Camel milk revolution: How Dubai’s Camelicious is taking over global wellness

Dubai: Blending tradition with modern science, Dubai’s Camelicious is taking the heritage of camel milk and sharing its health benefits with the world. From a centuries-old regional staple to a fast-growing global wellness product, the UAE-based company has steadily reshaped how camel milk is perceived worldwide.

We spoke to Hesham Yehia, Acting CEO of Camelicious, to understand the human story behind the brand's global rise, how they built credibility, and why staying rooted in heritage matters now more than ever.

Founded in 2006, Camelicious began with a clear purpose: to elevate a deeply rooted regional product into a world-class dairy brand originating from the UAE.

"Camel milk has been part of the region’s story for generations — a symbol of nourishment, resilience, and tradition," Yehia explains. Over time, this vision has expanded. Today, the company is no longer just producing milk; it is redefining how traditional nutrition fits into modern lifestyles, contributing to food security, and positioning the UAE as a global leader in alternative dairy.

Camel milk is still a niche category globally. What were the biggest challenges in building consumer trust and awareness?

Hesham Yehia: One of the biggest challenges has been education. While camel milk is well understood regionally, international markets require a deeper level of awareness around its nutritional benefits, digestibility, and quality standards.

Consumers today want transparency — where products come from, how they are produced, and whether they meet international standards. By building a fully integrated, UAE-based operation with consistent quality control, we've been able to overcome those barriers.

Producing camel milk at scale is far more complex than traditional cow's milk. Camelicious currently operates the largest camel dairy facility in the world, home to approximately 7,000 camels and producing roughly 3 million liters annually.

This level of scale, powered by advanced technology and operational expertise, allows the company to meet growing demand reliably. However, Yehia is quick to emphasize that the animals themselves are at the heart of the operation. High welfare standards are directly linked to product quality, with the entire model relying on a controlled, sustainable environment that prioritizes the camels' wellbeing alongside the integrity of the milk.

How does Camelicious balance heritage and tradition with modern food science and international regulatory standards?

Hesham Yehia: The balance comes from respecting the origin of the product while applying the highest levels of modern science and regulation. To succeed globally, we must meet international food safety standards, nutritional benchmarks, and regulatory frameworks. What we have effectively done is take something traditional and make it globally relevant without losing its authenticity.

As global demand for functional dairy rises, Camelicious finds itself naturally positioned in the wellness space. Camel milk is naturally energizing, hydrating, easily digestible, and immune-boosting.

Increasingly recognized as a functional dairy option, it appeals to consumers looking for gut-friendly and balanced nutrition. Rather than competing directly against conventional dairy, Camelicious offers a distinct alternative.

When expanding their product line — moving from fresh milk into powders, chocolates, and nutritional formats — the team looks closely at consumer lifestyles. This diversification allows the brand to reach new demographics and enter international markets where distributing fresh milk is logistically complex, making camel milk more convenient without diluting its natural quality.

Dubai’s ecosystem has been instrumental in the brand's export success. The city's infrastructure, logistics networks, and regulatory environment provide a robust foundation for scaling a global food enterprise. The UAE’s strong emphasis on quality standards and international trade gives Camelicious the confidence to operate across multiple borders.

Looking ahead, what does the next phase of growth look like for Camelicious?

Hesham Yehia: The next phase is focused on expansion and deeper global positioning. Geographically, we are looking to strengthen our presence in key international markets where demand for alternative and functional dairy is accelerating.

But our core promise remains unchanged: delivering trusted, locally produced dairy, where freshness and reliability are paramount, with our products moving from farm to table within 48 hours.