Year of the Camel 2024

Year of the Camel 2024 is a year during which the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia celebrates camels by organizing various local and international events and activities. This designation followed the approval of the Council of Ministers, chaired by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. This designation reflects the cultural and civilizational significance of camels in the Kingdom, acknowledging their deep-rooted connection as a genuine cultural heritage and an essential component of the country's civilizational development.

The Ministry of Culture celebrated the Council of Ministers' approval of naming 2024 as the 'Year of the Camel' by highlighting the cultural value of camels in the lives of the people of the Arabian Peninsula. Through events and activities, the ministry aims to emphasize the camel's cultural significance and reinforce its presence locally and internationally, affirming it as an authentic cultural heritage and a fundamental element of civilizational development.

Throughout the Year of the Camel 2024, the Ministry of Culture focused on showcasing the camel's value and its connection to Saudi identity through a series of programs, activities, and initiatives. These were carried out by the ministry in collaboration with various partners to support national efforts in developing the camel sector.

To promote the Year of the Camel 2024 initiative, the Ministry of Culture and the Camel Club in the Kingdom participated in the 'Camel Parade' held in the French capital, Paris, in 2024. Organized by the French Federation for the Development of Camelids in France and Europe, this event celebrated the United Nations' designation of 2024 as the 'International Year of Camelids' under the umbrella of the International Camel Organization. The parade featured participation from international organizations and associations related to camels, government representatives, camel breeders, and enthusiasts.

The parade journeyed through the streets of Paris, passing by historic landmarks, and included participants from over thirty countries showcasing more than fifty camels. Performers presented traditional arts from their respective countries. Additionally, dialogue sessions were held to exchange camel heritage and global cultural aspects, emphasizing each country's contribution to the International Year of Camelids 2024.

The Kingdom has placed significant emphasis on camels due to their importance in Arab culture and their mention in the Holy Quran. This focus is evident in the care and adoption of camels, as well as through numerous camel races, such as the King Abdulaziz Camel Festival and the Crown Prince Camel Festival.

The Kingdom has established a Camel Club and included images of camel herds in the official Saudi passport to emphasize their cultural heritage. The Council of Ministers also approved the charter of the International Camel Organization, culminating in the designation of 2024 as the 'Year of the Camel.' Historically, camels have been known by various names based on their colors, including al-Majaheem, al-Maghateer, al-Shaqar, al-Shaqah, al-Safar, and al-Sha'al.