Taqah hosts first camel milking contest

SALALAH, June 17

In a celebration of ancient desert traditions, the Wilayat of Taqah in Dhofar Governorate is preparing to host its first-ever camel milking competition, scheduled to take place from June 20 to 22. More than 80 camels are expected to participate in the inaugural edition of this unique event that aims to preserve a lesser-known aspect of Arabian Bedouin heritage.

Unlike camel races — more familiar to international audiences — camel milking contests focus on the quality and quantity of milk. The contest offers a window into the deep-rooted pastoral traditions of Oman’s nomadic and semi-nomadic communities, where camel breeding and milk production have long been linked to survival, prestige and cultural identity.

Salim bin Saeed al Maashani, head of the organising committee, said the event will be held under the official supervision of the Office of the Wali of Taqah and coordinated with several government bodies, including the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, Dhofar Municipality, Royal Oman Police, Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority; and the Ministry of Health.

A mobile veterinary clinic will be deployed at the venue to ensure animal welfare throughout the event, while a panel of judges — including a representative from Oman’s national camel racing federation — will evaluate the camels based on lactation output, cleanliness and overall health.

“Camel milking contests are not merely competitive — they are a celebration of the deep bond between the herder and the animal,” said Al Maashani. “They reflect centuries of knowledge in animal care, nutrition and desert resilience.” Though little known outside the region, camel milk is considered a nutritional staple across Oman’s rural areas and has gained global attention for its health benefits. The event also serves as a platform to support small-scale camel breeders and rural families, many of whom rely on livestock as a primary source of income.

The organisers aim to position the contest as a recurring cultural festival, with ambitions to open future editions to participants from across Oman and the wider Gulf region.

In addition to public attendance, the competition has attracted support from local companies as part of their corporate social responsibility efforts, offering modest sponsorships to help fund logistics and prizes.

Taqah, a coastal town just east of Salalah, is emerging as a hub for cultural tourism and rural entrepreneurship. The camel milking contest is expected to boost local tourism and community engagement, especially during the Khareef Dhofar Season, when Dhofar’s lush landscapes attract thousands of domestic and regional visitors.

Ultimately, the event ties into Oman’s broader cultural preservation and rural development efforts under Oman Vision 2040, a national strategy to diversify the economy while safeguarding traditional knowledge.