Hail Governor launches Alraie National Livestock project

The foundation stone laying ceremony

Prince Abdulaziz bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Hail, laid the foundation stone for the Alraie National Livestock Co., a joint venture between the National Agricultural Development Co. (NADEC) and Al Muhaidib Group.

The prince highlighted the project’s role in transforming the local livestock and red meat sector, noting it will adopt global best practices and high standards to boost efficiency and support long-term sustainability.

Environment Minister Abdulrahman Al-Fadli said the project stems from a strategic partnership between NADEC and Al Muhaidib Group, supported by over SAR 1 billion in funding from the Agricultural Development Fund, with total investments surpassing SAR 2 billion.

Al-Fadli said the project is the first of its kind globally in its level of integration, bringing together breeding, production, processing, distribution, and preservation of local livestock breeds within a smart and sustainable framework.

He added that the project sets a national benchmark for improving agricultural efficiency and increasing local red meat output, targeting annual production of one million sheep through an integrated system covering breeding, care, and processing, while maximizing byproduct value and minimizing waste.

NADEC Chairman Abdulaziz Al-Rabdi said Alraie National Livestock offers a fully integrated system for producing safe, high-quality local meat, highlighting it as a model of public-private collaboration that provides smart solutions to preserve rare breeds and boost efficiency.

According to Argaam data, NADEC signed a one-year memorandum of understanding (MoU) in August 2023 with United Feed Co., a subsidiary of Al Muhaidib Group, to explore a sheep and goat farming venture.

On March 14, 2024, NADEC and United Feed signed a shareholder agreement to establish a limited liability company focused on intensive livestock farming and meat production. The deal was signed under the patronage of Minister Al-Fadli.

NADEC holds a 51% stake in the new company, which will run high-tech farms to secure a steady supply of premium local red meat, enhance the trade balance, and provide consumers with diverse options.

The project is also expected to create a full ecosystem with a range of agricultural and livestock initiatives, spanning multiple partnerships and generating numerous direct and indirect job opportunities.