PIF firm Sawani looking to unleash camel industry's potential

Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) has established a company, Sawani, with the aim of fostering the growth of camel milk products and contributing to the establishment of a sustainable local production ecosystem.

Sawani is the latest stride in the Kingdom's endeavors to support the agriculture and food sector, aligning with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 to diversify the local economy.

Camels have long been a pivotal source of sustenance and natural resources in the region, offering milk, meat, hides, and cultural significance. This initiative seeks to conserve this natural asset and expand its sustainable utilization through the incorporation of cutting-edge technology.

The Kingdom boasts an estimated 1.6 million camels, with a majority found in the Riyadh, Eastern, and Makkah provinces. Among the best milk-producing breeds are Al-Mujahim and Al-Wadh.

Currently, three licensed projects specialize in camel milk and its derivatives, while three additional initiatives have received preliminary licenses to manufacture consumable camel milk products.

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These recent efforts also aim to regulate the indiscriminate supply of camel milk and enhance the availability of camel milk products.

Ibrahim Al-Aqili, Executive Director of the Food Industries Institute, conveyed to the Saudi Press Agency that Sawani's investment will stimulate the camel industry's growth and establish a sustainable local production system. This venture will further fortify food security, he added.

Al-Aqili highlighted that one of the core objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 is to empower local industries and human resources, including those connected to livestock like camels, which are an integral part of the national heritage.

Shujaa Al-Bogmi, an Associate Professor at Imam Mohammed Ibn Saud Islamic University, predicted that Sawani's investment in the camel industry will make a notable impact on its expansion.

"Camel products hold substantial economic potential, and Sawani is poised to exhibit robust and vibrant competitive advantages, leveraging important pillars such as the Kingdom's strategic location, investment prowess, the diligent efforts of the Camel Club, and the abundant camel population due to the widespread interest of citizens in this valuable asset," Al-Bogmi remarked.

Economic data demonstrates a robust global market for camel products, according to Al-Bogmi. Sawani intends to elevate production standards for camel milk-derived items, thereby stimulating increased demand in the Gulf region, thanks to its more dependable presence.

"Saudi Vision 2030 has unlocked limitless opportunities for investors and entrepreneurs across all sectors," Al-Bogmi emphasized.

The camel products sector is projected to play a pivotal role in the future, presenting significant investment prospects that contribute to the national economy and generate employment opportunities.

Camel milk is renowned for its exceptional nutritional content. The UN Food and Agriculture Organization has endorsed products derived from camel milk, which surpasses goat and cow's milk in terms of protein, vitamins, and minerals. Camel milk also boasts a wealth of essential nutrients, unsaturated fatty acids, as well as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Source: https://www.arabnews.com/