Indian breeds are currently the most popular among customers, although residents are also showing interest in Somali and Sudanese livestock.
With less than a week left until Eid Al Adha, residents are preparing for the festival and the ritual sacrifice, which follows the Eid prayers. Many have begun visiting the Sharjah Livestock Market to check prices, compare animal breeds, and understand the sacrifice process ahead of the seasonal rush.
Traders at the market said Indian goats are currently being transported to the UAE by air cargo due to shipping disruptions, while market authorities have introduced new systems and additional facilities to ease congestion and improve the customer experience during the busy Eid period.
According to traders, goat prices vary based on breed, country of origin, and weight. “Currently, prices range from around Dh800 to as high as Dh2,200 depending on the breed, size, and weight,” said Abdul Qureshi.
At the Sharjah Livestock Market in Sajaa, Somali goats are currently selling for about Dh1,000 to Dh2,000, depending on their size and weight. Indian goats, which are in strong demand this year, are priced around Dh900 to Dh1,600 and above, according to traders.
Abdul Qureshi said prices vary based on breed and weight, while another trader, Shahid Mirza, noted that prices have slightly increased this year due to some Indian livestock being imported via air cargo.
“Earlier, Indian goats used to arrive by sea and take around five to seven days. Now, due to regional disruptions, some traders are importing them by air,” he said.
He added that Indian breeds are currently the most preferred among customers, although residents are also showing interest in Somali and Sudanese livestock. According to traders, most families visiting the market this year are spending an average budget of around Dh1,000 to Dh1,500 per goat.
Residents are visiting early because enquiries for sacrificial animals have already begun ahead of Eid Al Adha, even though most actual purchases are expected closer to Arafat Day and Eid morning.
Shahid Mirza said that people with space to keep goats at home are already making purchases, while those living in apartments are mainly visiting early to compare prices and explore options before deciding.
Officials at the Sharjah Livestock Market added that the biggest rush is expected on Arafat Day and the first day of Eid Al Adha, when thousands of residents typically visit the market.
Yes. Market officials said apartment residents who don’t have space to keep livestock at home can select and pay for goats in advance at the Sharjah Livestock Market.
The goats can then remain in the market pens for one or two days until the customer returns to send them directly for slaughter. Abdullah AlShamsi said this option has become especially useful for apartment residents who want to avoid last-minute rush and transportation challenges.
After the goat is handed over for sacrifice, it is taken through a structured process that includes slaughtering, followed by skin removal, waste removal, inspection, and cutting stages.
Abdullah AlShamsi said that under normal conditions, the full process from slaughtering to handing over the meat to customers usually takes around 20 to 25 minutes. However, during peak Eid rush hours, waiting times are difficult to predict due to the high number of visitors expected.
New arrangements at Sharjah livestock market
He added that all preparations for Eid Al Adha have been completed in coordination with Sharjah Police, Sharjah Municipality, and other relevant entities.
Officials also said the Sharjah Livestock Market has introduced a new tracking system for sacrifice orders this year to speed up service and reduce confusion during peak demand periods.
Abdullah AlShamsi said the market has introduced dedicated customer pathways to ease congestion, along with fully equipped waiting tents for visitors.
He added that the number of butchers, cleaning staff, and supervisors has been increased to ensure better hygiene, safety, and smoother operations during the Eid period.
He also noted that on the first day of Eid, the Sharjah Livestock Market will remain open after Eid prayers until 10 pm.
