Saudi Arabia launches camel passport to document identity and regulate the sector
In a strategic move aimed at transforming the livestock sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, His Excellency the Deputy Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture, Engineer Mansour bin Hilal Al-Mashiti, launched the “Camel Passport” project today. This initiative is part of the Ministry’s ongoing 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, which places particular emphasis on cultural and economic heritage.
The historical context and cultural significance of camels:
Camels hold a firmly established place in the hearts of Saudi society and the history of the Arabian Peninsula, where they have always been a symbol of authenticity and a companion to the Arab people in their daily lives and travels. This organizational step comes as a culmination of the growing attention given to this heritage by the wise leadership, which was manifested in naming 2024 the “Year of the Camel,” establishing the Camel Club, and organizing the King Abdulaziz Camel Festival. The camel passport project is a modern step towards integrating this rich heritage with the latest digital technologies to ensure its sustainability and protection.
the project's details and strategic objectives
, stating that it aims to provide unified digital and regulatory tools. The passport seeks to accurately document camel data, ownership, and breeds, linking them to verified health and regulatory information. This passport will serve as an official and accredited reference, contributing to increased reliability in market transactions and enabling effective and rapid veterinary and regulatory responses.
The camel passport
is a comprehensive and accurate identification document containing detailed information including:
– The electronic chip number and passport number.
– The animal's name, date and place of birth, sex, and color.
– Breed documentation and the date and issuing authority.
– Photographs of the animal from both the right and left sides to ensure accurate identification.
The passport also includes a vaccination schedule, detailing the veterinary vaccination record, signed and stamped by the veterinarian, thus establishing a reliable health file for each camel.
is expected
to have a broad positive impact at both the local and regional levels. Economically, the passport will enhance the market value of camels by pricing them based on accurate and documented data, including health status and lineage, thus increasing transparency in local and international auctions and markets. It will also protect owners' rights, regulate sales and transfers, and reduce ownership disputes.
On the health and environmental front, the passport will enable relevant authorities to accurately monitor epidemic diseases and ensure rapid veterinary intervention when needed, thus enhancing biosecurity in the Kingdom. Furthermore, the project will provide a vast database to support plans for improving local breeds, genetic selection programs, and the efficient distribution of livestock resources across the Kingdom's regions.
