Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
This year’s World Camel Day, observed every June 22, comes on the back of a global first. In February, the UAE secured approval for the first international standard for pasteurised camel milk, turning the world's spotlight on what was once known as a regional product.
"What the UAE did was take something the region has always known and give it the structure, the science, and the quality the rest of the world can rely on," said Hassan Safi, Group CEO of Al Ain Farms Group, one of the country's largest camel milk producers.
The initiative established a unified framework for quality and safety that's expected to support the industry's growth well beyond the region.
The numbers behind this growth are striking for an animal still associated, in much of the world, with desert postcards rather than dairy products.
The global camel milk market was valued at $1.37 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $1.93 billion by 2033, driven by rising demand for functional foods and alternative dairy in Europe, North America and Southeast Asia. The UAE already produces more than 7,000 tonnes of camel milk annually, exporting to markets including the EU, US and China.
"Camel milk has been part of life in this region for centuries and remains an important part of the UAE's agricultural heritage," Safi said. "What has changed is the growing scientific understanding of its nutritional profile, as well as the increasing interest from consumers around the world."
Health Benefits
Beyond the increasing commercial interest in camel milk is a growing understanding of its health benefits. A study led by Dr Mohammed Ayoub — conducted during his time at UAE University (UAEU) in conjunction with the Zayed Centre for Health Sciences and the Department of Food Science at UAEU — examined how bioactive peptides in camel milk interact with human insulin receptors, pointing to a possible role in supporting diabetes management and glucose regulation.
Marah Odeh, a registered clinical dietitian and gut health expert, said camel milk's appeal goes beyond any single finding. “It is one of those traditional foods that has been consumed for centuries, yet we are still uncovering more exciting research about its potential role in supporting gut health and overall wellbeing today," she said.
Odeh added that camel milk is naturally lower in lactose than cow's milk, which many people find easier to digest.
Its meat tells a similar story of an old staple finding new markets. "Camel meat is among the best meats in terms of quality and health benefits," said camel breeder and owner Saud Ali Al Wahaibi.
Highlighting an expanding pool of buyers beyond the region, Al Wahaibi said: "We are seeing growing interest in camels in countries such as the United States and Australia, particularly for meat and milk production. We hope to see even greater attention given to this animal in the future."
Al Wahaibi attributed the recent developments in the camel sector to the UAE leadership’s strong support for camel owners and breeders — “from veterinary services to feed and healthcare programmes”. The UAE, he added, has become a regional leader in developing the industry.
From Bedouin Tradition to Cultural Diplomacy
If milk and meat represent the industry's food security backbone, racing remains its most visible cultural symbol, and this, too, has been reshaped by the same mix of science and structure.
Dr Mahmoud Moussa, Head of the Veterinary Department at the Emirates Smart Camel Center in Umm Al Quwain, said the sport has moved well beyond its origins.
"Camel racing in the UAE has transformed from a traditional gathering of Bedouin people on special occasions into a comprehensive and sustainable economic and cultural sector," he said.
Specialised federations and organising committees now regulate the sport, supporting owners, trainers, breeders and related industries, while the centre works with federal and local authorities on breeding programmes, genetic research, anti-doping laboratories and youth racing events.
"Camel events are among the most important tools of the UAE's cultural diplomacy," Dr Moussa said, pointing to festivals and tourism activity that have carried camel culture to international audiences.
He added that artificial intelligence and scientific innovation are now part of how the sector trains and develops its animals, proof that development can strengthen, rather than replace, traditional roots.
Passing Down an Identity
Beyond racing tracks and export markets, breeders say the most important thing camels carry forward is generational. These “ships of the desert”, they said, remain central to the country’s sense of identity.
For Noura Khalifa Al Jabri, a breeder from Al Ain, the camel’s role in culture extends to what they teach the people who raise them. "Camel breeding helps instil values such as patience, endurance and pride in national identity," she said.
It's a continuity that Dr Moussa sees in the sport itself. Camel racing, he said, "supports national identity through legislation, economic opportunities and the preservation of heritage”.
Al Jabri’s message for World Camel Day is simple: to protect camels and preserve their role "as a symbol of heritage, sustainability and food security for future generations”.
