Indian goats have started arriving in the UAE ahead of Eid Al Adha, with prices ranging from Dh800.
What the importation means for Eid celebrations
The importation of Indian goats is expected to meet the increasing demand for sacrificial animals during Eid Al Adha.
Saif Al Suwaidi, director-general of the Abu Dhabi Farmers' Service Centre, said the centre is working to ensure a smooth supply of goats to meet the demand.
The centre has been working with local farmers to increase the number of goats available for sale, with a target of 10,000 goats to be imported from India by the end of May 2026.
The Eid Al Adha festival is set to take place on June 14, 2026, and the centre is expecting a high demand for goats, with over 100,000 animals expected to be sacrificed during the festival.
The importation of goats from India is a common practice during Eid Al Adha, with the UAE importing over 50,000 goats from India last year alone.
How the importation process works
The importation process involves several steps, including the inspection of the goats at the airport, followed by their transportation to the farms and then to the markets for sale.
The Abu Dhabi Farmers' Service Centre is responsible for ensuring that the goats are healthy and meet the required standards before they are sold to the public.
The centre has a team of veterinarians who inspect the goats at the airport and provide certification that they are fit for sale.
The centre also works with local farmers to ensure that the goats are properly cared for and fed during their stay in the UAE.
What the demand means for local farmers
The increasing demand for goats during Eid Al Adha has provided a boost to local farmers, who are seeing an increase in sales and revenue.
Local farmers are also benefiting from the government's initiatives to support the livestock industry, including the provision of subsidies and loans to farmers.
The Abu Dhabi Farmers' Service Centre has also established a network of farmers who can supply goats to meet the demand during Eid Al Adha.
The centre has also launched a campaign to encourage local farmers to increase their production of goats, with the aim of reducing the country's reliance on imported animals.
What the future holds for the goat industry
The importation of Indian goats is expected to continue in the coming years, with the UAE looking to increase its self-sufficiency in the production of sacrificial animals.
The Abu Dhabi Farmers' Service Centre is working to establish a breeding programme for goats, with the aim of increasing the country's production of high-quality goats.
The centre is also working with local farmers to develop new technologies and techniques to improve the efficiency and productivity of goat farming in the UAE.
The centre has also launched a programme to promote the export of goat meat and products, with the aim of increasing the country's revenue from the livestock industry.
