Saudi Arabia moves to formalise camel ownership

Saudi Arabia has begun rolling out a nationwide system of identification documents for camels, a move officials say will modernise the management of an animal that sits at the centre of the Kingdom’s economy, culture and food security. The programme, often described as a “camel passport” scheme, is designed to register millions of animals, record ownership details and track health status, creating what authorities describe as a comprehensive national database.

The initiative is being implemented under the supervision of agencies linked to livestock regulation and veterinary services, with the aim of bringing greater order to a sector that has expanded rapidly over the past decade. Camels play a vital role in meat and milk production, racing, breeding and tourism, and are deeply embedded in heritage events and festivals. Officials say the absence of a unified identification system has made it difficult to resolve ownership disputes, monitor animal movement or respond swiftly to disease outbreaks.

Under the scheme, each camel is issued a unique identification number linked to its owner, breed, age and vaccination history. The details are stored digitally and can be updated as animals are sold, transferred or moved across regions. Authorities say this will also help curb theft, a persistent problem in some pastoral areas, and reduce fraud linked to racing and breeding competitions where lineage and ownership carry high financial stakes.

The move forms part of broader agricultural and digital governance reforms being pursued by Saudi Arabia as it seeks to diversify its economy and strengthen food systems. Livestock officials argue that accurate data is essential for planning imports, managing grazing pressure and ensuring compliance with animal welfare standards. Camel numbers in the Kingdom are estimated to run into the millions, making them one of the largest camel populations globally.

Veterinary authorities say the passport system will also support disease control by allowing faster tracing of animals during outbreaks. Camels have been at the centre of international health discussions in the past, particularly around zoonotic diseases, and regulators see traceability as critical to protecting both public health and export credibility. Digital records are expected to simplify vaccination campaigns and routine health checks, especially in remote desert regions.

For breeders and traders, the programme introduces a formal layer of documentation that mirrors systems already common in the cattle and horse industries elsewhere. Large-scale breeders have broadly welcomed the move, saying it will professionalise the sector and increase confidence among buyers, insurers and financiers. Some have compared the system to stud books used in thoroughbred racing, noting that verified records can significantly raise an animal’s market value.

Smaller herders, however, have expressed concerns about access and compliance. Many operate in remote areas with limited digital connectivity, and there are questions about how registration will be enforced without disrupting traditional grazing patterns. Officials have said mobile registration units and local veterinary centres will be used to reach pastoral communities, and that penalties will focus initially on education rather than fines.

The camel passport scheme also aligns with the Kingdom’s growing investment in camel-related industries. Camel milk products are being marketed more aggressively at home and abroad, while racing and beauty contests attract significant sponsorship and international attention. Accurate identification is seen as essential to maintaining integrity in these high-profile events, where prize money and breeding rights can reach substantial sums.