Veterinary quarantine facility opens at Khalifa Port

A veterinary quarantine facility at Khalifa Port in Abu Dhabi has opened. It aims to enhance biosecurity and food security systems, protect human and animal health, and ensure food safety in Abu Dhabi.

The project was initiated with the support of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, Chairman of the Presidential Court and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA), ADAFSA, AD Ports Group and Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Centre (ADPIC).

The 32,700-square-metre veterinary quarantine facility is expected to boost the trade of live animals, support livestock imports, increase re-export opportunities, and attract both local and international companies in the live animal trade and meat industry. The centre aims to support Abu Dhabi's efforts as a regional and global hub for the import and re-export of live animals, enhancing the emirate's economic status.

"The veterinary quarantine facility at Khalifa Port in Abu Dhabi will serve as a source for diversifying import sources and supporting supply chains, which are fundamental pillars in enhancing food security and ensuring its sustainability,” Mohammed Saeed Al Nuaimi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MoCCaE), said.

Saeed Al Bahri Al Ameri, Director-General of ADAFSA, said, "The investment made in the veterinary quarantine demonstrates the wise leadership's unwavering commitment to achieving global leadership in food security, public safety and wellbeing and enhancing the quality of life. The quarantine facility will reduce risks associated with zoonotic diseases by enabling early detection of animal diseases in imported animals and preventing their entry into the country.

"We are delighted to collaborate with AD Ports Group to develop and secure a more sustainable food supply chain. This partnership is a testament to our commitment to ensuring and sustaining the UAE's food security. The veterinary quarantine facility, established under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, provides an advanced solution to ensure the sustainability of the livestock supply chain and address current and future challenges in the region.

"The veterinary quarantine facility at Khalifa Port has been designed and built according to best practices and global standards in veterinary quarantine facilities. It includes a veterinary laboratory unit equipped with state-of-the-art devices and equipment operated by the best-specialised personnel.”

He said, "The animals will undergo standard procedures from their country of origin to ensure they are free of diseases and pathogens, in accordance with applicable regulations, reducing the number of consignments rejected for not meeting health standards. This will facilitate live animal trade and attract companies operating in this field.”

Emphasising the role played by ADPIC in supervising the implementation of the veterinary quarantine project, Al Ameri said, "We aim to achieve an operational capacity of over one million head of livestock annually for the quarantine facility.”

Maysara Mahmoud Eid, Acting Director-General of ADPIC, said: “This partnership embodies our unwavering commitment to strategic partnerships, which is ingrained in our approach. The successful completion of the veterinary quarantine project at Khalifa Port is a testament to our constant endeavour for smooth project execution, innovation, flexibility and our pivotal role in reshaping the infrastructure landscape in Abu Dhabi to achieve a prosperous and sustainable future."

Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO, AD Ports Group, said, "The continuous expansion of Khalifa Port solidifies our position as a key pillar of trade, industry, and logistics services in the region. Through technical teams, coordination was carried out with ADAFSA and AD Ports Group to design and implement the project according to the highest global standards. The quarantine facility is expected to play a crucial role in ensuring local and regional food security through infrastructure that meets customer needs.