Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture has approved nationwide rules for camel trading to protect buyers, owners and animal welfare.
The rules cover sales, purchases, leasing and exchanges, with stronger ownership records, commercial documentation, health and biosecurity requirements to improve oversight and support sustainable sector growth.
Saudi Arabia’s new camel trading framework sets out rules for sales, auctions, leasing and exchanges, with a focus on ownership, animal welfare, health and transaction transparency.
Key provisions:
Sales: Contracts must include camel details and price. Sellers must transfer ownership, deliver animals as agreed and disclose their health status and any existing rights.
Buyers: Responsible for payment, collection, veterinary care, examinations, vaccinations, transport and registration.
Auctions: Sick, exhausted or improperly vaccinated camels cannot be displayed or sold. Auction records must include animal, seller, buyer, price and payment details.
Animal welfare: Cruelty and disturbing camels are prohibited, while markets and exhibition areas must provide adequate space and cleanliness.
Leasing: Owners must register with the ministry, while electronic contracts must state the lease period and rental amount. Records must be updated when animal details or locations change.
Exchanges: Electronic contracts must identify the animals and agreed consideration, with ownership, identification and existing rights verified.
Compliance: Health, biosecurity and vaccination requirements are mandatory. Violations can lead to fines, record suspension or referral to authorities.
The ministry also launched the Camel Passport in March 2026, recording ownership, microchip numbers, breed and vaccination history. The initiative aims to improve transaction reliability, veterinary monitoring and livestock planning.
