Saudi Camels Get Official Passports for Tracking and Trade

In a unique fusion of tradition and modern administration, Saudi Arabia has launched an official passport program for its national camel herds. The kingdom will issue the documents to help manage and track its estimated 2.2 million camels, a vital part of its cultural heritage and a significant economic asset.
The initiative, announced by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, aims to create a reliable national database. The green passport, featuring the state emblem and a golden camel image, is designed to organize sales and trading, ensure official documentation, and protect owners’ rights by facilitating clear proof of ownership.

More Than Just a Document: A Cultural Keystone

For millennia, camels have been essential to life on the Arabian Peninsula, serving as a primary mode of transport and a symbol of status. Today, they are at the heart of a lucrative industry that includes high-value breeding and even competitive beauty contests. The passport system modernizes the management of these prized herds, bringing efficiency and formal structure to a deeply traditional sector.
The move also addresses issues within the competitive camel scene, where organizers have previously cracked down on illegal cosmetic enhancements aimed at gaining an advantage in contests. By implementing traceable official documentation, the government reinforces standards and fair practice.
This innovative step positions Saudi Arabia at the intersection of preserving its rich cultural identity and adopting forward-looking governance tools to steward a key national resource.