Saudi Ministry Approves New Rules for Camel Sales & Auctions

The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture has approved new regulations governing camel trading across Saudi Arabia, covering sales, purchases, rentals, exchanges and auctions. The framework introduces standardised requirements for ownership records, contracts, health checks and commercial transactions.

Under the new rules, camel sales must include valid contracts, clear animal identification and agreed prices. Sellers are required to complete ownership transfers, disclose health conditions and deliver animals as agreed, while buyers are responsible for payment, registration, vaccinations, examinations and transport requirements. Temporary auctions must also follow approved ownership-transfer procedures, and camels showing signs of illness or stress, or those without completed vaccination programmes, cannot be offered for sale.

The regulations also set welfare requirements for camel markets, exhibitions and auctions, including rules against provoking or disturbing animals and requirements to keep display areas clean. Transporting camels without ministry approval is considered a violation and may result in fines under the Agriculture Law.

Camel rentals must be electronically documented, with owners registered through the ministry and holding an active primary camel registry. Contracts must state the rental period and value, and records must be updated when animals change location or ownership status. Exchanges are also subject to electronic documentation and verification of ownership, identification and registration details.

Violations can lead to suspended registrations, penalties under the Agriculture Law and, in applicable cases, suspension or recovery of government support.