The Saudi Ministry of Culture participates in the Saudi Exhibition for the UN International Year of the Camelids 2024, celebrating the role of camels as an icon for Saudi cultural heritage

The Ministry of Culture participates in the Saudi Exhibition for the United
Nation’s International Year of the Camelids 2024, organized by the Food and Agriculture
Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in collaboration with The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,
the Plurinational State of Bolivia and the UN Office in Geneva. Following World Camel Day on
June 22, the week-long event ran from June 25-28 in Geneva, Switzerland.

The Ministry of Culture takes part in the Saudi Exhibition along with more than 13 government
and private Saudi entities, celebrating the unique cultural and historical significance of camels,
highlighting the unique relationship between Saudis and camels, and showcasing camel
products manufactured locally – such as leather, medical and cosmetic products.

For centuries, camels have lived alongside Saudi people as companions, a means for
transportation, and even as a source of inspiration for literature and art. Recognizing the
immense cultural value of camels and the important role they continue to play in the lives of
Saudi people every day, The Kingdom designated 2024 ‘The Year of the Camel’. The Ministry
of Culture has made a commitment to revive the presence of the camel as a national icon for
Saudi Arabia and to strengthen the deep historic ties between Saudi society and the camel.
By taking part in the exhibition, the Ministry of Culture also raises awareness of the recently
announced Camel Studies Grant, which was created in partnership with the Saudi Ministry of
Environment, Water and Agriculture. The grant strives to advance important academic research
in the field of camel studies and drive the development of new ideas, methodologies and
technologies relating to the industry. The Camel Studies Grant will fund 10 new research
projects across a broad range of interdisciplinary subjects, which will be published in peer-
reviewed scientific journals.

To learn more about the Camel Studies Grant, which is currently open to applications until July
6, visit: https://engage.moc.gov.sa/camel_grants#section-guidelines