Electronic monitoring: The efforts of the Waqqa Center during the Hajj season to secure livestock

The National Center for Plant Pest and Animal Disease Prevention and Control announced its readiness and preparedness for the Hajj season of 1447 AH. These intensive efforts are concentrated in the Makkah and Madinah regions and primarily aim to ensure livestock safety and implement the highest biosecurity standards. These proactive steps are taken to guarantee a healthy and safe environment for pilgrims and reaffirm the Kingdom's commitment to providing the best possible services during the Hajj rituals.

This important announcement came during a field inspection tour conducted by the center's CEO, Engineer Ayman Al-Ghamdi. The tour aimed to directly observe the work of the veterinary teams stationed at the entry points to the Holy City of Mecca and to monitor the meticulous procedures for inspecting animal and plant shipments. The tour also included an inspection of the newly established mobile technical units and offices at key locations. These modern technologies contribute to expediting inspections and enabling rapid field intervention, and they have been electronically linked to all relevant authorities to ensure accurate oversight and transparent procedures.

The historical development of veterinary care and the role of the Weqaa Center during the Hajj season

Over the decades, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has placed great emphasis on developing its healthcare and veterinary system during the Hajj season. Historically, livestock inspections relied on manual labor and foot patrols, posing a significant challenge as the number of pilgrims and sacrificial animals increased. With technological advancements and the Kingdom's Vision 2030, the role of the Weqaa Center has emerged during the Hajj season as a specialized and independent entity responsible for implementing the latest international standards in biosecurity. This institutional transformation has shifted oversight from traditional methods to reliance on artificial intelligence, electronic monitoring, and mobile clinics, reflecting the wise leadership's commitment to harnessing all capabilities to serve pilgrims and ensure the Holy Sites remain free from any epidemics or animal diseases that could affect public health.

Monitoring the performance of public utility markets and the opening of the new headquarters

Engineer Al-Ghamdi's inspection tour included visits to public markets to monitor performance and ensure compliance with health standards. These efforts culminated in the opening of the center's new headquarters in the Holy City of Mecca, a significant strategic step aimed at enhancing field presence and facilitating the work of staff. In the same context, the CEO chaired the 19th meeting of the Hajj and Umrah Supervisory Committee, where updates to the implementation plans and plant and animal health monitoring indicators in the Holy Sites were discussed to ensure the continued high efficiency of operations throughout the season.

Strategic dimensions and impact of securing livestock locally and internationally

The importance of the center's rigorous measures extends beyond the local level to encompass crucial regional and international dimensions. Locally, this diligent work ensures the stability of meat markets and protects the national livestock from transboundary diseases, thus bolstering the Kingdom's food security. Regionally and internationally, the Kingdom's success in managing millions of head of livestock within a short timeframe and limited geographical area serves as a global model for crowd management and biosecurity. Furthermore, proactively seeking solutions to guarantee the health of sacrificial animals and enhancing logistical coordination to provide a safe and healthy environment for pilgrims reinforces the international community's confidence in the Kingdom's ability to organize the world's largest human and religious gathering with the highest levels of safety and professionalism, in line with comprehensive national efforts.