SPA — The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture has started construction on the Saudi animal research center in Arar, the first facility in the Northern Borders region. With a SAR 29.6 million budget, the National Excellence Center for Animal Research and Disease Control aims to improve veterinary services and protect livestock health across Saudi Arabia.

The center covers more than 17,000 square meters. It includes veterinary labs, administrative offices, barns, central refrigeration, and support infrastructure for housing, power, and logistics. It will be a central hub for diagnostics, disease control, and scientific research. These efforts directly support Saudi Arabia’s food security and environmental sustainability goals.

A Strategic Move for Livestock-Rich Regions

The Northern Borders region is one of the Kingdom’s key grazing zones. It is home to over 7.5 million animals, including over 7.2 million sheep, goats, camels, and cattle. The government is addressing the growing need for advanced veterinary services and research tools by building the center in Arar.

The project will help veterinarians, researchers, and policy-makers fight animal diseases using modern technologies. It also supports Vision 2030 goals by promoting sustainable agriculture, food security, and scientific progress in animal health.

Moreover, the center will improve disease prevention, reduce risks from animal-to-human infections, and strengthen biosecurity. Thanks to its high technical standards, the facility is set to become a key part of the Kingdom’s veterinary system.

 

 

THE SAUDI STANDARD’S VIEW: Arar Research Hub Signals a Strategic Leap in Veterinary Security

The launch of the Saudi animal research center, Arar, marks a major step toward improving animal health and food security in Saudi Arabia. Backed by SAR 29.6 million, this center is not just a regional development—it reflects national ambition in veterinary science and public health.

  • Strategically located in a region with over 7.5 million livestock, the center meets an urgent need for better disease prevention and diagnostics. It strengthens both local capacity and national agricultural stability.
  • The facility offers more than basic infrastructure. With labs, barns, cooling systems, and expert support, it provides the tools veterinarians and researchers need to monitor and manage disease threats.
  • This initiative supports Vision 2030 by advancing sustainable farming, improving food systems, and encouraging science-based solutions. It also boosts Saudi Arabia’s defenses against cross-border disease outbreaks.
  • Most importantly, the center puts veterinary care at the heart of the national strategy. It positions Saudi Arabia to lead the region in livestock health by connecting science, infrastructure, and policy.

In conclusion, the Saudi animal research center Arar represents more than a new building. It reflects a long-term commitment to animal health, food security, and global leadership in veterinary research. Through this investment, the Kingdom is serious about using science to build a safer, healthier, and more resilient future.

 

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