Creation of North American camel association will help the sector: ICO

• Number of camel ranches has grown in North America in recent years

• International Camel Organization founder had campaigned for the creation of North American group

The International Camel Organization, a non-profit body working for the development and welfare of the camel sector, has hailed the establishment of the North American Camel Ranches Owners Association (NACROA).

ICO founder and president Sheikh Fahd Hithleen called the founding of the NACROA an important step in the development of the camel sector.

NACROA, which was created under the supervision of the ICO, aims to support and promote the camel industry in North America and advocate for best practices surrounding the welfare and health of camels.

Camel ranch owners in North America first held meetings in September last year to explore the development of an association under the ICO, before establishing the group later that month.

Hithleen had previously campaigned for the creation of NACROA, as well as other international organizations, such as the European Camel Ranch Owners Association.

The number of camel ranches has grown in North America in recent years, a fact Aaron Wendell, president of NACROA, said was the reason behind the establishment of the group.

Wendell added that the initiative was accelerated due to support by the ICO with the aim of better serving the camel sector.

The Riyadh-based ICO was founded by Hithleen in March 2019. The group currently counts about 105 member countries from around the world and aims to develop and serve the camel sector.

The Islamic Development Bank Group (IsDB Group) will also promote this association through the IsDB Group Business Forum (THIQAH).

Camel racing and camel polo are both popular sports, particularly in the Middle East. Last year, Saudi Arabia opened the largest camel hospital in the world in Riyadh for $36.5 million. The hospital will provide basic medical care to camels but also treat chronic and infectious diseases, in addition to focusing on the research and development of camel breeding and fertilization.