RIYADH – Saudi Arabia has introduced official passports for its 2.2 million camels to regulate trade and verify ownership. The green, gold-stamped document aims to modernize a sector deeply rooted in the kingdom’s heritage.
Why the Change?
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Ownership & Trade: Linked to a microchip, the passport simplifies transport and protects the rights of over 80,000 owners.
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Health & Safety: Includes a certified vaccination table to track immunizations and veterinary history.
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Fair Play: Helps prevent fraud in high-stakes camel beauty contests, where owners have previously been caught using illegal cosmetic procedures like Botox to win prize money.
What’s Inside?
The document acts as a “comprehensive ID,” featuring the camel’s name, breed, color, and dual-sided photographs.
This move follows a 2024 census and reflects the camel’s evolving role from an ancient desert essential to a luxury asset in a thriving breeding industry.
