RIYADH, Feb 6: Saudi Arabia has announced plans to issue official passports for camels, a move aimed at strengthening regulation and oversight of one of the kingdom’s most culturally and economically significant assets.

In a statement issued this week, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture said the initiative would improve monitoring of camel ownership and enhance productivity and efficiency in the sector by establishing a centralised, reliable database.

State-backed broadcaster Al Ekhbariya reported that the passport will be used to regulate the sale, transport and trade of camels, while also protecting owners’ rights and simplifying proof of ownership.

Government estimates put Saudi Arabia’s camel population at around 2.2 million, based on figures released in 2024. Once essential for transport and survival in the desert, camels remain deeply embedded in Saudi society and are widely regarded as symbols of heritage, status and wealth.

In recent years, the animals have also become central to a growing commercial breeding and competition industry, particularly at major annual events such as the King Abdulaziz Camel Festival, where prize-winning camels can command prices running into hundreds of thousands of dollars.

The rising financial stakes have led authorities to tighten regulation, especially following repeated scandals involving the cosmetic manipulation of camels entered into beauty competitions. Organisers have banned practices such as injections and fillers used to enhance physical features, with violations resulting in fines and disqualification.

Officials said the new passport system forms part of a broader effort to modernise agricultural governance while safeguarding traditional industries, replacing informal practices with documentation, data and traceability.