ALULA, Saudi Arabia: Grammy-winning record producer Swizz Beatz described the inaugural AlUla Camel Cup as “special” as he delighted at being a part of its growth.Beatz, the first American to own a camel racing team in the Kingdom, attended the racing to watch competitors from his Saudi Bronx team in action at the venue.A Saudi Bronx pop-up store was erected at the site to offer branded merchandise to spectators.The event, which was organized by the Royal Commission for AlUla — as part of the AlUla Moments calendar — in collaboration with the Saudi Camel Racing Federation, ended on March 17.
Beatz, who won his Grammy with Jay-Z for “On to the Next One” in 2011, said: “This place is very special to me and my family’s hearts. To be able to attend the first AlUla Camel Cup and with Saudi Bronx being the first American team in the history of the federation, is an honor.”The Bronx-raised star saw his camel Mardiah to fifth place in Thursday’s 4:30 p.m. race, and said: “I’m cool with top five — Alhamdulillah. It’s just a pleasure and a blessing.”He added: “Saudi Bronx is a global lifestyle, so there should be shirts available, there should be Saudi coffee available from Saudi Bronx, and records and songs and Spotify playlists. We want to create ways for people to get into the journey.”Having Saudi Bronx here in AlUla is so beautiful. This was just sand where we were standing a month ago.”AlUla teaches my family and other people to be open-minded.”Beatz, who is a producer, performer, artist, and businessman, said: “AlUla is educational and shows different cultures.”The energy in AlUla is very special, it’s very sacred. We even have our skating rink here, AlUla on Wheels, from my company Good Intentions.”