Saudi Arabia to Introduce Passports for Camels

Saudi Arabia has announced plans to issue official passports for camels as part of efforts to improve the management and regulation of the kingdom’s extensive camel population.

The initiative was disclosed by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, which said the programme will help organise the sector, enhance productivity and create a comprehensive national database for camels.

Images released by the ministry show a green, passport-like document carrying Saudi Arabia’s coat of arms and a camel emblem, designed to serve as a formal identification record for each animal

Authorities explained that the passports will regulate camel trading and transportation by providing verifiable documentation, protecting ownership rights and reducing disputes within the livestock market.

The system is also expected to strengthen oversight of commercial activities linked to camel breeding, sales and movement across different regions of the kingdom.

Saudi Arabia is estimated to have about 2.2 million camels, animals that play a significant role in the country’s cultural heritage and agricultural economy.

Beyond their traditional use for transportation, camels feature prominently in breeding programmes and beauty festivals, where authorities have recently intensified enforcement against illegal cosmetic enhancements to preserve natural standards.