Jeddah, 29.9.2010, As part of the ongoing preparation for the implementation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Project for Utilization of Hajj Meat during the 1431H Hajj, Dr. Ahmad Mohamed Ali, President of the Islamic Development Bank, met on Wednesday, at the IDB Headquarters in Jeddah, with officials in charge of Hajj matters at embassies and consulates of OIC member countries in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and other countries.
The IDB President addressed the guests, dwelling on the Project’s noble objectives of serving the pilgrims by providing sheep that meet all Sharia and health requirements and by ensuring that the environment around the Holy Sites is clean. He also observed that all the animals are inspected by veterinary doctors and Sharia scholars.
The Project which was established (28) years ago aims at utilizing Hajj meat during Hajj, hence, ensuring clean environment at the Holy Sites, thanks to the Government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ generous assistance to the Project.
Dr. Ali explained that the Project helps to make the meat available to its rightful beneficiaries among the poor at the Holy Mosque and Holy Sites as well as beneficiaries in many Muslim countries and Muslim communities all over the world. He indicated that the Government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques had spent over SR 1 billion on the modern automated slaughterhouses, which are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities.
Moving on to another point, the President pointed out that the Project has enabled pilgrims to perform this rite with great ease and thus focus on other Hajj rites.
He went further to say that in addition to the Project coupons which are available with Al Rajhi, Al Amodi, Hadyat Al Hajj Wal Moatamer entities as well as with Saudi Posts’ outlets throughout the Kingdom and through the latter’s website, the project has online service for those who wish to utilize technology. Each coupon Price for this year 1431 H (2010) will be SR 410, US$ 109 Or Euro 83.
He indicated that the Project website www.adahi.org is designed to enable individuals intending to buy sheep for hady or odhiya, or Sadaqa, to do so with a credit card or through money transfer. He further indicated that the Project had made provisions for 700,000 sheep and 10,000 cows and camels.

At this juncture, the President appealed to the media to help sensitize pilgrims of their respective countries about the need to avoid going to the Project’s abattoirs during peak periods.
He then answered questions on the Bank’s various activities, in general, and about the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Project for the Utilization of Hajj Meat, in particular.
In conclusion, the President expressed a word of gratitude and appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Crown Prince and the Government for their valuable support for the Islamic Development Bank as well as for their support for the noble Hajj meat utilization project, which is designed to demonstrate Allah’s wisdom through this ritual.