Layan Damanhouri Saudi Gazette JEDDAH — The Islamic Development Bank (IDB) hosted at its headquarters in Jeddah on Thursday the annual conference of the Saudi Project for Utilization of Haj Meat (Adahi). Speaking to Haj officials from foreign diplomatic missions attending the conference, IDB President Dr. Ahmed Mohamed Ali said the Adahi Project was one of the services offered by Saudi Arabia to help pilgrims perform their Haj rites in ease and comfort. Since its establishment 34 years ago, the Islamic Development Bank has managed the project. Ali said the sacrifice coupons are priced at SR475 ($127) this year. “We aim to ensure the best quality and proper conditions for sacrificial meat at an affordable cost," Ali said. He said payment options were increasing and better facilitated each year. Pilgrims can purchase the sacrifice coupons either online or from the outlets of many authorized establishments. The Adahi coupons are available with such agencies as Al-Rajhi Bank, Al-Amoudi Exchange Company, Hadeyat Al-Haj Wal Moatamer Society and Saudi Post outlets throughout the Kingdom, Ali said. People can also purchase the coupons through the project's website www.adahi.org and pay by credit card. Several foreign consulates have signed memorandums of understanding with the IDB with regard to the purchase and slaughtering of sacrificial animals and Ali has called upon other countries to join in. About random slaughters taking place in streets and hills surrounding the holy sites, Ali said, “It is our duty as well as of all Haj missions to raise awareness among pilgrims to avoid purchasing animals for sacrifice from unauthorized sources." Unlicensed brokers take advantage of pilgrims when it comes to buying and butchering livestock, he said, adding that the animals are either overpriced or do not meet the conditions in the agreement between the pilgrim and the seller. In addition, unofficial butchers do not abide by health standards and religious conditions. “The Adahi Project aims to fill the gap by ensuring the livestock are butchered conforming to religious and health requirements and the meat is distributed to eligible people," Ali said. He said random sellers do not carry out proper veterinary examinations on the animals. Ali said the project this year employs 40,000 people, including butchers, veterinarians and Shariah experts. The Saudi government has spent over SR2 billion to build modern automated slaughterhouses with state-of-the-art facilities in Mina. Last year 900,000 heads of sheep were slaughtered and distributed to the needy people in 24 countries under the IDB supervision, Ali said. He emphasized the importance of protecting the environment as the holy sites become vulnerable to pollution due to several factors, including unauthorized slaughtering, during the Haj. The IDB president also called on the media to help raise awareness among pilgrims against visiting the project's abattoirs during peak periods.
