Auction supervisor Fawzi al-Subhi said that over 170 animals are competing for the coveted title "most beautiful goat". He expects the winner to be sold for at least $18,000.
According to al-Shams newspaper, the four-legged contestants are purebred Hijazi goats, a distinct breed named after the province in which Mecca is located.
Pastoralists and their flocks still roam the Hijaz region and other parts of the oil-rich Arabian kingdom.
The purpose of the competition is to raise awareness about the breed, said al-Subhi.
Published 29 December 2010, 14:08 IST