A 4 km long camel racetrack was inaugurated on Sunday in the commune of Ben Khalil in Tan-Tan, as part of the 12th edition of the Tan-Tan Moussem, which continues until 18 May.

On this occasion, a dromedary race comprising eleven categories was organised with the participation of competitors representing the southern provinces of the Kingdom and others coming from the United Arab Emirates.

At the end of this particularly contested race, prizes were distributed to the top ten in the ranking of each category by the advisor to the Head of State of the United Arab Emirates and president of the Camel Racing Union, H.H. Sheikh Sultan Ben Hamdan Al-Nahyan; the Moroccan ambassador to Spain and president of the Almouggar Foundation, Mohamed Fadel Benyaich; as well as the governor of the province of Tan-Tan, Hassan Abdelkhalki.

This course, the first stage of which took two months to complete, benefited from the financial support of the Camel Racing Union of the United Arab Emirates, for a total cost of 18 million dirhams, of which 7 million dirhams were necessary for the completion of the first part of the course, while the remaining 11 million dirhams will be used for the construction of an honorary and spectator stand, medical facilities, green zones, as well as asphalt paving for the access and exit roads of the camel racetrack.

This third day of the Moussem was also marked by a visit made by H.H. Sheikh Sultan Ben Hamdan Al-Nahyan and the delegation from the United Arab Emirates accompanying him, with the presence of Mr. Benyaich and military and civilian personalities, to thematic tents of the Emirates which were set up in the Place of Peace and Tolerance.

These thematic tents highlight, among other things, "Popular Arts", "Traditional clothes and dresses", "Popular dishes", "Hospitality and coffee", "Handicrafts", and the "Heritage" of the United Arab Emirates.

Classified in 2005 as a masterpiece of the oral and intangible heritage of humanity by UNESCO, the Tan-Tan Moussem will continue with a rich and varied programme including a carnival that will highlight the Sahrawi cultural heritage and the assets that the region abounds with, as well as musical evenings hosted by Moroccan artists and folk troupes.