Dubai and Sharjah are currently experiencing a surge in the number of sacrificial animals being brought in for Eid Al Adha. Traders are selling goats, sheep, and cows imported from countries like Australia, India, Pakistan, and Somalia to meet the local demand for the upcoming religious festival. Prices for sacrificial animals are on the slightly expensive side, with traders hinting at a potential decrease in the near future. For Eid Al Adha, goat prices range from Dh500 to Dh1,400 depending on the size and breed.
Mohammed Ateeq from Al Khammas livestock trading mentioned that Somalian goats weighing 7kg are priced at around Dh500, while larger goats of the same breed weighing up to 15kg cost about Dh800. Indian goats, on the other hand, start at Dh800 for an 8kg goat and can go up to Dh1,200 for larger sizes. Eid Al Adha, known as the Festival of Sacrifice, honors Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to Allah’s command. Muslims worldwide perform the ritual of sacrifice by slaughtering a goat, sheep, ox, or camel and distributing the meat among family, friends, and those in need.
The first batch of sacrificial animals has already arrived in Dubai markets, with traders expecting more batches to arrive in the coming weeks. Anticipating an increase in supply, traders are hopeful that prices may drop as the market becomes more saturated with animals closer to Eid Al Adha. Irshad Ahmed from Al Ittihad livestock trading mentioned that they have received Indian and Somalian goats, with limited quantities of the other breeds. Pakistani breed animals are expected to be available in the market soon.
Traders are predicting a high demand for Oxen this Eid season, as people are looking for larger quantities of meat. Prices for oxen weighing above 150kg start at Dh4,000 and can go up to Dh8,000 for the larger animals. The market is expected to see a reduction in prices as more animals arrive, increasing competition and resulting in lower prices for consumers. With the festive season approaching, traders are gearing up for an influx of sacrificial animals and hoping for a successful Eid Al Adha celebration with the community.
