Camel passports in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia formalises camel ownership with ‘camel passports’ system
Riyadh — Authorities in Saudi Arabia have expanded a nationwide livestock identification programme that issues so-called “camel passports” — official documents that link each camel to a registered owner through a microchip.
The initiative is administered by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, which oversees livestock registration, traceability and veterinary services.
A camel passport is not a travel document like a human passport. Instead, it serves as a formal identification record for an individual animal. Each registered camel receives a unique identification number tied to a microchip, along with basic details such as sex, colour, and ownership information.
Officials say the system is designed to strengthen proof of ownership, reduce disputes and theft, and support animal health monitoring by allowing authorities to trace camels during disease outbreaks. The registration database also helps regulate the sale, transport and participation of camels in shows and competitions, a sector that involves high-value animals and significant commercial activity.
Under the programme, camel owners must register their animals and ensure microchips are fitted before applying for the passport document. Separate veterinary certificates remain required for any international movement of animals.
The move reflects a broader effort by the government to modernise livestock management and bring the country’s traditionally important camel sector under a unified digital registry.
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