Prof. Dr. Abdul Raziq Kakar to Speak at MENA Dairy Congress on Camel Milk’s Strategic Role in MENA Food Systems

Dr. Abdul Raziq Kakar holds a doctorate in animal science, with specialized focus on dromedaries as dairy animals, and has more than two decades of practical experience working with camels in livestock systems ranging fr om traditional pastoral communities to modern production facilities. Since 2014, he has served as Technical Manager at Al Ain Farms for Livestock Production, the world’s first commercial camel dairy enterprise, wh ere he has developed and standardised camel dairy practices, including breeding, milking systems, nutrition, welfare and sustainable management.

Dr. Kakar has also founded World Camel Day — celebrated annually on June 22 to highlight the importance of camels in food security, ecosystem balance and climate adaptation — and leads Camel4Life International, a global advocacy network promoting camel milk and sustainable camel dairying worldwide. His work spans scientific research, consultancy, training and policy advocacy, reflecting the breadth of his influence in advancing camel milk as a viable component of resilient food systems.

Camel Dairy as a Strategic Protein Source

At the Congress, Dr. Kakar will focus on how camel milk can transition fr om a traditional, regionally consumed product to a scalable, strategic dairy solution for the MENA region. His presentation will explore:

• The nutritional and ecological advantages of camel milk—notably its resilience under extreme climates and potential as a high-value alternative dairy protein.

• Traditional knowledge and modern production practices that enable sustainable camel dairy operations in arid and semi-arid environments.

• Market opportunities and industry challenges related to scaling camel milk production and integration within broader dairy value chains.

• Strategies for strengthening regional food security through diversified dairy sources less vulnerable to climatic stresses.

Dr. Kakar’s participation underscores the growing relevance of camel dairying in global discussions on sustainable livestock production and food system resilience, particularly in regions wh ere conventional dairy systems face climate-induced pressures.