Sanam Game: A qualitative leap for Saudi camel heritage towards global recognition
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia continues to strengthen its global leadership in the care and development of the camel sector, moving beyond traditional methods to blend the authenticity of its heritage with modern technology. In an unprecedented move, the Camel Club launched a unique initiative that brought this rich heritage from the desert sands to the digital realm through the “Sanam” platform, the first interactive digital space for camel enthusiasts. This reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to achieving the goals of Vision 2030 in strengthening national identity and developing the digital economy.
Historical depth and authentic cultural heritage
Camels hold a special place in the hearts of Saudi and Arab societies. They are the "ships of the desert" and companions to humankind throughout history. Interest in camels is no longer limited to traditional care; thanks to government support, they have transformed into a comprehensive industry and international festivals, most notably the King Abdulaziz Camel Festival, the largest of its kind in the world. Recent developments aim to solidify this heritage for new generations in a modern language they understand: the language of video games and digital interaction.
“Sanam”... a realistic simulation released for digital stores
The game “Sanam” offers users a unique experience, allowing them to build their own camel herd, choose camel colors, appoint a camel herder, and embark on a journey filled with tasks and challenges that simulate the reality of camel ownership. The game achieved phenomenal success, attracting over 600,000 players in just 40 days and topping the charts on both Apple and Android app stores throughout the competition. This overwhelming popularity confirms the success of the “edutainment” strategy, as the game delivers valuable information about camel breeding, camel types, and care methods in an engaging and competitive format.
Million-dollar prizes and a private island for the winner
At the conclusion of the third edition of the "Sanam" platform competition, which ran for over 30 days in conjunction with the King Abdulaziz Camel Festival, Sheikh Fahd bin Falah bin Hathleen, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Camel Club, crowned Ibrahim Al-Muhaidib the winner after he achieved the highest score. Al-Muhaidib received an exceptional package of prizes, including a camel saddle, a private island, and the honor of meeting the event's patron. The prizes were not limited to the first-place winner; his team and the other top ten finishers also received cash prizes totaling 5 million riyals.
A promising future for the gaming and heritage sector
Sanam embodies the Kingdom's ambition to lead the electronic games sector and create a stimulating environment for innovators, while preserving cultural identity. Through these initiatives, the Camel Club seeks to raise awareness of the Kingdom's heritage, develop the camel economy, and promote digital transformation, making this sector a vital contributor to the national economy and a bridge connecting the rich past with a bright digital future.
