Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority, Abu Dhabi Ports Group, and Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Centre announced the opening of the veterinary quarantine at Khalifa Port in Abu Dhabi, with the support of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Presidential Affairs, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority.
The veterinary quarantine is built on an area of 32,700 square meters, and is an important step towards strengthening the food and biosecurity system, protecting human and animal health, ensuring food safety in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, and supporting the UAE’s efforts to achieve global leadership in the field of food security.
The veterinary quarantine contributes to stimulating live animal trade, supporting livestock imports, increasing re-export opportunities, and attracting local and international companies operating in the field of live animal trade and meat industry, thus consolidating Abu Dhabi’s position as a regional and global center for importing and re-exporting live animals, and enhancing the emirate’s economic position.
His Excellency Mohammed Saeed Al Nuaimi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, said that within the framework of implementing the country’s strategic directions, the Ministry, in cooperation with all strategic partners, is working to enhance the biosecurity and food security system according to a forward-looking vision that aims to implement various policies and regulatory and health regulations emanating from international standards; to ensure the smooth flow of safe and good agricultural, animal and food shipments, and to prevent epidemic and infectious animal diseases from crossing the country’s borders, through a package of control and inspection procedures for shipments arriving through approved border crossings.
He added that the veterinary quarantine at Khalifa Port in Abu Dhabi is a source of diversification of import sources and support for supply chains, which are two of the basic pillars in enhancing food security and ensuring its sustainability.
For his part, His Excellency Saeed Al Bahri Al Ameri, Director General of Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority, said that the investment in the veterinary quarantine reflects the wise leadership’s commitment to achieving global leadership in food security, community safety and well-being, and enhancing the quality of life. Through the veterinary quarantine, the risks associated with diseases common to humans and animals are reduced by early detection of animal diseases in imported animals and preventing their entry into the country.
He added: “We are pleased to partner with Abu Dhabi Ports Group to develop and secure a more sustainable food supply chain. This partnership is a testament to our commitment to ensuring the achievement and sustainability of food security for the UAE.”
“The veterinary quarantine, which was established under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Presidential Affairs, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority, represents an advanced solution to ensure the sustainability of the livestock supply chain and address current and future challenges in the region,” he said.
He explained that the veterinary quarantine at Khalifa Port was designed and built in accordance with the best international practices and designs in the field of veterinary quarantines, to include a veterinary laboratory unit equipped with the latest devices and equipment, which are operated by the best specialized cadres. It also includes facilities that ensure the provision of a safe and healthy environment for animals imported into the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
He added that the animals that will be returned through the quarantine will be subject to standard procedures from the country of origin, to ensure that they are free from diseases and their causes, in accordance with the applicable legislation. This will lead to reducing the percentage of shipments that will be rejected for not meeting health requirements, which will facilitate the trade of live animals and attract companies working in the field.
He appreciated the effective role played by the Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Centre in supervising the implementation of the veterinary quarantine project, which confirms the centre’s commitment to the emirate’s strategic directions, which include developing the infrastructure in Abu Dhabi. The centre, through its wise management, was able to complete the project within the specified period, through close supervision and follow-up of the construction works, adding: “We aspire to reach an operational capacity for the quarantine that exceeds one million heads of livestock annually.”
“This partnership embodies our unwavering commitment to strategic partnerships, which is deeply rooted in our approach,” said Eng. Maisarah Mahmoud Eid, Acting General Manager of Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Centre. “The successful completion of the veterinary quarantine project at Khalifa Port is a testament to our continued focus on smooth project execution, innovation and flexibility, and our pivotal role in reshaping Abu Dhabi’s infrastructure landscape for a prosperous and sustainable future.”
Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and CEO of Abu Dhabi Ports Group, said: “The ongoing expansion of Khalifa Port contributes to consolidating our position as one of the most important tributaries of trade, industry and logistics services in the region. Through technical teams, coordination was made between the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority and Abu Dhabi Ports Group to design and implement the project according to the best international specifications. It is expected that the quarantine will play a major role in ensuring local and regional food security through infrastructure that meets the needs of customers.”
“With the growing regional and global challenges, our group is always seeking to find solutions that suit everyone,” he added.
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