Saudi camel fest impresses Riyadh diplomats

A diplomatic delegation of more than 70 ambassadors, chargés d’affaires and consuls visited King Abdul Aziz Camel Festival in Sayahad, to be familiarized with the importance of camels and their heritage for the people of the Arabian Peninsula.

The visit began with the delegation being introduced to the activity of “sand arts” and some of the most beautiful sand sculptures and figures related to camel and desert. The activity of “decorative drawing of camels,” in which the animals are shaved and drawn upon, showed a painting which captured visitors’ eyes.

Then the Hump Gallery took the delegation on an interactive tour focusing on education about camels, and the diplomats were briefed on the panoramic dome, which simulates space in the outside world. The dome was built to form a three-dimensional space for lovers of astronomy and space.

The delegation was also introduced to the history of the traditional dance “Ardah” and many other traditional Saudi arts.
After that, they watched a display of “types of camels,” which included the longest, the shortest, the two-hump camel, and the two-color camels.

Afterward, the diplomatic delegation was taken on a tour by the Dahna Convoy in Ta’alil Park. The activity simulated the history of camels in national and community marches and gave a taste of what camels have meant to Arabs over the years and on different occasions.

Belgian Ambassador Geert Criel expressed his joy at the visit and found it an opportunity to look closely at the culture of the Kingdom and its national heritage. He considered the camels to be part of the cultural heritage of the Kingdom that had a great role in the past, and said that this legacy should be preserved.

Chinese Ambassador Li Huaxin said: “I visited a camel festival before in a different place, and today I see a renewed experience with activities that are advanced, different, interesting and well-organized.”

The envoy said that he believed King Abdul Aziz Camel Festival was a great thing for tourism and an authentic form of culture for the Kingdom.

The ambassador of Afghanistan, Sayed Jalal Karim, was impressed by the good reception and organization of the festival and many of its activities. He said: “Camels have a great importance in Islamic history, and it is nice to see the interest of the Kingdom in this great history.”