

This year alone, more than $80 million dollars was involved in the camel contest between two breeds – larger black-skinned Majaheem from Saudi Arabia and the smaller Asayil breed from Oman and UAE. Winning camels took home more than $10 million in cash.

With tremendous rivalry and intrigue, camel owners struggle for position in smaller camel contests which would place them in this final beauty pageant, winning extravagant prizes and winning a position of family honor. The third year in a row, the Al Dhafra Festival not only consists of the beauty pageant but also a camel auction.

The Camel

We, as citizens of the United States, view the camel as anything but a creature of beauty. In fact, they are described by many as "a creature of spare parts." Others find them quite fascinating, with camels quite unique having one hump or two, but altogether quite peaceful and obedient --- totally obedient to their owner --- unless they become angry, choosing to bite and kick for revenge if hurt.

The camel is capable of running about 40 mph in short bursts with tremendous power and resistance with a life span of 45 to 50 years of age. Able to travel approximately 30 miles a day, they are the main source of travel in hot deserts as they can travel without water for excessive periods of time. This time frame depend a lot on the condition of the camel, the environment, its diet and what work it does but can do without water approximately eight to ten days.

How to judge a camel for a beauty pageant

Those who judge the Al Dhafra Festival camels divide them into 18 sections in several areas, with the camel's feet great priority. Camel owners take great pride in caring for the feet of their camel.

Firmness of the camel's ears

The back must be high

The hump on her back must be large and symmetrical

The rump must not be too big, but enough to allow for a saddle

The hair must be shiny

A massive head is required

The nose should have a strong arch in the bridge

The nose should slope toward a bottom lip that hangs down like a bauble

A long neck is required

Long legs are required

The two toes of the feet should be "toe-parting length" cleavage

About the Al Dhafra Festival

The General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and organized for the second time by the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage are the patrons of the camel event.  

RESOURCES

National Geographic                                                                             

Beauty pageant camels strut their stuff for cash

Camels and Sayings About Them