The challenges of the Founder Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed bin Thani Festival, may he rest in peace, continued at Al-Tahleel Arena, where the date was set for the strongest competitions of the first stage of the annual major festival featuring camels of tribal owners.

The Silver Jadha‘ symbol races painted the most beautiful scenes of creativity on the grounds of Al-Shahaniya Racecourse.

The elegant colors of Nasser Abdullah Ahmed Al-Mesnad once again made a powerful statement at the challenge arena, asserting dominance by capturing both the Open and Omaniyat she-camel trophies, confirming his superiority on the field.

Al-Mesnad’s storm swept the top positions in the first and third main races designated for Jadha‘ Open and Omaniyatshe-camels. “Al-Sanyoura” delivered an exceptional performance in the opening race, claiming the strongest symbols of the festival’s first stage. She celebrated winning the Jadha‘ Open She-Camel Trophy, securing victory and prestige with an impressive time of 8:53.71 minutes.
“Awayed,” owned by Saleh Baniyah Saleh Al-Harfi Al-Balawi, finished second, while “Hilah,” owned by Abdulhadi Khalil Mansour Al-Shahwani, came third.

“Al-Ghouta” added a second symbol to Al-Mesnad’s banner during the day’s competitions by leading the third main race dedicated to Jadha‘ Omaniyat she-camels. The race was fiercely contested until the final meters, but “Al-Ghouta” sealed victory with a brilliant late surge, edging past her closest rivals. “Miyana,” owned by Abdulhadi Khalil Mansour Al-Shahwani, finished second, while “Midhyar,” owned by Obaid Gharib Hamad Jarash Al-Falasi, placed third.

After Al-Mesnad’s banner claimed both Open and Omaniyat she-camel trophies, another Qatari banner emerged in the Omaniyat Production race. Ali Salem Ali Muteb Al-Sa‘aq captured the production trophy through “Al-Andal,” confidently fielded in one of the strongest races of the evening.

“Al-Andal” secured the Production Trophy after a powerful and distinguished performance, leading the race and earning victory and acclaim.

Excitement was also present in the male camel (Qa‘dan) races, which witnessed high-level Gulf competition. While Qatari banners succeeded in keeping the three she-camel trophies on home ground, UAE competitors captured all three daggers, taking them back to the United Arab Emirates.
“Othmar,” racing under the banner of Ahmed Sultan Khalifa Al-Balrashid Al-Suweidi, won the Open Qa‘dan Dagger by topping the second main race.
“Salab,” owned by Bahyan Amer Qanoush Al-Ameri, claimed the Omaniyat Qa‘dan Dagger after winning the fourth main race.
“Theyar,” owned by Mohammed Mubarak Obaid Harib Al-Shamsi, concluded the night’s symbol races by winning the Production Qa‘dan Dagger in the sixth main race.

The morning session of the eleventh day of the Founder’s Festival also witnessed strong competition, as “Sakta,” owned by Abdullah Khalid Hamid Harib Al-Mehairi, achieved a deserved victory in the strongest Jadha‘ Open She-Camel race. “Sadmah,” owned by Matar Obaid Mohammed Al-Baldi‘ah Al-Ketbi, finished second, while “Qarar,” owned by Abdulaziz Saif Ali Suwailim Al-Ketbi, came third.

Hamad bin Mubarak Al-Shahwani, Director of Internal Audit at the Camel Racing Organizing Committee, praised the high level displayed during the first stage of the major festival held at Seif Al-Muassis, particularly in the tribal camel races, which delivered outstanding performances in the pursuit of podium finishes and festival symbols.

He said: “I expected this season to be different due to the increased prize values and large number of participants, and that is exactly what we have witnessed since the start of the festival—continuous excitement and enjoyment.”

He added that all age categories held so far, from Haqayiq through Laqaya and concluding with Jadha‘, have been highly competitive—not only in symbol races, but across all heats offering valuable cash and in-kind prizes.

Al-Shahwani continued: “The level and intensity of competition will certainly increase in the coming days leading up to the final day, which represents the festival’s pinnacle as it features competition for the coveted Sword. The concluding stage will reveal all the secrets of the Founder’s Festival.”

He concluded by saying: “We provide all necessary capabilities for participants, and there is great balance in winning opportunities for the symbols, as everyone competes with their very best.”