Jeddah, 21.09. 2011 - As part of ongoing preparations for the implementation of Saudi Arabia’s Project for Utilization of Hajj Meat (ADAHI) during the 2011Hajj season, Dr. Ahmad Mohamed Ali, President of the Islamic Development Bank Group, met on Wednesday, at the IDB Headquarters in Jeddah, with officials in charge of Hajj affairs at embassies and consulates of OIC member countries, particularly those in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The IDB Group President addressed the guests, dwelling on the noble objectives of the Project meant to serve the pilgrims by providing livestock that meet all Shari’a and health requirements and by ensuring the cleanliness of the environment around the Holy Sites. He also observed that the livestock are inspected by veterinarians and Sharia’a scholars from time to time.
The Project established 30 years ago by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia aims at utilizing Hajj meat during the pilgrimage, and thus 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 has spent over SR 1 billion on the modern automated slaughterhouses, which are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities.
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 added the Project coupons are available with entities such as Al Rajhi, Al Amoudi, Hadyat Al Hajj Wal Moatamer as well as with Saudi Posts’ outlets throughout the Kingdom and through the latter’s websites. The coupons can also be bought through online services of the Adahi Project. Coupon price for the year 2011 will be SR 430, (US$ 115 or Euro 84).
He indicated that the people could also purchase coupons through the Project website www.adahi.org for sacrificial rites such as hady or odhiya, or Sadaqa, either through credit card or money transfer. He indicated that the Project last year posted a record utilization of 934,000 livestock which were later distributed amongst the needy inside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and in 27 other countries
The President called on the media to help sensitize pilgrims of their respective countries on 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 the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Project for the Utilization of Hajj Meat, in particular.
In conclusion, the President expressed gratitude and appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Crown Prince and the Government for their valuable support to the Islamic Development Bank as well as for their support to the Hajj meat utilization project, which is designed to demonstrate Allah’s wisdom through this ritual.