Saudi Arabia- The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA), in partnership with the National Center for Privatization & PPP (NCP), has announced the commencement of the Expression of Interest (EOI) phase for an ambitious K9 Training Center and Points of Entry (PoEs) project. This project will be executed through a public-private partnership (PPP) model, specifically following the Design-Build-Finance-Operate-Maintain-Transfer (DBFOMT) approach. The contract for this project will span 21.5 years, which includes the time allocated for construction.
The primary objective of this project is to develop and operate the National K9 Training Center (NTC) at a strategically central location in Saudi Arabia. The NTC will serve as the nucleus for training and managing K9 units, which are critical for ensuring security and efficient operations at the Kingdom’s points of entry. In addition to the NTC, the project will see the establishment of new K9 facilities at key ports, namely King Abdullah Port in King Abdullah Economic City and King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam. These new facilities will enhance the operational capabilities at these ports, providing state-of-the-art resources for K9 units.
Moreover, the project involves the significant expansion of existing K9 facilities at Jeddah Islamic Seaport. This expansion aims to boost the current capacity and efficiency of K9 operations, ensuring that the port can handle increasing demands and security challenges effectively. Alongside the expansion, the project will include comprehensive facilities maintenance services at the three aforementioned existing PoEs, ensuring that the infrastructure remains in optimal condition throughout the contract period.
An integral part of the project is the operation and maintenance of the NTC. This includes providing a full spectrum of K9 training services, covering everything from basic obedience to specialized detection skills. The project will also ensure the provision of essential services such as food, equipment, veterinary care, and accommodation for the K9 units. These services are crucial for maintaining the health, well-being, and performance of the dogs, which play a vital role in the Kingdom’s security apparatus.
The K9 services under this project will be extended to a total of 34 PoEs across Saudi Arabia. Of these, 26 are currently operational, and 8 new PoEs are planned to be brought online by 2030. This expansion is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to enhance its border security and operational efficiency at its points of entry. By integrating advanced K9 units trained at the NTC, the Kingdom aims to bolster its ability to detect and prevent illicit activities, ensuring the safety and security of its borders.
The launch of the EOI phase marks a significant step forward in this project, inviting interested parties to participate in the development and operation of these critical facilities. Through this PPP initiative, ZATCA and NCP aim to leverage private sector expertise and investment to achieve their strategic objectives, ultimately enhancing the Kingdom’s security infrastructure and operational efficiency at its points of entry.
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