Why Does Saudi Arabia Import Camels from Australia?

In the seemingly paradoxical world of international trade, Saudi Arabia’s import of camels from Australia is a compelling case of economic and practical decision-making.

While Saudi Arabia is synonymous with camels, the reasons behind importing these animals from a continent known more for its kangaroos than camels are multifaceted.((https://htschool.hindustantimes.com/editorsdesk/knowledge-vine/saudi-arabia-has-to-import-sand-and-camels-heres-why))

Here are the key factors:

1. Meat Production: One of the main reasons for importing camels from Australia is for meat. Australia has a large population of feral camels, descendants of camels brought to the continent in the 19th century, which have since thrived in the wild. These feral camels are often captured and exported for their meat, which is considered a delicacy in many Middle Eastern countries, including Saudi Arabia.((https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/camel-meat))
2. Cost-effectiveness: Capturing and exporting feral camels from Australia can be more economical than raising camels domestically in Saudi Arabia. The expenses involved in breeding, feeding, and caring for domestic camels can be higher than importing them.((https://www.afr.com/companies/a-budding-industry-based-on-camels-19891027-kajmw))
3. Environmental Management in Australia: The large population of feral camels in Australia is considered an environmental issue, as these camels compete with native species for resources and can damage fragile ecosystems. To manage this issue, the Australian government and private entities find capturing and exporting these camels beneficial.((https://www.arabnews.com/node/244122))
4. Disease-Free Status: Australian camels are often free from certain diseases that can affect camel populations in other parts of the world. This makes them an attractive option for countries looking to import healthy animals.((https://dpir.nt.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0014/233222/tb314.pdf))
5. Diversity in Genetics: Importing camels from Australia can also contribute to diversifying the genetic pool of domestic camel herds in Saudi Arabia. This genetic diversity can benefit breeding programs, especially by enhancing traits like resilience, milk production, or racing capabilities.((https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1871141310000235))

In summary, economic and practical reasons primarily drive Saudi Arabia’s import of camels from Australia.

It’s important to note that while camel imports do occur, they are relatively small compared to the country’s existing camel population and its deep-rooted camel-rearing traditions. Saudi Arabia remains one of the world’s leading countries in terms of the number of camels and its expertise in camel breeding and care.((https://abcnews.go.com/International/story?id=79943&page=1)),((http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/2038834.stm))