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Saudi Arabia issues camel passports to enhance herd management

Feb 4, 2026, 9:07 PM10
(Update: Feb 4, 2026, 9:07 PM)
country in West Asia

Saudi Arabia issues camel passports to enhance herd management

  • Saudi Arabia plans to issue passports to manage a population of approximately 2.2 million camels.
  • The initiative aims to improve the productivity and efficiency of camel-related activities while supporting owners' rights.
  • This innovative step reflects the importance of camels in Saudi culture and aims to protect their heritage.
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In early February 2024, the Saudi government announced an initiative to issue passports to the country’s million camels. This decision is aimed at better management of camel herds, which are considered a national treasure. According to the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, this initiative will improve productivity and efficiency in the sector while also establishing a reliable reference database for camels. This green passport will be stamped with the Saudi coat of arms and will serve multiple purposes. It will help to organize camel sales and trading operations, regulate commerce and transport, and provide proof of ownership to protect the rights of the owners. These efforts come as the kingdom estimates there are 2.2 million camels in the nation, underlining the importance of these animals in Saudi culture and economy. Historically, camels have been essential in Arabia, serving not just as a mode of transport but also as a status symbol for their owners. The camel breeding industry is lucrative, highlighted by annual beauty contests where contestants can receive large amounts of money for their prized camels. However, there are concerns regarding unethical practices, such as altering camels' appearances for competitions. To counteract these unscrupulous methods, the Saudi authorities are focusing on ensuring that camels maintain a natural look, further legitimizing the role of the passports in maintaining the integrity of the industry. Additionally, research indicates that camels have been a crucial part of life in the Arabian Peninsula for thousands of years, as evidenced by life-sized rock carvings that date back around 7,000 years. The introduction of passports for camels represents a modern approach to protecting and capitalizing on this ancient heritage, potentially paving the way for more advancements in the management of animal populations in the kingdom.

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