Saudi Arabia has announced plans to issue official passports for the Kingdom’s millions of camels, a move aimed at improving management and regulation of one of the country’s most valued assets.
The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture said the initiative will help boost productivity and efficiency in the camel sector while creating a reliable national database for the animals. On Tuesday, the ministry shared images on social media showing a green passport bearing Saudi Arabia’s coat of arms and a gold illustration of a camel.
According to state-run broadcaster Al Ekhbariya, the camel passport will help organise sales and trading activities by regulating transport and commerce, ensuring proper documentation, safeguarding owners’ rights, and simplifying proof of ownership.
Government estimates from 2024 put Saudi Arabia’s camel population at around 2.2 million.
Camels have historically played a central role in life across the Arabian Peninsula, serving as a key means of transport and a symbol of prestige. Today, they underpin a thriving breeding industry and feature prominently in annual camel beauty festivals, where owners often invest vast sums in prized animals.
In recent years, authorities have intensified efforts to curb illegal cosmetic practices used to enhance camels’ appearance for competitions. Procedures aimed at altering features such as lips and humps have been banned, with officials promoting natural aesthetics and enforcing strict penalties.
Camels have been integral to Arabian culture for thousands of years. Research published in 2021 suggests that life-sized camel and horse carvings etched into rock formations in Saudi Arabia may date back as far as 7,000 years, highlighting the deep historical significance of the animals in the region.
