Saudi Arabia is taking an unusual step to regulate its camel sector by introducing official camel passports. The move reflects the kingdom’s efforts to manage the 2.2 million-strong camel population while improving trade, ownership tracking, and overall productivity. Camel passports aim to streamline the industry and protect the rights of owners across the country.
The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture announced that the new system will create a comprehensive national database. Authorities believe the database will enhance efficiency and ensure better management of camel breeding and transport. Officials also expect the passports to support legal clarity in buying, selling, and moving camels.
Images released by the ministry show a green passport featuring Saudi Arabia’s coat of arms and a golden camel illustration. Each camel passport includes a microchip number, passport number, the animal’s name, birth date, breed, sex, color, and place of birth. Photographs of the camel from both sides ensure accurate identification. Additionally, the document records all vaccinations, signed and stamped by a veterinarian.
Camels hold deep cultural importance in Saudi Arabia, serving as symbols of heritage, wealth, and status. Historically, they helped communities travel across deserts and were essential to survival on the Arabian Peninsula. Today, they remain central to festivals and competitive breeding, including beauty contests where prized camels can fetch hundreds of thousands of dollars. Camel passports also aim to reduce illegal cosmetic practices that alter camels’ natural features, promoting authenticity and animal welfare.
The kingdom estimates that around 80,000 owners currently manage camels, making record-keeping essential. Authorities hope this initiative will support long-term sustainability, ensure transparent ownership, and facilitate trade both within and beyond the country. Camel passports will also provide a clearer system for transporting animals safely across regions.
Analysts say the initiative represents a blend of tradition and modernization. By digitizing camel records and standardizing identification, Saudi Arabia strengthens its cultural heritage while embracing practical governance. Moreover, camel passports could serve as a model for livestock management in other nations with large herds.
As camel farming continues to grow, this step underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to innovation, regulation, and cultural preservation. With camel passports now in place, owners and traders have a reliable system that safeguards their investments and the future of this iconic animal.
