Launch of camel passport in Saudi Arabia: Regulating the sector and preserving rights
In a strategic move aimed at transforming the livestock sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Deputy Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Engineer Mansour bin Hilal Al-Mashiti, launched the “Camel Passport” project. This ambitious project is part of the Ministry’s efforts to regulate this vital sector, document camel identities, and enhance the efficiency of services provided to owners and investors, in line with the objectives of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.
The importance of camels: from folklore to the formal economy
Camels hold a special place in the hearts of Saudi society. They are not merely livestock, but represent a deep-rooted cultural and historical heritage intertwined with the lives of ancestors. In recent years, the Kingdom has witnessed a growing interest in this sector, exemplified by the establishment of the Camel Club and the organization of international festivals such as the King Abdulaziz Camel Festival. The launch of the “Camel Passport” today crowns these efforts, transforming the sector from traditional practices into a structured, institutionalized system based on digital data and official documentation. This further solidifies the Kingdom’s position as a leading global authority in camel care and management.
What is a camel passport and what does it include?
The Ministry, represented by the National Livestock and Fisheries Development Program, explained that the new passport is a comprehensive identification document and an officially recognized reference. The project aims to build an accurate database that includes:
- Basic data: Electronic chip number, passport number, name of the animal, gender, and date and place of birth.
- Photographic documentation: Recent photographs of the animal from both the right and left sides to ensure accurate identification.
- Breed and color: Accurate documentation of breed (lineage) and color, which preserves rights and prevents manipulation.
Health record and veterinary control
The passport serves more than just an identification card; it acts as a comprehensive health record. It includes a schedule of immunizations and vaccinations, documented and stamped by a certified veterinarian. This step will effectively contribute to:
- Improving the efficiency of veterinary follow-up.
- Controlling and responding quickly to epidemic diseases.
- Ensuring the safety of the national camel herd and promoting public health.
Economic impact and market regulation
Economically, camel passports will play a pivotal role in regulating buying and selling in local and international markets. By documenting ownership, lineage, and health status, transactions will be freed from haphazardness, protecting the rights of both buyers and sellers and fostering trust among traders. This documentation will also support the market value of camels, as pricing will be based on documented and transparent data, thus increasing transparency in major auctions.
Supporting strategic planning and breed improvement
This project is a cornerstone of the Ministry's future plans, as it will provide a vast database enabling specialists to analyze genetic performance and support selection programs to improve local breeds. This data will also facilitate the more efficient distribution of livestock resources and veterinary services across the Kingdom's various regions, ensuring the sustainability and development of this sector for future generations.
