RIYADH — In Saudi Arabia, camels are far more than livestock. They are cultural markers, economic contributors, and living symbols of a history shaped by desert life. For visitors seeking to understand the Kingdom beyond its skylines and mega-projects, camels offer one of the most direct entry points into Saudi identity. From survival to modern lifestyles For centuries, camels were essential to survival across Arabia's harsh landscapes. According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), camel milk served as a staple food for desert communities during both settlement and travel, valued for its nutritional richness. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has since recognized camel milk as a healthy and globally suitable food, underlining its relevance well beyond desert contexts. Today, that legacy has evolved into a modern industry. Saudi dairy brand Sawani & Noug, affiliated with the Public Investment Fund, has expanded camel milk into products such as ice cream and misk-infused drinks, turning a survival resource into a contemporary lifestyle offering. Global recognition of camel culture Camels have also gained growing international recognition. The United Nations has designated June 22 as World Camel Day and named 2024 the International Year of Camelids, highlighting their role in food security and cultural heritage worldwide. Saudi Arabia has been an active participant in these efforts, reinforcing camels as a central element of its civilizational identity, according to SPA. Economic weight in modern Saudi Arabia The numbers illustrate the sector's continued importance. The Ministry of Culture (MOC) estimates that Saudi Arabia is home to over 2.1 million camels, 1.8 million of which are owned by more than 80,000 individuals. The camel sector contributes approximately SR50 billion annually to the national economy. High-profile auctions, particularly in regions such as Hail, have seen rare breeds sell for more than SR11 million, demonstrating how camels remain economically valuable while retaining their cultural prestige. In addition, the Kingdom has invested over SR1 billion in camel research, breeding, and production, reflecting a long-term commitment to the sector. Festivals, beauty contests, and racing For visitors, camel festivals provide one of the most immersive cultural experiences. The King Abdulaziz Camel Festival combines heritage, competition, and entertainment on a massive scale. Camel beauty contests — officially known since 2000 as the King Abdulaziz Mazayen al-Ibl Award — judge animals based on established aesthetic standards, while racing events are held on dedicated tracks. According to SPA, one edition of the Crown Prince Camel Festival entered the Guinness World Records with 21,637 camels participating, underscoring the scale of these gatherings. Regions such as Tabuk also play a role in preserving camel traditions. A camel field established in 1407 AH hosts seasonal races and celebrations, housing more than 900 stables and over 10,000 camels raised for racing and breeding. By 2024, camel festivals have increased to four: The King Abdulaziz Camel Festival, the King Salman Camel Racing Festival, the Crown Prince Camel Festival, and the Janadriyah Festival. Faith, history, and symbolism Camels hold a deep place in Islamic and Saudi history. The Prophet Muhammad's camel, Al-Qaswa, rested on the site in Madinah where Al-Masjid Al-Nabawi was later built, making the animal part of one of Islam's most sacred narratives. Historian and columnist Dr. Bader bin Saud has written that King Abdulaziz maintained a renowned group of camels known as Al-Raimat, including his favored she-camel Al-Duwaila. Poets such as Al-A'sha immortalized camels in verse, and the unification of Saudi Arabia itself unfolded over decades of travel conducted on camelback. Historically known as the "ships of the desert," camels carried up to 400 kilograms of goods along ancient trade routes, including the Silk Road, transporting spices and silk across vast distances. Health, science, and preservation Scientific attention to camels continues today. The International Camel Organization, based in Riyadh, focuses on genome research and improved camel care. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia's National Center for the Prevention and Control of Plant Pests and Animal Diseases (WEQAA) conducts extensive testing at festivals to prevent disease outbreaks and protect herd health. Communication skills and intelligence According to SPA, camel sounds serve as an instinctive and meaningful communication system. From rumbling and groaning to bellows that vary by age, sex, and environment, each vocalization reflects their physical and psychological states. Over centuries, these sounds evolved into a language understood by herders, symbolizing the deep bond between the Arab people and camels. Beyond vocalizations, camels also demonstrate notable cognitive abilities, with recent scientific research showing substantial individual variation in cognitive performance—including memory, perseverance, and social intelligence. Today, the Kingdom is making efforts to preserve the camels' communication skills as part of cultural heritage and scientific interest. Quick facts visitors often don't know * Individual camels can be identified by the unique shape of their hooves and footprints. * They can fully close their nostrils during sandstorms and have double rows of eyelashes for eye protection. * Camels can reach speeds of up to 64 kph. * Arabic has more than 160 words for camel. * Their life spans are between 25 and 30 years. * Camels' coats range from black, beige, reddish-brown, grey, and white. * Their sense of smell allows them to detect water from great distances. * In the early days of Saudi Arabia's oil industry, camels carried engineers and journalists to remote sites. A living experience, not a relic For visitors, encountering camels in Saudi Arabia is not a novelty but a living narrative. From racing tracks and beauty festivals to desert landscapes and modern dairy products, camels tell the story of how the Kingdom's past continues to shape its present. Experiencing camel culture — whether through festivals, heritage sites, or even a scoop of camel milk ice cream — offers visitors a deeper understanding of Saudi Arabia's identity, history, and enduring connection to the land.
