Arabian Camels Fetch Millions at Abu Dhabi Auction

In Abu Dhabi, the 21st International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (Adihex) auction attracted hundreds of bidders. A total of 15 purebred Arabian camels were sold for nearly 2.5 million dirhams at this year's event. "The auction featured young male and female camels of the finest lineage, renowned for their extraordinary competitive abilities. Each camel's value is determined by its ancestry and its parents' achievements, which are key factors in determining market value," organizers announced on Friday. Adihex ran until September 8 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec). It is an annual exhibition focusing on hunting, equestrian sports, and outdoor lifestyles, while also providing a global platform to foster cultural exchange among nations. The auction attracted hundreds of bidders from the UAE and GCC countries, looking for purebred camels with excellent lineage and racing potential. To ensure the best breeds, the Supreme Organizing Committee of the Arabian Purebred Camel Auction introduced specific terms, organization procedures, and financial guarantees to assess bidders’ seriousness. Camels, known as "ships of the desert," have aided nomadic Bedouins in survival for centuries. Camel racing is a traditional sport practiced on the Arabian Peninsula for centuries, believed to have started in the 7th century and organized during cultural events like weddings or birthdays by Bedouin tribes. Modern races offer substantial monetary rewards to winning camels and their owners, helping preserve purebred lines and ensuring this traditional sport is passed down through generations.