The United Nations has declared 2024 as the ‘International Year of the Camelids: Heroes of Deserts and Highlands’ to highlight their growing contribution to global sustainability. Camelids—including vicuña, Mongolian camels, llamas, alpacas, and guanacos—are renowned for producing some of the finest hair fibres in luxury fashion—except for the Arabian camel. However, that is about to change. NOUKK Ltd is unveiling what is claimed to be the world’s first fine textiles made from Arabian camel hair.
Bringing the Charm of Arabian Sahara to Luxury Textiles:
NOUKK’s Arabian camel hair fabrics are more than just a new luxury textile—they are a story of cultural heritage, resilience, and craftsmanship. The Arabian camel, known for its ability to withstand harsh desert conditions, is the inspiration behind NOUKK’s new collection. By sourcing hair ethically during the camels’ annual shedding season, NOUKK not only promotes sustainability but also supports camel health, preventing the naturally shed fibres from becoming environmental waste.
Diletta del Giudice, NOUKK Brand Manager, explains:
“It is extremely rare to introduce a new animal fiber to the noble fibers library, which has remained unchanged for centuries. NOUKK is not just adding another fine fiber to this tradition; we are weaving the charm of the Arabian Sahara into the luxury textiles industry, celebrating Arabian cultural heritage and elegance in every meter of fabric we produce.”
Industry Insights and Innovation:
According to FAO statistics, the population of Arabian camels reached 40 million in 2022, representing over 80% of the world’s camelids, compared to just 3% for Mongolian camels. They are also the fastest-growing camelid population, thanks to their unique resilience to climate change, desertification, and water scarcity. Spanning across North and East Africa as well as the Arabian Peninsula, these camels embody the strength and adaptability that NOUKK aims to reflect in its textiles.
“The textile industry is a significant contributor to global environmental issues, and it’s imperative that we adopt sustainable practices to mitigate this impact.” — Stella McCartney, renowned fashion designer and sustainability advocate”
The Value of Arabian Camel Hair:
The Arabian camel’s fleece consists of coarse guard hairs that protect it from the harsh environment (scorching sun, rain, thorny plants…), and a soft and fine underdown beneath that helps regulate body temperature. In baby camels, this underdown can be as fine as 13 microns, and can reach lengths of up to 55 mm, comparable to other high-end fibres like cashmere. NOUKK processes this naturally shed fleece during the spring season, to create luxurious textiles that are lightweight, warm, and sustainable. Unfortunately, much of this valuable resource has gone unrecognized, often left to disperse in the desert wind—NOUKK aims to change that narrative.
Dr. Said Awad, Managing Director of NOUKK, elaborates:
“For the past seven years, our team has been dedicated to building an entirely new value chain from the ground up. This includes defining best practices for hair harvesting, collection, and shearing. We’ve fully characterised the Arabian camel hair, identified the best breeds for hair quality, and developed industrial processing protocols specific to this fibre. Our work also extends to creating luxury yarns and fabrics made from 100% Arabian camel hair and collaborating with organisations to promote camel welfare and establish a responsible camel hair standard..”
Creating Social and Economic Value:
NOUKK’s initiative goes beyond luxury; it aims to generate economic value for local communities. By tapping into an underutilized resource, NOUKK provides employment and boosts income in remote areas, preserving local cultures while supporting camel welfare. NOUKK is working closely with herders to ensure fair practices, providing education and a sustainable income stream to these communities.
Upcoming Launch and Market Presence:
NOUKK is currently collaborating with leading luxury fashion brands, offering exclusive access to their 100% Arabian camel yarns and fabrics in three natural tones. In 2025-206, NOUKK will launch its first capsule collection, Precious Threads of the Sahara, featuring ready-to-wear items such as blazers, winter coats, vests, and scarves—all made from 100% Arabian camel hair in natural shades with a zibeline finish, designed for the modern, eco-conscious luxury consumer.
