MUSCAT: On the occasion of the inauguration of the Arda horse and camel running field in the village of Al Jardaa, a grand camel race was held with the participation of more than 400 camels from the wilayats of the governorates of North Al Sharqiyah, South Al Sharqiah and Al Dakhiliyah.

The festival witnessed a large attendance of camel sports enthusiasts; it was presented as a revival of the popular heritage for which the wilayats of the Sharqiyah governorates are famous. The objective of the race was to encourage camel owners to practice, preserve and pass on the ardhah races to the new generation as an authentic national heritage that characterizes the various governorates of the Sultanate of Oman.

The establishment of designated field for horses and camels in the village of Al-Jarra and the organization of annual festivals and races has come about due to the great demand for such races in North Al Sharqiyah Governorate, in particular. The sport has fans and followers from different segments of society. The festival is one of the most prominent social events and activities organized at the level of the village of Al-Jarda, which included the establishment of a running for the rugby, who demonstrated their skills on the backs of the participating camel, in addition to presenting camel arts such as the art of Humble Al-Bush and Al-Taghrood, and presenting Omani singing arts and national poetry.

At the end of the festival, H.E. Nasser bin Sultan Al Habsi, a member of the Shura Council representing the Wilayat of Al Mudhaibi, honored the participants and contributors from institutions who contributed to the success of the festival.