Saudi Arabia has announced plans to issue official passports for the Kingdom’s millions of camels. The initiative aims to improve management and regulation of one of the country’s most valued assets.
The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture said the camel passports will help boost productivity and efficiency in the camel sector. Officials also plan to create a national database to document all camels in the Kingdom. On Tuesday, the ministry shared images on social media showing a green passport featuring Saudi Arabia’s coat of arms and a gold camel illustration.
According to the state broadcaster Al Ekhbariya, the passports will help organize sales and trading activities, regulate transport and commerce, safeguard owners’ rights, and provide proof of ownership. The government estimates that Saudi Arabia is home to around 2.2 million camels as of 2024.
Camels have historically been central to life across the Arabian Peninsula. They served as a key mode of transport and remain a symbol of prestige. Today, camels are part of a thriving breeding industry and feature prominently in annual camel beauty festivals, where owners often spend large sums on prized animals.
Authorities have recently intensified efforts to curb illegal cosmetic procedures used to enhance camels’ appearance for competitions. Practices that alter features such as lips and humps have been banned, and strict penalties are now enforced to protect the animals.
Camels hold a deep cultural and historical significance in Saudi Arabia. Research from 2021 indicates that life-sized camel and horse carvings etched into rock formations in the Kingdom may date back as far as 7,000 years, highlighting the long-standing connection between camels and Arabian culture.
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The camel passport initiative is part of broader government efforts to modernize the camel sector, ensure animal welfare, and promote transparent and regulated trade practices in Saudi Arabia.
