Saudi Arabia has unveiled a new initiative to issue passports to its numerous camels in a bid to enhance the management of the country’s valued camel herds. The Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture has outlined that the move aims to boost productivity and efficiency within the sector while establishing a reliable database for camels.
A recent social media post by the ministry showcased the unique green passports featuring the kingdom’s coat of arms and a striking image of a camel. The official statement highlighted that these passports will play a key role in organizing sales and trading activities by regulating commerce and transportation, ensuring proper documentation, safeguarding owners’ rights, and simplifying proof of ownership, as reported by state-backed broadcaster Al Ekhbariya.
As of 2024, the government has estimated the camel population in the kingdom to be approximately 2.2 million. Camels have historically served as a crucial mode of transport in Arabia, symbolizing prestige for their owners and fueling a thriving breeding industry.
Moreover, Saudi Arabia is renowned for hosting camel beauty contests at annual festivals, where enthusiasts invest significant sums in animal participants. To maintain fairness, organizers have intensified efforts to clamp down on illicit practices such as cosmetic enhancements, which have persisted due to fierce competition despite stringent penalties.
Authorities particularly disapprove of methods that alter the camels’ natural appearance, such as making their lips droopier or humps more aesthetically pleasing. Camels have played an integral role in Arabian life for thousands of years, with recent research indicating that life-sized carvings of camels and horses found in Saudi Arabia could date back around 7,000 years.
