Entrant Company
Dāw Production house
Entry Type
Teams, Leagues, Governing Bodies, & Associations
To mark Saudi Arabia’s 2024 “Year of the Camel,” we partnered with the Saudi Ministry of Sports to create a film that reimagined camel racing as both a heritage sport and a modern spectacle. The film honored the deep cultural roots of camel riding, spotlighting professional athletes alongside passionate amateurs—and, for the first time, showcasing both male and female competitors.
The concept originated from real-life insights gathered from social media: small-town and village races where people of all ages gather to enjoy this timeless sport. From that, we built a narrative that blended grassroots spontaneity with the structured excitement of professional racing, sparking a nationwide conversation. Camel racing was framed as an actual national sport with origins traced back hundreds of years, as evidenced by ancient inscriptions in AlUla.
To reflect Saudi Arabia’s diverse landscapes and traditions, the storyline journeyed across the Kingdom—from the AlUla Royal Camel Racing Track to the Al Ahsa Oasis in the east, Hail in the north, Jeddah’s western shores, and Najran in the south—each chosen to represent unique climates, topographies, and local racing customs. Traditional nomadic singing was interwoven with modern musical arrangements, celebrating camels as a source of pride and cultural heritage. The film concluded with a female rider performing a traditional victory dance, symbolizing the growing presence of women in the sport and the commitment to gender equality in Saudi athletics.
Production efforts were directed toward achieving a cinematic standard that authentically showcased Saudi heritage. The shoot covered five diverse regions—Riyadh, Jeddah, Al-Ahsa, Najran, and AlUla—bringing together geographic richness and cultural depth. Dedicated camel racing crews ensured the sport’s traditions were accurately portrayed, while a renowned female champion rider was featured to reinforce inclusivity. Iconic venues, including Jeddah’s Formula 1 track, lent international prestige and a modern edge. Expenditures included on-ground logistics, crew operations, talent, and comprehensive post-production—from editing and sound design to the integration of shilah performances. The overall investment, ranging between SAR 1.8 and 3.5 million, delivered a highly efficient production that balanced scale with authenticity.