Prince Mesh'al Bin Abdul Aziz, chairman of the Allegiance Commission, said the King Abdul Aziz Camel Beauty Contest of Mazayen Al-Ibl at the Umm Roqaibah Festival would continue until King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, rules otherwise. The event takes place due to support from both the King and Crown Prince Sultan. “The contest helps to preserve our ancestors' heritage,” Prince Mesh'al said, in response to a question about recent criticisms of the event and concerns over levels of spending. Prince Mesh'al did not reveal the festival's budget, but said that winners' prizes would be 15 percent higher than last year's. This year's festival, which begins on Dec. 18, is expected to see greater numbers of contestants, with participants selected by a panel from the owners of 300 herds – with more than 100 camels each. – Okaz/SG __
