Abu Dhabi: The capital, Abu Dhabi, witnessed the convening of the regional workshop concerned with facilitating the movement of camels across border crossings, jointly organized by the Middle East Camel Network, the UAE Camel Racing Federation, and the World Organisation for Animal Health, as part of integrated efforts to develop mechanisms for the temporary movement of camels between countries for the purpose of participating in competitions and festivals, while ensuring the highest standards of health and biosecurity .

The workshop was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, the Abu Dhabi Agriculture Authority, members of the Steering Committee of the Camenet Network, representatives of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Organisation for Animal Health, along with representatives of national and international federations and camel racing clubs in the region .

The workshop resulted in several innovative initiatives, most notably the Smart Gate proposal presented by M42 Environmental Sciences. This electronic platform and digital tracking system aims to reduce time, effort, and resources, while providing a reliable and sustainable database for camel movement . The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment also presented the "Green Trail " initiative, which, in collaboration with relevant authorities, would allocate a dedicated route for camels participating in events, thus expediting procedures and directing resources efficiently. Additionally, the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) proposed developing standardized health certificates for countries in the region, ensuring faster movement and enhanced health controls within a robust framework.

These initiatives were widely praised by the participants, who stressed the importance of moving towards practical implementation in a way that positively impacts the participation of camels in regional events and enhances their health and safety .

Abu Dhabi hosted the eighth meeting of the Steering and Technical Committee of the Camenet Network, as part of the World Food Week activities, where the network’s five-year action plan (2026–2030) was reviewed, which is based on five main pillars including animal welfare, camel diseases and diagnostic methods, risk assessment, studies and research, and One Health .

The member countries presented detailed presentations on the reality of the camel sector in each country, including the number of camels, the challenges facing this vital sector, and the opportunities available to enhance regional cooperation in the areas of animal health, exchange of experiences, and development of technical and scientific capabilities.

At the conclusion of the meeting, participants stressed the importance of the Caminnet network in developing the camel sector regionally, bridging the knowledge gap in the areas of health and education, and strengthening the biosecurity system among the countries of the region .

Asma Abdi Mohammed, Director of the Biosecurity Department at the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority, affirmed that Abu Dhabi's hosting of these specialized regional meetings reflects its leading position as a regional center of excellence in biosecurity and animal health. It also embodies its commitment to supporting scientific initiatives and specialized networks that contribute to enhancing the sustainability of livestock, particularly camels, which represent a fundamental component of the region's cultural and economic heritage. She stated, "We are proud that Abu Dhabi is a platform for scientific dialogue and regional coordination, and we are committed to supporting the outcomes of these meetings and transforming them into concrete action programs that serve the interests of member states and enhance the readiness of their health and veterinary systems ."

She noted that the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority pays great attention to promoting regional and international cooperation in the fields of animal health, and is keen to adopt the best scientific and technical practices that contribute to raising the efficiency of the biosecurity system, especially with regard to camels, because they are a pivotal element in the animal production system in the region. She explained that the regional meetings hosted by Abu Dhabi represent a strategic opportunity to exchange experiences, discuss common challenges, and develop innovative solutions that support the sustainability of the sector and enhance the readiness of countries to face cross-border health risks .

It is worth noting that the Camenet Network, which includes nine countries from the Middle East, was officially launched during the meeting of the Regional Committee of the World Organisation for Animal Health in Paris in 2016, and aims to spread knowledge about camel diseases, standardize diagnostic methods, and promote scientific and technical cooperation between member states and international institutions .

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