The Reproductive Biotechnology Centre in Dubai has become a hub for camel cloning, with Nisar Ahmad Wani and his team leading the research and development of new cloning techniques. The center focuses on cloning camels, particularly “beauty queens” that participate in popular camel beauty pageants in the Gulf states. Clones of elite racing champions and camels genetically altered to produce proteins in their milk are also produced. The cloning process involves using DNA from somatic cells taken from the donor animal and introducing it into an egg, which is then transferred to a surrogate mother. Despite being an expensive process, cloning is seen as a scientific achievement and is used to preserve endangered species like the wild Bactrian camel.
| Signal | Change | 10y horizon | Driving force |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cloning camels becoming popular | Adoption of cloning technology | Increased use of cloning technology in animal reproduction | Desire for genetic replication and preservation |
| Cloned camels used in beauty pageants | Acceptance of cloned animals in competitions | Cloned animals becoming commonplace in beauty pageants | Desire for aesthetically pleasing animals |
| Cloning used to replicate elite racing champions | Use of cloning for competitive advantage | Cloned animals used to dominate camel racing | Desire for superior racing camels |
| Cloning used to produce pharmaceutical proteins | Application of cloning in pharmaceutical industry | Cloned camels used to produce proteins for pharmaceuticals | Desire for efficient production of pharmaceuticals |
| Cloning used to create replicas of deceased camels | Cloning as a means of preserving memories | Cloned animals used to replicate deceased pet camels | Desire for sentimental value and remembrance |
| Expanding cloning technology to preserve endangered species | Utilization of cloning for conservation efforts | Cloning used to preserve endangered animal species | Desire to protect biodiversity and prevent extinction |