Upgraded facilities and veterinary checks help safeguard food safety amid the Eid rush.
Abu Dhabi slaughterhouses saw significant public turnout during the first days of Eid Al Adha, supported by smooth procedures and an integrated operational system that streamlined the receipt, slaughtering, and delivery of sacrificial animals, all in line with the highest food safety and public health standards.
This strong turnout reflects the early preparedness measures put in place by the relevant authorities ahead of the Eid season. Technical and veterinary teams were reinforced, slaughterhouse capacity was increased, and specialised teams were deployed to oversee pre- and post-slaughter inspections, ensuring meat safety and suitability for consumption.
Worshippers began arriving at the slaughterhouses from early Wednesday morning, following Eid Al Adha prayers at facilities designated by Abu Dhabi City Municipality to serve the public. Demand is expected to continue throughout the remaining days of Eid.
The slaughterhouses saw active movement, reflecting the public’s strong engagement with the integrated services provided by Abu Dhabi City Municipality to carry out the sacrificial ritual in a well-organised and hygienic environment.
Alongside the in-person turnout at slaughterhouses, many customers also relied on smart applications for ordering and preparing sacrificial animals. Abu Dhabi City Municipality offered multiple digital platforms, including “Thabeehati,” “Al Jazeera Slaughters,” “Emirates Slaughters,” and “Halal Mazare’na,” while also accommodating direct visits to slaughterhouses in Al Wathba, Bani Yas, and Al Shahama.
Abu Dhabi City Municipality increased the readiness of its slaughterhouses to handle around 35,000 sacrificial animals during Eid Al Adha by boosting the number of butchers, workers, and maintenance teams, as well as strengthening staff responsible for receiving animals and delivering meat. Preparations were also made to accommodate requests placed through smart applications, ensuring greater speed, efficiency, and service quality.
The municipality also enhanced external facilities at slaughterhouses by installing air-conditioned tents, shaded walkways, and chilled drinking water stations to support the growing number of visitors, especially as Eid coincided with rising summer temperatures. Special arrangements were made for senior citizens and People of Determination to ensure easier access to services.
Specialised veterinary teams were deployed across all slaughterhouses to carry out pre-slaughter animal inspections and post-slaughter meat checks, ensuring products are safe and suitable for consumption. These measures help deliver healthy meat while reducing potential health risks.
Abu Dhabi City Municipality encouraged residents to use officially approved slaughterhouses, highlighting their comprehensive veterinary supervision and integrated health protocols, which ensure both food safety and proper waste disposal, supporting public health standards during Eid.
Working hours
Slaughterhouses operate daily from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. throughout the Eid Al Adha holiday. The Abu Dhabi Automated Slaughterhouse in Mina Zayed has been designated to process sacrifices for the Red Crescent and for requests placed via smart applications.
Livestock and sheep markets in Abu Dhabi
Major livestock markets and slaughterhouses are distributed across the Emirate of Abu Dhabi to serve different residential areas. These facilities operate under the supervision of Abu Dhabi City Municipality, ensuring compliance with halal slaughter standards, food safety regulations, and pre- and post-slaughter veterinary inspections.
Main markets
Mina Zayed Livestock Market: Located in the port area on Al Kharrat Street, it is one of the emirate’s key central markets for livestock and sheep trading.
Bani Yas Livestock Market: Located in Riyadh City, it is one of the most important markets due to its wide variety of halal livestock options.
Al Wathba and Al Shahama Markets: Livestock sales points located adjacent to municipal slaughterhouses in these areas.
Approved slaughterhouses
Abu Dhabi’s four main slaughterhouses operate throughout the week from morning until evening, offering slaughtering and meat-cutting services:
- Automated Slaughterhouse (Mina Zayed): Serves central Abu Dhabi and surrounding areas
- Bani Yas Slaughterhouse: Serves southern and eastern regions
- Al Shahama Slaughterhouse: Serves northern areas and the highway corridor
- Al Wathba Slaughterhouse: Serves Al Wathba and nearby communities
Market services and facilities
Veterinary inspections: All livestock undergo thorough health checks before and after slaughter.
Integrated facilities: Slaughterhouse areas include shaded and air-conditioned waiting spaces, along with internet access for customers.
Working hours overview
- Regular days: 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- Eid / seasonal periods: Typically extended from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or later, depending on demand and visitor volume.
