At the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition on September 1, 2025. ADIHEX

A prized female calf camel sold for a staggering Dh500,000 during a dramatic auction at the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) on Monday night (September 1). The calf, bred from a “Shamekh” father and a “Samha Al Saghira” mother, sparked an intense bidding war between seasoned competitor Mohammed Al Menhali and young poet Mubarak bin Bkheit Al Shamsi. Al Shamsi, appearing to be in his late teens, initially shocked the crowd by jumping the bid from Dh40,000 straight to Dh100,000. What followed was a rapid exchange between the two until Al Menhali ultimately secured the winning half-million-dirham bid. Al Menhali had earlier dominated two other auctions, closing deals at Dh140,000 and Dh90,000. Meanwhile, 14-year-old Hamdan Al Kaabi also left with four camels from the same event, showcasing the growing enthusiasm among the younger generation for the traditional sport. The sale highlighted not only the high value placed on elite camel breeds but also the strong cultural significance of camel ownership and racing in the UAE. ICA/Expat Media
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