Saudi Arabia and camels – isn’t that a well-known combination for everyone?
Yes, the Arabian camel or the dromedary is the National animal of Saudi Arabia.
It is commonly known as camel, Arabian camel or single-hump camel.
The scientific name is Camelus dromedarius and belongs to the family Camelidae.
This famous animal is closely connected to the culture and history of the country and proudly bears the tag of national animal.
Remarkable World of Arabian Camels
These one-humped camels are from the Saudi region and have a long history of being used for different things, like racing and traveling in the desert.
They’re some of the tallest camels around, with males being 2.2 to 3.6 meters tall, and females about 1.7 to 1.9 meters – Wikipedia.
Interestingly, dromedary camels haven’t been found in the wild for almost two thousand years because they were domesticated around 4,000 years ago, maybe in the Arabian Peninsula or Somalia – Cub Creek Science Camp.
In Saudi Arabia, these camels are used for various purposes like transportation, providing meat and milk, and even taking part in camel competitions.
The ‘Ship of the Desert’
Camels are like heavy-duty carriers, and are often called the “ship of the desert.”
Back in the day, when folks traveled on ancient camel caravan routes in southwestern Saudi Arabia toward Makkah and Medina, they moved huge loads of goods and people.
Even today, Arabian families use these animals to transport not just goods but also their children and homes in their yearly migration.
Why is the camel the national animal of Saudi Arabia?
The camel’s status as the national animal of Saudi Arabia is deeply rooted in the country’s geography and historical dependence on these amazing creatures.
Here are some key reasons for its significance:
- Trade and Transportation: Camels have made it possible to connect far-off places and carry both goods and people across the challenging desert terrain. Those old camel caravans, carrying valuable stuff, were like the heartbeat of trade in this area.
- Milk and Meat: Camels can live on very little water and eat desert plants. Plus, they give us nutritious milk and tasty meat that’s full of protein.
- Widespread Presence: While camels are common in various parts of the world, including regions of Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, they hold a distinct significance in Saudi Arabia due to the country’s extensive desert area.
Celebrate these amazing creatures on the 93rd Saudi National Day at the Camel Club event on September 23, 2023.
Final words
Camels aren’t just for carrying stuff or providing food, they’re admired for their beauty and elegance.
In Saudi Arabia, they even have contests where everyone wants to own a stunning camel.
A lot of Saudis feel like camels are kind of like their best buddies and they are lifelines for the people of Saudi Arabia.