The Camel Year Festival 2024, which will take place in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, from December 24 to 30, will showcase camels as a component of the Kingdom's cultural legacy.

The year 2024, named the “Year of the Camels,” is in honour of the distinctive cultural significance that camels have held for the Arabian Peninsula's inhabitants throughout history. Originally used as a means of transportation, camels are now a striking example of authenticity and a vital component of Saudi culture. The Camel Year Festival 2024 showcases camels' economic and developmental significance, cultural significance, and initiatives to boost the industry's contribution to national development while also solidifying camels' status as a cultural heritage and a fundamental part of civilisation. The festival aims to foster intercultural dialogue on camel heritage, highlighting its role in civilisation development through trade, exploration, and knowledge-seeking, as well as its economic significance and food security. Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al Saud, the Saudi Minister of Culture, explained the reasons for designating 2024 as the Year of the Camels, stating: “The camel has had a deep and precious position among the residents of the Arabian Peninsula throughout history, from the development of Arab culture until now. Our forefathers depended on them for their journeys and movements; they were the desert ship.” God Almighty emphasised the unique characteristics of camels in early Arab culture, urging contemplation and reflection. The Saudi Minister stressed the appreciation and pride in the symbolic value of camels in Arab culture, stating that they are on this path in their understanding of the divine. Culture plays a crucial role in expressing and documenting the ancient relationship between Arab men and camels, which has grown and prospered until today. Camels are now cared for by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, the Crown Prince, the Prime Minister, and all segments of Saudi society, demonstrating the importance of culture in preserving and preserving this connection. Read more World Arabic Language Day, 2024