Ministry of Culture Introduces Camel Studies Grant to Explore Cultural, Social, and Economic Significance
In a groundbreaking initiative, the Ministry of Culture has unveiled a camel studies grant aimed at shedding light on the vital role camels play in Saudi Arabia’s cultural, social, and economic spheres through in-depth scientific research.
The grant calls for proposals that delve into various aspects of camel significance, spanning historical, cultural, social, economic, environmental, and health-related dimensions, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency.
Exploring the historical dimension, researchers will compare the significance of camels across civilizations, conduct historical and ethnographic analyses of camel-related traditions, and explore archival methods for preserving this heritage.
On the cultural front, scholars are encouraged to conduct critical and literary studies on the portrayal of camels in Arabic and Saudi literature, including children’s books. The field also welcomes studies on camel-related vocabulary and their representation in various artistic mediums.
In the social realm, researchers will examine the role of camels in Arab and Islamic societies, exploring topics such as local significance, social impact, traditions associated with camel ownership, and the influence of national camel events on communities.
The economic dimension will focus on analyzing the financial contributions of camels and camel-derived products, including their use in the fashion and furniture industries. Additionally, researchers will assess the sustainability and economic viability of camel products and measure the financial impact of camel festivals.
Environmental studies will look into sustainable land use for camel grazing, carbon dioxide emissions analysis, and the role of camels in maintaining ecological balance in arid regions.
Under the health dimension, researchers will explore the medical and therapeutic applications of camel products, develop technologies for measuring camel meat quality, and concentrate on camel breed preservation and genetic mapping.
The launch of the grant aligns with the UN’s declaration of 2024 as the International Year of Camelids and Saudi Arabia’s designation of 2024 as the Year of the Camel.