Abu Dhabi: Eid al-Adha demand drives up livestock prices

Abu Dhabi: Demand for sacrificial animals such as goats and sheep remains strong this year for Eid al-Adha June 28, 2028.

Prices of some popular animal breeds at the Abu Dhabi Livestock Market have risen by Dh300 to as much as Dh1,500 per head due to surging demand, traders and customers said.

Smaller goats and sheep cost around Dh600-800. Prices vary according to the breed, weight, health and country of origin of the livestock.

Muslims buy sacrificial animals for Eid al-Adha, donate some of the meat to charity, give some to loved ones, and prepare the feast at home.

Ibrahim Al Thahli, owner of Al Mir’s Kitchen, a traditional fine dining restaurant in Abu Dhabi, tells us gulf news: “Prices of sheep and other sacrificial animals increase on religious, social and state occasions. As we all know, the market is affected by supply and demand, and due to the increased demand for meat and sacrificial animals on these occasions, traders and suppliers [increase] price. “

He gave the example of the popular Al Nuaimi sheep, which currently cost Dh1,500 per head during Eid al-Adha and Dh1,200 on other days.

Abu Imran, a farmer, said the market had a variety of sacrificial animals, both local and imported. However, native animals are not common.

Abu Imran said there has been a decline in the number of cattle and sheep on UAE farms this year, such as Al Nuaimi and Al Najdi sheep.

Khaled Abdel Wahed, a customer who buys livestock for Eid, said: “I have noticed a price increase. For example, Australian sheep slaughtered locally currently cost more than Dh600, while Other days of the year will not cost more than Dh450 to Dh500.

“I’ve seen the same with the Al Nuaimi sheep, which is considered one of the best cult breeds. Its price is now more than Dh1,500 compared to the usual Dh1,200.”

Another customer, Adel Al Hammadi, said: “I always advise my friends and relatives to buy sacrificial animals before the start of Eid, when demand is at its peak. We applaud government agencies for their efforts to regulate the trade suppliers and suppliers to take advantage of demand.”

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