Najran Camels Spotlight: A Living Heritage And Cultural Symbol

Camels in Najran are gaining renewed national attention, as Saudi Arabia names 2024 the "Year of the Camel," underlining their value as cultural symbols, economic assets, and vital livestock that continue to connect local communities with long-standing desert traditions.

This national focus supports ongoing programmes that assist breeders and owners, including the Camel Club and the King Abdulaziz Camel Festival, which highlight camels in Najran as part of Saudi heritage while also presenting future economic opportunities through trade, tourism, and related services.

In Najran Region, camels represent a long history of interaction between people and harsh desert environments, serving as transport, food sources, and social assets, and becoming a key marker of identity and collective memory for residents across generations.

Dr. Hind bint Daoud Al-Shaqir from the Arabic Language Department at Najran University said that camels are an essential component of Arab cultural identity, linking daily life, poetry, and collective values, especially in regions where desert routes once shaped trade and movement.

Dr. Hind bint Daoud Al-Shaqir noted that archaeological sites such as Al-Ukhdood, Al-Tharwa Mountain, and the Hima area record the human–camel relationship, with ancient inscriptions and drawings showing how camels supported culture, trade, and long-distance travel over many centuries.

These sites indicate that communities in Najran depended on camels not only for economic survival but also for communication between regions, as caravans moved through mountain passes and valleys, turning camels into symbols of resilience and shared regional history.

Head of the Camel Association in Najran, Hadi Al Amer, explained that camel breeds in Najran are diverse, including "Al-Awark," an old Arabian breed linked to areas where arak trees grow, known for a light coat, little hair, and strong endurance.

Hadi Al Amer added that "Al-Majahim," with a dark colour that ranges from black to brown, is regarded as one of the best breeds for milk production and stamina, while "Al-Asayel" camels have a slim, agile build that gives them notable speed advantages in movement.

Through this mix of official recognition, archaeological evidence, and active breeding traditions, camels in Najran remain central to local identity and Saudi cultural heritage, while also offering ongoing economic prospects that support breeders, festivals, and rural communities across the region.

With inputs from SPA