Tan-Tan:Camel competitions held during the 19th Tan-Tan Moussem in Morocco attracted significant interest from participants and visitors. The events included camel races, camel Mazayna, and a milking competition, showcasing the shared camel heritage of the UAE and Morocco and traditional practices preserved over generations.
According to Wam, the competitions were part of the UAE's participation in the Moussem, organized by the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority in collaboration with several heritage organizations. This initiative aims to promote Emirati heritage, highlight cultural traditions shared by the UAE and Morocco, and encourage the exchange of knowledge and expertise in heritage preservation.
The camel events highlighted the rich heritage surrounding these animals and their central role in desert communities. Camel racing celebrated a long-standing sporting tradition, while the Mazayna contests demonstrated the expertise of camel owners in understanding the aesthetic qualities of camels. The milking competition provided insight into another traditional practice, emphasizing the importance of camel breeding in daily life.
The final camel race took place at the Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Camel Racing Track, followed by an awards ceremony attended by officials including Abdullah Chater, Governor of Tan-Tan Province, and Obaid Khalfan Al Mazrouei, Acting Director General of the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority. The UAE pavilion also hosted award ceremonies for the camel beauty contests and milking competition, celebrating camel heritage and traditional practices.
The UAE's participation underscores the importance of camel heritage in both countries, supporting efforts to preserve purebred camel breeds and fostering connections among camel enthusiasts. The event builds on cultural ties with Morocco and offers a platform to share the richness of Emirati heritage with international audiences, promoting greater appreciation and knowledge exchange.