Douz is known as 'the gateway to the Sahara' because it sits right where the desert begins. For the festival, nomadic Bedouin people from across the region come together dressed in beautiful traditional robes. The camel races are the highlight — these magnificent animals are decorated with colourful saddles and blankets and thunder across the sand at surprisingly fast speeds while crowds cheer them on.
Beyond the races, the festival is a showcase of desert culture. There are traditional Bedouin tents to explore, displays of horsemanship, hunting demonstrations with falcons and saluki dogs, folk dancing, and musicians playing traditional instruments. Craftspeople display and sell handwoven textiles, jewellery, and leather goods made using techniques passed down for centuries.
Food is a huge part of the festival — the smell of grilled meat, fresh bread baked in sand ovens, and sweet pastries fills the air. At night, campfires are lit and storytellers share ancient tales of desert life under a sky blazing with stars. The festival has grown into an international event that draws visitors from all over the world who want to experience the magic of the Sahara.