The 17th edition of the Hail Camel Auction starts tomorrow and runs for ten days north of the Equestrian Square, under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Saad bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Hail Region. It is organised by the Tarhal Tourism Cooperative Society under the supervision of the regional principality, with government bodies, sponsors and supporters taking part.

Organisers say the auction celebrates the Arab heritage of the people of the Arabian Peninsula and highlights the place of camels in Saudi culture as a central part of the national heritage.

Executive director Mamdouh Al-Meshaan said visitors will find a traditional market with more than 60 outlets for home-based family businesses, run by the Entaj Association for Development and Empowerment, as well as more than 40 corners for artisans in partnership with the Etqaan Artisans Association.

The programme also features environment and agriculture, antiquities and heritage, crafts and falcon exhibitions, Riyadat Al-Ibil, a games village, a children's theatre and entertainment troupes, along with Tarh Al-Hashi (bringing down a young camel) and Jamriyah bread baked in embers. More than 130 sites for camel owners and investors are ready, with room for over 4,000 camels.