Saudi Arabia Approves New Camel Trading Regulations

Saudi Arabia has approved new nationwide regulations governing the trade of camels, in a move aimed at protecting buyers and improving animal welfare. The rules were approved on 28 September 2026 and cover the sale, purchase, rental, exchange, marketing, exhibition, and auctioning of camels across the Kingdom, applying to both individuals and companies.

Under the new framework, sales contracts must clearly identify the camels involved, state the agreed price, meet legal validity requirements, and document the transfer of ownership through approved electronic procedures. Auction records must include full details of the camel, the seller and buyer, the price, and the payment method.

The regulations set out clear responsibilities for buyers, who are now accountable for payment, collection, veterinary examinations, treatment, vaccinations, transport, registration, and the renewal of identification chips or numbers, unless a contract states otherwise. Transporting camels requires prior approval from the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, and unauthorized transport is subject to fines under the Agriculture Law and its implementing regulations.

Welfare and rental rules

Camel markets, exhibitions, and auctions must now provide suitable space, maintain cleanliness, and prohibit provoking, disturbing, or mistreating the animals. Reports of animal abuse or cruelty can be submitted through the ministry's approved reporting channels.

For rentals, owners must be registered with the ministry and hold an active primary camel record. Rental contracts must be documented electronically and specify the usage period and rental value. Camel records must be updated whenever ownership, identifying details, or location change, and rented camels must return to the owner's primary record once the contract ends.

The new regulations bring greater transparency and accountability to a sector deeply rooted in Saudi heritage, offering clearer protections for buyers while reinforcing standards for the care and welfare of camels nationwide.

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