New regulations for the protection of Arabian horses at the King Abdulaziz Center
In a move aimed at enhancing governance and transparency in the equestrian sector, the Board of Directors of the King Abdulaziz Arabian Horse Center new regulations governing the disposal of horses owned by the Center. This strategic step is intended to ensure the protection of the purebred Arabian horse lineage, solidify the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's position as a leading global authority on this prestigious breed, and standardize official procedures related to sales, loans, gifts, and safe disposal.
Historical context and global standing
This decision gains its significance from the pivotal role played by the King Abdulaziz Center (based in Dirab) as the official body responsible for registering and documenting Arabian horses in the Kingdom, and its representative to the World Arabian Horse Organization (WAHO). The Kingdom is not merely the homeland of Arabian horses; its history of unification is inextricably linked to the saddles of these steeds. This makes preserving the purity of the breed and protecting it from waste or reckless disposal a major national and cultural responsibility, aligning with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 in safeguarding cultural heritage.
Action mechanisms and specialized committees
According to the approved regulations, precise frameworks have been established for the disposal of horses, including sales through public or online auctions and donations for general purposes, with the requirement that all transactions be documented with official contracts. To ensure impartiality and professionalism, the regulations stipulate the formation of a specialized committee, appointed by a decision of the council, comprising five members with expertise in Sharia law or legal systems, veterinary medicine, equine affairs, and financial matters. This committee is responsible for evaluating the condition of horses and issuing recommendations within a period not exceeding 30 days, based on precise criteria including health status, productive age, and suitability for breeding programs or shows.
Transparency and animal welfare standards
The regulations emphasized the principle of transparency, requiring the center to advertise horses for sale for at least 15 days through official channels. They also established strict controls to prevent conflicts of interest, such as prohibiting the sale of horses to relatives up to the second degree and mandating the cancellation of any transactions found to involve manipulation.
Regarding cases that require the “safe disposal” of horses, the regulations stressed the need to rely on approved veterinary reports proving the horse’s unsuitability or danger, with full compliance with the Sharia standards and the animal welfare system of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, reflecting the center’s commitment to ethical and humanitarian standards in dealing with these noble creatures.
Expected impact
This organization is expected to contribute to raising the efficiency of managing the center’s horse assets, revitalizing the auction movement in a systematic way, and ensuring that premium breeds reach serious breeders, thus supporting local production programs, preserving lineages from mixing or loss, and enhancing confidence in the center’s official dealings with individuals and government agencies.
