Camels with passports? Yes, Saudi Arabia is making it official – here’s why

Riyadh: Saudi Arabia announced that it will issue passports to millions of camels in the country. Officials explained that the decision aims to improve the management and care of these valuable animals. They said this would help increase the benefits of camel farming and create a reliable database to identify animals and track their owners.

The kingdom’s ministry of environment, water and agriculture announced the proposed document through a video on social media. It is a green passport with the national coat of arms and the golden camel seal.

The government estimated that Saudi Arabia would be home to approximately 2.2 million camels by 2024. These animals contribute more than 2 billion riyals annually to the country’s economy. There are around 35 million camels around the world, 17 million of them in Arab countries. Among these, Somalia leads in number, followed by Sudan, Mauritania, Saudi Arabia and Yemen.

Camels have long been a national symbol in Saudi Arabia and are the centerpiece of beauty contests and shows that reward the best animals. Camels also traditionally feature in national celebrations and exhibitions. It shows their cultural and historical importance in the Arabian Peninsula.

Historically, camels have been essential for travel and survival in the region. Photographs from the early 20th century show that animals were the primary means of transportation to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. Pilgrims from Afghanistan, Central Asia, South Asia and even the Far East used camel caravans to reach these cities after long desert journeys.

Centuries-old traditions in the Gulf use camels to cross arid lands. Archaeological research suggests that camel petroglyphs in Saudi Arabia may be among the oldest depictions of animals in the world.

Initial excavations in 2018 showed these engravings to be around 2,000 years old, but further research has suggested they may be 7,000-8,000 years old.

It was difficult to determine the exact age of these carvings because, unlike cave paintings, they lacked organic material. Such rock paintings are rare and shed light on the prehistoric economy of the region and early domestication practices.

These ancient monuments predate even some of the world’s oldest known structures; some are estimated to be older than Egypt’s Giza pyramids. The carvings likely originated in greener areas that once contained lakes and meadows, as opposed to today’s desert landscape.

Scientists believe the carvings may have been used as a meeting point for nomadic tribes. Historians say that camels have been an integral part of life in the Arabian Peninsula for centuries, ensuring survival in harsh desert conditions. It influenced the economy, culture and daily life, and was even referenced by pre-Islamic poets.

Camels were also important in early Islamic history; Hz. Muhammad had a camel named Kasva. Although the role of modern transportation in travel and cargo has diminished, camels continue to hold cultural and historical significance among leaders and citizens.

King Abdulaziz, the founder of modern Saudi Arabia, kept herds of camels, including valuable animals. Today’s leaders, including King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, continue to treasure camels, with prized animals like Al-Sharaf forming part of their private collections.

Often referred to as “desert ships”, the animal can carry up to 400 kilograms of cargo. Before mechanized transportation, trade caravans relied on camels for long journeys across the region, and traders known as Uklaat traded camels to distant countries such as India, Turkey, Morocco and Nigeria. Camels were also used in oil extraction and refining until recent decades.

The animal is classified by color, which ranges from brown to reddish tones, and regions are known for certain characteristics. Camels from Oman and Sudan are known for their speed, while Saudi coastal camels are prized for their milk. Modern Saudi Arabia continues to invest heavily in technology and industry, but is also committed to preserving the historical and cultural significance of camels.

Companies like Sawani invest in the production of camel milk and powder, export to 25 countries, and even produce ice cream from its milk. The Abeel brand produces clothing, handmade bags and shoes from camel wool and leather, which is considered one of the strongest and most durable leathers after crocodile skin.

Under Saudi Arabia’s 2030 Vision, camel-based industries are expected to become an important source of income along with the oil sector. Beyond economic benefits, the animal is a symbol of history, religious tradition and cultural pride, providing Saudi citizens with both profit and a sense of identity.