Researchers in the UAE have shed new light on why camel milk is beneficial for people with diabetes, in a study which could boost future efforts to manage the disease.
The drink's positive effects on blood sugar are well established – including reducing fasting levels, lowering insulin resistance and improving lipid profiles among diabetic patients.
A UAE study sought to better understand the Middle East staple's role in fighting diabetes by examining at a molecular level to see how cells react.
Their work showed how bioactive peptides – the building blocks of proteins – extracted from camel milk, have positive effects on the human insulin receptor and glucose transport in cells.
This moves research one step further in the identification and characterization of the anti-diabetic agent contained in camel milk
The researchers said the findings are highly promising and may even lead to a breakthrough in the fight against diabetes using drugs developed from camel milk.
"Camel milk's therapeutic properties against diseases such as diabetes and cancer have been widely studied and reviewed in the past decade," wrote the researchers in the Journal of Dairy Science.
The study, entitled Molecular Basis of the Antidiabetic Properties of Camel Milk Through Profiling of its Bioactive Peptides on DPP-IV and Insulin Receptor Activity was led by Dr Mohammed Ayoub's lab from the Department of Biology at United Arab Emirates University and Dr Sajid Maqsood's lab from the Department of Food Science at United Arab Emirates University, with support from Zayed Centre for Health Sciences.
It is "widely noted that camel milk consumption is beneficial in reducing the dose of insulin needed to induce glycemic control and improves fasting blood glucose", they wrote.
“This moves research one step further in the identification and characterisation of the anti-diabetic agent contained in camel milk and opens interesting perspectives for the development of new anti-diabetic drugs from camel milk products.”
Around one in five people in the UAE suffer from diabetes, a condition that can cause multiple serious health problems, such as heart disease and damage to organs, including the eyes and kidneys.
Experts expect the number of people with the condition to double within the next 30 years, so new treatments are crucial to managing the condition.
Compared to other milk, camel milk contains less sugar and cholesterol, and has a higher mineral content.
It has also been recognised for having “potent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties,” and may protect against the development of cancer.
In 2019, researchers in Jordan embarked on a study to examine the effect of camel milk on the development of colorectal cancer in mice.
During the study, 30 mice were given an injection and fed a substance that promoted the development of colorectal cancer.
Some were also given camel milk whey – the watery liquid left behind after curd is removed – another group was given cow milk whey, and a further group received neither.
Six out of 10 mice not given any whey were found to have tumours in their colon, while six out of eight of those fed cow milk whey had tumours.
Among the mice that had been given camel milk whey, however, just one out of eight had tumours.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
If you go
Where to stay: Courtyard by Marriott Titusville Kennedy Space Centre has unparalleled views of the Indian River. Alligators can be spotted from hotel room balconies, as can several rocket launch sites. The hotel also boasts cool space-themed decor.
When to go: Florida is best experienced during the winter months, from November to May, before the humidity kicks in.
How to get there: Emirates currently flies from Dubai to Orlando five times a week.
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
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Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
Know your camel milk:
Flavour: Similar to goat’s milk, although less pungent. Vaguely sweet with a subtle, salty aftertaste.
Texture: Smooth and creamy, with a slightly thinner consistency than cow’s milk.
Use it: In your morning coffee, to add flavour to homemade ice cream and milk-heavy desserts, smoothies, spiced camel-milk hot chocolate.
Goes well with: chocolate and caramel, saffron, cardamom and cloves. Also works well with honey and dates.
