Photos: Camel Beauty Pageant in Abu Dhabi -- National Geographic

Two Contestants
Photograph by Dave Yoder, National Geographic

A man examines camels entered into the beauty contest.
On the Way
Photograph by Dave Yoder, National Geographic

Mohammed, 4, rides behind his father, Salem Ebrahim Al Mazrouei, in their family SUV in the western part of the Abu Dhabi desert.
Camels From Saudi Arabia
Photograph by Dave Yoder, National Geographic

Salem Ebrahim Al Mazrouei and his son Mohammed, 4, brought camels from Saudi Arabia to be entered in the Abu Dhabi beauty pageant.
Desert Dining
Photograph by Dave Yoder, National Geographic

Sheik Khamis Al Fendi (in chair), leader of the Al Mazrouei tribe of western Abu Dhabi, spends the evening with fellow Bedouin, enjoying a dinner of sheep and rice.
Evening
Photograph by Dave Yoder, National Geographic

A young boy looks at a cell phone at night in the desert. The boy spent the night with members of the Bedouin Al Mazrouei tribe.
Evening Prayers
Photograph by Dave Yoder, National Geographic
Attendees at an Abu Dhabi camel beauty contest break for prayers in the evening.
Beauty Contest Entrance
Photograph by Dave Yoder, National Geographic

Camels destined for the beauty contest are led to the pens where they will be held and judged.
Camel Decorations
Photograph by Dave Yoder, National Geographic

The contest participants are dressed up for the occasion.
Coffee Break
Photograph by Dave Yoder, National Geographic
Coffee is served ringside at the camel beauty contest.
Camel Beauties
Photograph by Dave Yoder, National Geographic

Camels await judging at the beauty pageant.
Spectators
Photograph by Dave Yoder, National Geographic

Spectators have comfortable seats for the contest viewing.
Judges
Photograph by Dave Yoder, National Geographic
Judges confer before announcing the winners of the contest.
Cheering
Photograph by Dave Yoder, National Geographic
Young spectators cheer for their favorites during the judging.
Winners
Photograph by Dave Yoder, National Geographic
The owners of a winning camel celebrate.