Wakaa Center in Riyadh is an internationally accredited reference center for equine disease testing
In a national achievement reflecting the rapid development of the animal health sector, the laboratory at the Waqaa Animal Health Center in the Riyadh region has received broad international recognition from 33 countries worldwide. This accreditation makes it a trusted global reference for equine disease testing, and this international alliance includes major countries and prestigious institutions such as the European Commission, the United States of America, and Japan, in addition to a number of leading regional countries.
A rich history and an ambitious vision for the equestrian sector
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has a deep and historical connection to the Arabian horse, with equestrianism being an integral part of Saudi heritage and culture. With the launch of Saudi Vision 2030, the equestrian sector has witnessed unprecedented support, exemplified by the hosting and organization of major international championships such as the Saudi Cup, the world's richest equestrian event. This expansion in sporting activities and international events has necessitated a sophisticated veterinary infrastructure capable of meeting stringent global standards. Hence, the urgent need arose to develop the capabilities of national laboratories to conduct equine disease tests , ensuring the health of participating horses and facilitating their movement across borders.
The journey of development towards global leadership
The Waqaa Center explained that this exceptional achievement was not a coincidence, but rather the culmination of a strategic and intensive development journey that spanned from 2021 to 2025. During this period, the center worked diligently to enhance the efficiency of its laboratories and equip them with the latest medical technologies. Furthermore, the highest international standards were implemented in laboratory tests related to equine health, which directly contributed to strengthening the reliability of the center's results and securing their global recognition by major veterinary organizations and bodies.
The strategic impact of adopting equine disease testing locally and internationally
This international recognition carries significant strategic implications at the local, regional, and international levels. Locally, this accreditation achieves national self-sufficiency and significantly reduces reliance on external laboratories, which previously consumed considerable time, effort, and resources. Internationally, the center's accreditation as a reference for equine disease testing effectively facilitates the movement of horses between countries, particularly to the European Union and the United States. This facilitation relies entirely on the results of an accredited local laboratory, thus removing logistical obstacles for horse owners and investors in this vital sector.
Enhancing the Kingdom's position on the animal health map
This achievement is a significant strategic step that enhances the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's standing on the map of international reference laboratories. It also solidifies its leading role in supporting animal health and raising veterinary standards in accordance with best global practices. The existence of a national laboratory of this level of competence and international recognition ensures the protection of the Kingdom's livestock and opens new horizons for scientific and research collaboration with international institutions specializing in veterinary medicine and animal epidemiology.
