Saudi Arabia declares 2024 as the official “Year of Camels”

Cairo: Saudi Arabia has officially declared 2024 as the Year of Camels, showcasing a heightened interest in preserving national and Arabian heritage.

Camels, deeply intertwined with Saudi Arabia’s heritage, hold immense cultural significance as the iconic “ship of the desert,” serving as a vital resource for desert inhabitants.

The decision to designate this year was made during a meeting of the Saudi Council of Ministers led by King Salman bin Abdul Aziz on Tuesday.

The move received acclaim from Saudi Minister of Culture Badr bin Abdullah, highlighting its acknowledgment of the camel’s profound cultural value within Arabian life.

Under the oversight of the Ministry of Culture, the Year of Camels will feature various events aimed at emphasizing the value of these animals and their association with Saudi identity. These initiatives, conducted in collaboration with partners, aim to advance the camel sector by consolidating national efforts.

Saudi Arabia has experienced significant growth in the camel industry in recent years, with approximately 1.8 million camels valued at over SR50 billion in the kingdom, as per official statistics.

Annually, the kingdom hosts the renowned King Abdulaziz Camel Festival, among the world’s largest in its domain. The ongoing eighth edition, situated northeast of Riyadh, has evolved into a major cultural, tourist, and economic event, attracting enthusiasts from the region and worldwide. This year’s festival runs until mid-January.