The festival opened with traditional human rider races over four kilometers, reviving the roots of camel racing in a powerful visual statement. Separate heats welcomed Qatari and GCC youth riders, reinforcing the idea that the season begins by honoring heritage before moving into intense modern competition.

The program delivers hundreds of races across multiple categories, featuring royal camels and tribal contenders. Distances and classes range from Haqayeq to Al Hail and Al Zomoul, offering daily variety and sustained excitement. This structure turns the festival into a full racing season rather than a single event.

The festival offers total prizes valued at QAR 25 million, approximately USD 6.8 million, placing it among the most lucrative events in the sport. Golden and silver trophies headline the awards, including the prestigious Golden Sword, pushing competitors to deliver peak performance in every race.

Public anticipation runs high after last season standout victories, including Hattan of Al Shahaniya Camels winning the Golden Shela and Al Wariya of Presidential Camels claiming the Golden Sword. These results raised expectations and sparked debate over which names will dominate the leaderboard this year.

The festival brings together participants and fans from across the Gulf, creating a shared space for competition and cultural pride. Beyond racing, the event celebrates camel heritage as a living tradition, confirming its role as both a sport and a lifestyle deeply rooted in Gulf identity.