INTERNATIONAL: Hundreds attended the King Abdulaziz Camel Festival in Riyadh before Christmas in a grand event attracting over 2000 camel wners, who buy and sell the region's famed "ship of the desert" for millions of dollars.

In the festival, where more than 30,000 camels were showcased, a beauty pageant was organised, with up to 250 million Saudi riyals, around $66 million in prize money.

Although some might find camels to be overpriced in the Kingdom, one camel owner Mohammed AlMarri, is happy with the high bill, having spent over 100 million Saudi riyals, or $26 million to date to grow his collection.

Camels are the quickest way to wealth and profit, says Nasser AlAjmi, a Kuwaiti camel owner attending the event, adding that it is better than investing in real estate or the stock market. The festival began on 1 December and will continue for 43 days.