A camel beauty contest held in Al Musanaa, Oman, was marred by an unexpected scandal. Twenty camels were disqualified after cosmetic procedures were discovered to alter their appearance.
Competition officials indicated that some animals had received injections of Botox and other fillers. These practices aimed to artificially improve certain physical criteria taken into account by the jury, including the shape of the face and the appearance of bumps.
Camel beauty contests are judged according to several specific morphological characteristics, including coat color, neck shape, head, and the appearance of humps. These criteria can determine the value and reputation of an animal, as well as that of its breeder.
Cosmetic changes detected during veterinary examinations
Some of the injections involved hyaluronic acid applied to the animals' faces and humps. The aim was to give the camels a more harmonious silhouette, particularly by accentuating the rounded appearance of their humps.
Other practices were also identified during the inspections. Some animals reportedly received hormonal treatments intended to strengthen their muscles and alter their physical appearance.
The irregularities were discovered during veterinary inspections conducted after competition organizers noticed that some camels had unusual or obviously altered characteristics. The examinations then revealed these cosmetic procedures.
The organizers described these practices as"Acts of falsification and deception in the beautification of camels"In an official statement, they indicated that anyone found guilty of cheating could be subject to sanctions.
Competitions at the heart of important economic issues
In several Gulf countries, camel beauty contests are not merely folklore or tradition. These events represent prestigious competitions that attract breeders from all over the region.
A camel's victory can bring significant financial gains to its owner and increase the animal's value as well as the reputation of the herd it belongs to. It is precisely this economic stake that explains the pressure that can surround certain competitions.
Camel beauty contests can award prizes reaching several million dollars. during the most important festivals held in the Arabian Peninsula.
Similar scandals occurred in previous editions.
The case revealed in Oman is not an isolated incident. Camel beauty contests have already faced several scandals related to attempts at cheating.
In 2021, 43 camels were disqualified after X-ray examinations revealed Botox injections or other cosmetic procedures intended to alter their appearance. Three years earlier, in 2018, 14 animals had already been excluded for similar reasons.
In response to these repeated incidents, the organizers of these competitions have strengthened veterinary controls and inspections aimed at detecting any artificial alteration of the animals' appearance. These measures are intended to preserve the integrity of these competitions which, beyond their cultural significance, now represent an important economic sector in several Gulf countries.
