MUSCAT: The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources (MoAFWR) is considering making reflective bands compulsory for free-roaming camels in Dhofar to reduce road accidents, particularly at night when the animals are difficult for motorists to spot.
The move comes amid concerns over collisions involving stray camels, which can pose a serious hazard on unlit highways and desert roads. The risk is particularly pronounced during the Khareef season, when traffic increases in Dhofar.
A Ministry spokesperson told the Observer that the proposal to require camel owners to place luminous or reflective bands around their animals’ necks or legs would be welcomed as a road-safety measure.
“We will consider making reflective bands compulsory for stray or free-roaming camels which wander onto the roads, jeopardising human lives,” the spokesperson said.
“The advantage of the bands is that they catch vehicle headlights at night on desert roads, giving drivers critical seconds to brake and preventing deadly vehicle-animal collisions,” he said.
NCSI data recorded 57 vehicle accidents caused by collisions with stray camels in 2022, resulting in 17 deaths and 58 serious injuries. Fatalities rose by 39 per cent from the previous year, when 11 people were killed and 45 injured in similar collisions.
Dhofar records around 20 vehicle accidents involving stray camels each year, according to the available statistics, making it one of the governorates most affected by such incidents.
The issue has also resulted in fatalities in recent years. In March 2025, three Omani citizens were killed in two separate collisions with stray camels in Al Duqm in Al Wusta Governorate and Ibra in Al Sharqiyah North Governorate. In September 2025, two Royal Oman Police officers were killed and two others injured when their patrol vehicle collided with a stray camel in Maqshan, Dhofar.
Other factors contributing to road accidents include driver fatigue and reckless driving, according to the statistics.
The proposed reflective-band measure follows similar awareness initiatives in Oman. Al Sharqiyah South Governorate has urged camel owners to keep their animals in designated enclosures and avoid allowing them to roam unattended. Owners have also been encouraged to use identification devices and reflective or luminous straps to improve the visibility of camels, particularly at night.
If introduced, the proposed measure would require owners to attach lightweight, reflective markers to camels’ saddles, harnesses or bodies. The ministry’s Animal Welfare Department would provide guidance on suitable reflectors and their safe use.
Reflective bands are relatively inexpensive, easy to install and designed to improve visibility without harming the animals, potentially giving motorists more time to react when camels stray onto roads.
The proposal reflects growing efforts to strengthen road safety and promote greater accountability among animal owners, particularly in areas where camel movements intersect with major roads.
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