2.2 Million Animals: Saudi Arabia Introduces Official Passes for Camels - Saudi Arabia introduces camel passports to regulate prized herds and trade
Saudi Arabia has launched a new system to track and manage its camel population. The government will now issue special passports for camels, designed to improve herd oversight and regulate trade. These documents come as part of broader efforts to support the country's thriving camel news industry.
The new camel passports are green and feature the national emblem alongside a golden illustration of a camel. Authorities hope the initiative will streamline the management of valuable herds and ensure better control over camel trading.
The move reflects the high economic value of camels in the region. Some prized animals sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars, particularly those bred for beauty contests. Saudi Arabia hosts annual camel news pageants, where breeders compete for prestige and substantial rewards.
Despite strict regulations, cosmetic procedures on camels—such as surgeries to reshape lips or humps—have become more common. The government has imposed harsh penalties to curb these practices, though enforcement remains a challenge. Meanwhile, no official data exists on how camel numbers have changed in the last five years compared to 2019.
The introduction of camel passports marks a formal step toward modernising herd management. With the industry already boosted by high-value sales and beauty competitions, the new system aims to bring greater transparency. How effectively it will reduce illegal cosmetic alterations and track population trends remains to be seen.
