From breeding to cloning: UAE centres on a mission to preserve elite camels and safeguard cultural heritage
22 June 2025 22:12
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)With camels regarded as a key part of the UAE's cultural and natural heritage, specialised centres and organisations have made concerted efforts to conserve these 'ships of the desert' and ensure they continue to shine — from racing to serving communities — for future generations. On World Camel Day, marked annually on June 22, Aletihad looked into remarkable initiatives dedicated to this well-loved desert animal. Advanced Scientific Group (ASG), one of the oldest institutions specialising in camel research, has been making an impact worldwide since 1989."The group is considered the primary centre and global reference for everything related to infertility, reproduction, cloning, genetic analysis, and genomics in camels,' Khalifa Al Nuaimi, CEO of the Advanced Scientific Group, told Aletihad.ASG's work has been a trusted source of information when it comes to camel diseases, infertility treatment, and reproduction. Years of research has yielded crucial innovation, with many of these technologies now used in preserving distinctive camel breeds. Genetic testing has enhanced breeding programmes, Al Nuami said. "Genetic analysis creates a roadmap for production, as we match and combine the best breeds available in the Gulf region, helping us achieve our goal in the shortest possible time, especially in camel racing or milk production. However, our primary focus is currently on camel racing,' he told Aletihad. A purebred camel mother can also be spared the risks of childbirth through embryo transfer, with incubators then taking over delivery and rearing—thereby helping to preserve specific breeds, he said.Some camels from rare and valuable lineages can be cloned, too, to ensure their survival, Al Nuami said. 'Some stallions have been cloned despite having died more than 20 years ago,' he said. "Cloning has played a major role in preserving extinct breeds. Cells can also be preserved and cloned when needed, and even multiplied if they possess distinct traits."For camel owners, cloning comes with sentimental value. "Owners often have a strong emotional bond with their camels, and cloning strengthens these bonds by keeping their beloved mounts close at hand,' Al Nuami said.Emirates Smart Camel Center (ESCC), based in Umm Al Quwain, is also committed to advancing camel racing and protecting purebred camels through modern techniques and advanced veterinary care.'The centre integrates rich Emirati heritage with modern technologies and methodologies,' said Dr. Mahmoud Moussa, Head of the Veterinary Department at the ESCC, in an interview with Aletihad. 'We preserve the cultural value of camels while improving performance through scientific studies, biotechnology, and eco-friendly operations powered by solar energy—all in line with the UAE's Green Vision.'
Supporting Camel Owners The centre houses top camel breeds, famed for their racetrack strength and stamina.'Through embryo transfer, we can produce up to 10 offspring from a single camel in one season — each with a different father. This enhances genetic traits while preventing inbreeding, which could compromise the health of future generations,' he said. The hub provides all necessary medical services to camel owners using state-of-the-art medical equipment and highly qualified staff. Health advice, care tips, and advanced breeding support are also offered. 'We help owners choose the best males and females from rare breeds to ensure strong future generations. We also maintain some of the top male camels with purebred, high-genetic value to preserve biodiversity and breed integrity,' Dr. Moussa said. Beyond caring for camels, both ASG and ESCC have made it their mission to engage younger generations and keep the interest in these iconic animals alive. '(The ESCC) works annually with UAE University and the Higher Colleges of Technology in Sharjah to train undergraduate students, giving them hands-on experience and knowledge of the latest biotechnologies to improve breeding and maintain breed purity,' Dr. Moussa said.ASG also collaborates with universities, whether in the fields of reproduction, diseases, or even new medicines and vaccinations.
'We have a training partnership with the United Arab Emirates University in Al Ain, where our students receive ongoing training, in addition to our cooperation with hospitals and relevant official authorities in the country,' Al Nuaimi said.
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