The History of Camels in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the State’s Role in Supporting the Sector

Camels hold a prestigious place in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as the state devotes great attention to them due to their religious, historical, and cultural significance. They are mentioned in the Holy Qur’an and the Prophetic Sunnah, which reflects their importance in Islamic heritage. Camels also played a vital role in the unification of the Kingdom, accompanying the founding King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud — may he rest in peace — on his journeys, proudly carrying the Saudi flag as a symbol of pride and sovereignty.

Official Interest in Camel Beauty

For nearly thirty years, the Saudi government has shown special interest in the beauty of camels, organizing numerous events and festivals to celebrate this deep-rooted heritage. Among the key figures who contributed significantly to the founding of camel beauty contests are:
• Prince Mishaal bin Abdulaziz
• Prince Sultan bin Mohammed
• Prince Sultan bin Saud

This interest culminated in 2016 with the establishment of the Saudi Camel Club, the first official camel club in the world. The club serves as the main authority responsible for organizing and supporting camel-related events on both national and international levels.

King Abdulaziz Camel Festival

The King Abdulaziz Camel Festival is the largest camel gathering in the world, held annually at the beginning of December and lasting for 30 to 40 days.
The festival is located 120 kilometers northeast of Riyadh, covering an area of approximately 30 million square meters.
It hosts more than 50,000 camels and around 900 participants from Saudi Arabia and abroad.

Prizes and Organization

• The total value of prizes reaches nearly SAR 250 million.
• The King or the Crown Prince attends the closing ceremony to crown the winners.
• The festival is supported by numerous government entities, including:
• The Police
• Civil Defense
• Hospitals and Health Services
• Riyadh Municipality, among others.

Accompanying Activities

• Traditional markets that cater to the needs of visitors and tourists.
• Camps and cultural celebrations organized by tribes and participants, including Saudi Ardah (sword dance) and folk performances.
• Open participation for camels of all ages, from six-month-old calves to the oldest females.
• Multiple rounds and competitions, based on categories such as beauty, color, and age, highlighting the diversity of local standards and tastes.


Camel Colors in Saudi Arabia

Camels in Saudi Arabia are classified into six primary colors, which are among the key criteria for judging beauty in festivals. These colors add a cultural and aesthetic dimension to the events and enhance awareness of the diversity within camel breeds.


Camels: A Living Heritage and Economic Resource

Thanks to official support and professional organization, camels have become a central element of Saudi national identity and an important economic asset.
Some camels are valued at millions of riyals, turning the camel sector into a field that merges investment potential with cultural preservation.
This development aligns with the Kingdom’s vision of sustainable growth, connecting the past with the present and future.
Three years ago, I personally founded the “World of Camels” platform on social media.
This platform serves the global camel sector and is presented in five languages: Arabic, English, French, Hindi, and Chinese, with the aim of sharing knowledge and supporting the camel industry around the world.

Every Wednesday, we host a guest on Platform X (formerly Twitter) — featuring camel farmers, veterinarians, camel product manufacturers, or camel owners from various countries — to highlight their experiences and insights.

We also attend several international camel festivals, and we are always happy to welcome visitors and enthusiasts who are interested in exploring and learning more about this rich and dynamic sector.