General Coordinator of Saudi Arabia’s Project for Utilization of Hady and Adahi (Adahi) Saad Abdul Rahman Al-Wabil revealed that the project is aiming to carry out a million sacrifices during this year’s Hajj.
The figure is a major jump compared to the average in the past ten years, which reached around 900,000 sacrifices per Hajj, he told Asharq Al-Awsat.
The new target reflects the ongoing efforts to expand the operational capacity of the project in line with the goals of Vision 2030, he added.
He explained that the Adahi project, which is directly overseen by the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites, aims to facilitate the Hady, Fidya, Udhiya and Sadaqa rituals on behalf of Muslims through an integrated operational system that follows the Sharia and health standards.
The project ensures that the sacrificial meat will reach those who need it inside and outside Saudi Arabia, he stated.
The project boasts eight main slaughterhouses spanning a quarter of a million square meters. Seven of them are dedicated to the slaughter of sheep, and one each for the slaughter of camels and cows. Over 30,000 employees work at the slaughterhouses during the Hajj season, including 10,000 butchers and 800 veterinarians, as well as a team of volunteers, said Al-Wabil.
“We are keen on carrying out accurate veterinary tests before and after the slaughter to ensure the highest level of quality in service of the guests of the Two Holy Mosques,” he went on to say.
Some 10,000 tons of meat are expected to be distributed in Makkah, and across Saudi Arabia and the Muslim world this year. The process is held in coordination with Saudi embassies in beneficiary countries to ensure that the meat reaches the neediest people, he remarked.
This year, the project has adopted artificial intelligence in managing operations, including counting and weighing processes, he told Asharq Al-Awsat.
Moreover, smart apps have been introduced, allowing Hajj pilgrims to buy the sacrificial meat online, as well as follow up on every step of the ritual.
“We are following a comprehensive digital plan that boosts transparency and achieves operational efficiency and ensures the comfort of the pilgrims,” he stated. “This is a qualitative leap in services.”
