The Ministry of Culture of Saudi Arabia announced that it will support scientific research and innovation in the field of camel research with special funds

On June 7, 2024, Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Culture collaborated with the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture to launch special funding for camel research to promote research on the historical, cultural, social, economic, and environmental significance of camels. Previously, Saudi Arabia designated 2024 as the "Year of the Camel." This year is also the "International Year of Camelids" as declared by the United Nations General Assembly. Camels hold significant cultural and historical significance in Saudi culture. They not only appear in various artworks but also play important roles in various cultural customs, such as companionship, camel racing, or activities like the Mazayen Al-Ibl (Camel Beauty Pageant). The camel research funding is an important measure of the Ministry of Culture, aiming to extol camels as a Saudi cultural symbol and publicize the historical and cultural impacts of camels to the public. The funding is widely available to various research proposals and aims to encourage interdisciplinary and cross-field research to address current social and environmental challenges related to camels (such as food security and climate change). The main research topics are as follows: History: Historical and ethnographic research involving a series of topics related to the protection of camel cultural heritage. It can include studies on the role of camels in different civilizations around the world, archival research on camel heritage, and the policies, technologies, and methods required for archiving. Culture: Conduct commentaries and literary studies on camels in Arabic literature, Saudi literature, and children's literature, carry out lexicographical research on camel-related vocabulary, and conduct studies on the images of camels in various art forms such as film, printmaking, engraving, and sculpture. Society: Research on camels in Arab and Islamic societies and their significance, social impacts, ownership, and related traditions in the local context. It can also include the impact of national camel activities on the local and international community, such as the role of camel racing and Mazayen Al-Ibl (camel beauty pageant) activities. Economy: Research the impact of camels and camel products (such as camel hair and leather) on the economy and explore how to continue and maintain this impact. For example, measure and estimate the impact of camels on the economy before and after camel festivals and related activities. Environment: Research various sustainable development issues related to the camel industry. This can include studies on land use, the carbon footprint related to camel grazing or breeding, agricultural practices in arid regions, and solutions to support dealing with climate challenges. Health: Research on camel products and their medical and therapeutic uses. This can include studies on camel breed records, gene mapping and preservation, and research that helps in the development of camel products and so on. [1].< Sina News>. 沙特文化部宣布以专款支持骆驼研究领域的科研创新[Online News].2024.6.11.https://news.sina.com.cn/sx/2024-06-11/detail-inayixuf8319607.shtml This news is reprinted from Lianhe Zaobao. The copyright belongs to the original author. If there is any infringement, please contact for deletion. The company reprints this news to provide more information for users and does not represent the company's views and positions.