Over 10,000 pure-bred camels worth $270 million took to the catwalk during the Mazayin Dhafra Camel Festival 2008, declared the biggest camel show in history with over $9.5 million and 100 cars as prizes.
The winners were chosen in two catergories: Asayel (pedigree) camels and Majahim (dark-skinned) camels. Majahim camels are not used in traditional camel races and are grown primarily for their skin, milk and meat.
The jury awarded points to each contestant for seven qualities - the beauty of the face, the length of the neck, the size of the chest, the hump, color, the silkiness of the hair and the muscle size.
The event was organized by the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH) to draw attention to the country's ancient Bedouin traditions, where camels played a central role and were praised as the most magnificent animals. The "ships of the desert" were the main measure of wealth, along with horses and falcons.
