Al Wakra Livestock Market has been witnessing a strong turnout of customers as traders have made the necessary preparations to meet the anticipated rise in demand during the holy month of Ramadan.
Many trucks transport sheep and goats daily from local farms to the market’s display outlets. The market considers this period as one of the busiest seasons for the consumption of sheep, goat, and camel meat, coinciding with the large number of gatherings and banquets that families host throughout the holy month.
A number of traders stressed that their Ramadan preparations began early due to the high demand for livestock.
They also have been keen to provide a diverse selection of local and imported sheep, alongside various types of goats, to meet consumer needs. They noted that the market has recently relied more heavily on local production due to limited imports, which has reduced supply compared to demand and contributed to rising prices.
The traders explained that sheep prices vary depending on type and origin. Syrian sheep have reached around QR1,650, while local sheep are priced at about QR1,600. Somali Barbary sheep are selling for around QR820, while Yemeni Rafidi sheep imported from Saudi Arabia range between QR1,000 and QR1,200. They added that supplies coming from farms are limited, as some breeders prefer to sell directly to consumers, reducing their availability in the central market.
Trader Salman Abdullah said Al Wakra Central Market offers a variety of livestock including local, Syrian and other sheep, in addition to local, Omani, and Awarid goats. He explained that prices for local lambs range from QR1,250 to QR1,500, while Syrian sheep range between QR1,500 and QR 1,550, and Harri sheep are priced at around QR1,350.
Yemeni Rafidi sheep range between QR1,000 and QR1,050, Somali sheep between QR650 and QR750, while local Awarid goats start at QR1,000 and reach up to QR1,100. Iranian goats are priced between QR750 and QR800 per head.
Another trader, Abdullah al-Rashidi, noted most merchants in the market are keen to offer diverse options to suit different consumer preferences during Ramadan, as this one of the best seasons.
Similarly, Mohamed Saeed highlighted that limited imports have contributed to rising prices, as the market now depends almost entirely on local production amid growing demand. He noted that the Kermani breed, which previously met
about half of the market’s needs, is currently no longer imported.
Meanwhile, Naji al-Karbi expressed concern over the sharp price increases, noting that prices have risen by more than QR150 per head within just 10 days.
He argued that higher feed costs do not fully justify such increases and called on relevant authorities to strengthen oversight to regulate prices and prevent manipulation. He stressed that traders should not incur losses, but that profit margins should remain reasonable and considerate of consumers’ circumstances.