Camels remain central to heritage and identity in Saudi Arabia’s Najran region
- SAUDI ARABIA BREAKING NEWS
- Dec 25, 2025
- 2 min read
NAJRAN, December 25 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – Camels continue to represent a core element of cultural heritage and identity in Saudi Arabia’s Najran region, reflecting centuries of interaction between people and the natural environment.
Hadi Al Amer, head of the Camel Association in Najran, said camel breeds in the region are diverse, highlighting Al-Awark, one of the ancient Arabian breeds associated with areas where arak trees grow. The breed is characterised by its light colour, sparse hair and high endurance, making it common across southern Arabia.
Al Amer also pointed to Al-Majahim camels, known for their dark colouring ranging from black to brown and valued for milk production and endurance, as well as Al-Asayel camels, which are recognised for their agility and slender build, giving them an advantage in speed.
Dr. Hind bint Daoud Al-Shaqir of the Arabic Language Department at Najran University said camels are a fundamental component of Arab cultural identity. She noted that archaeological sites including Al-Ukhdood, Al-Tharwa Mountain and the Hima Cultural Area document the historic relationship between humans and camels through inscriptions and rock drawings.
Al-Shaqir said the findings illustrate the role camels have played across generations in trade, travel and daily life in the region.
She also highlighted the Kingdom’s continued focus on camels, noting that 2024 was designated as the “Year of the Camel,” underscoring their status as part of national wealth and cultural identity.
Efforts to support camel breeders and owners continue through initiatives such as the establishment of the Camel Club and the organisation of the King Abdulaziz Camel Festival, reinforcing the camel’s role as both a cultural heritage asset and a source of future economic opportunity, she added.
