Although camel milk constitutes a small percentage, not exceeding 0.4%, of total global milk production, it has emerged as a leading scientific resource in the fields of biotechnology and health innovation. This paradox—the scarcity of production and the immense scientific value—was the central theme of a specialized workshop organized by the King Fahd Medical Research Center at King Abdulaziz University, entitled "Camels at the Crossroads of Health Innovation and Biotechnology." The workshop highlighted the radical shift in perception of these animals, from mere cultural heritage to a strategic scientific asset.
In further exploring the significance of this event, it's worth noting that camels possess a unique immune system that distinguishes them from other mammals. They produce what are known as "nanobodes." These tiny particles are characterized by their small size, high stability, and exceptional ability to penetrate tissues and cells that conventional antibodies cannot reach. These biological properties have opened up vast possibilities for scientists to develop advanced treatments for intractable diseases, including cancer and viral infections, making camels natural "bioreactors" for the production of future medicines.
The workshop, which saw a distinguished attendance of experts, addressed specific themes linking the wealth of the desert to the Kingdom's objectives in food and medicine security. Participants discussed how camels can be a cornerstone in climate change adaptation strategies; while cows consume enormous quantities of water and feed to produce milk, camels offer a model of sustainable production in arid and semi-arid environments, thus enhancing their economic and environmental value in the Middle East and globally.
The scientific sessions featured in-depth discussions led by a distinguished group of academics, including Dr. Thamer Al-Andijani, Dr. Faisal Al-Zahrani, Dr. Sharif Al-Kafrawi, Dr. Hisham Tayeb, Dr. Alaa Khader, and Dr. Ayman Abbas. Their presentations focused on leveraging medical nanotechnology to reshape the concepts of prevention and treatment, as well as studying common viruses and methods of prevention, reflecting the Kingdom's pioneering role in leading research related to camel medicine and its technologies.
This scientific movement gains further momentum with the designation of 2024 as the "Year of the Camel" in Saudi Arabia, an initiative reflecting pride in the cultural and civilizational value of this animal that has accompanied the people of the Arabian Peninsula throughout the ages. Once a means of survival in the harsh desert, the camel has become—thanks to scientific research—a bridge to the future and a source of inspiration in biotechnology laboratories, confirming that tradition and modernity can coexist to serve humanity.
In conclusion, experts confirmed that the market and medical value of camel milk is poised for rapid growth, not only as a functional food rich in benefits, but also as a raw material for advanced pharmaceutical industries, which calls for intensifying investment in research and development to ensure that this national wealth is invested in a way that serves the Kingdom’s ambitious vision of leading the health and technology sectors.
