RIYADH: In a significant move aimed at modernizing and regulating the camel industry, Saudi Arabia has launched the ‘Camel Passport Project,’ a new initiative to issue official identification documents for camels.
The government describes this as a “strategic step” to enhance sector oversight and bolster the kingdom’s credibility in both local and global markets.
The project was officially inaugurated by Deputy Minister Mansour bin Hilal Al-Mushaiti during an event on Tuesday evening, according to a statement from the Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture.
Designed to bring order to the camel industry, the passport aims to accurately record each animal’s identity, ownership details, and breed information, thereby improving service delivery and reinforcing trust within the marketplace. The initiative also seeks to link camels’ data with verified health and regulatory records, making the passport a reliable reference point for stakeholders.
The comprehensive identification document includes a microchip number, passport number, camel’s name, date of birth, breed, sex, color, birthplace, and details of issuance. Photographs from both sides of the animal will be incorporated to ensure precise identification. Additionally, the passport features a vaccination section that documents veterinary immunizations, authenticated with the veterinarian’s signature, stamp, and official details.
This new identification system is expected to regulate the trade and movement of camels more effectively by tightening controls over sales, transportation, and official documentation processes.
As of June 2025, the Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture reported a total camel population of over 2.23 million. The kingdom is recognized as one of the top camel-owning countries globally, with an estimated 80,000 owners, according to unofficial estimates.
