The Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture received the certificate declaring the Kingdom free of African horse sickness, issued by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), at the Ministry’s headquarters in Riyadh.

This achievement crowns intensive national efforts, as the Kingdom’s freedom from the disease was officially approved during the 92nd General Session of the Organisation in Paris, with the participation of a Saudi delegation and representatives from 182 countries.

This international recognition represents a strategic step towards enhancing the Kingdom’s standing in the veterinary sector, supporting livestock safety, and raising the Kingdom’s readiness to host international horse racing competitions. It reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to applying the highest global standards in animal health and developing emergency plans and preventive programs to ensure the protection of both humans and animals.

Riyadh

Riyadh is the capital and largest city of Saudi Arabia, historically a walled oasis town and the ancestral home of the Al Saud dynasty. It transformed from a small desert settlement into a modern metropolis following the discovery of oil in the 20th century, which fueled its rapid economic and infrastructural growth. Today, it serves as the nation’s political and administrative center, blending its historical roots in the Najd region with striking contemporary architecture.

Paris

Paris is the capital of France and a major European center of art, fashion, and culture. Its history dates back over 2,000 years to a Gallic settlement, and it became a global capital of enlightenment and empire. The city is renowned for iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and the Cathedral of Notre-Dame.