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Local livestock owners and breeders have welcomed the ratification of Law No. (12) of 2026 on Animal Health, describing it as an important step toward strengthening disease prevention, protecting national livestock resources and supporting food security. The new legislation is intended to enhance the local animal-health, reinforce disease prevention and control, and bring national practices closer to international standards. The country has been exerting great efforts to expand its livestock sector and veterinary infrastructure. The local economically significant livestock stood at around 1.1mn head at the end of 2024, comprising around 60% sheep, 29% goats, 3% cattle and 8% camels. The sector is increasingly viewed as an important component of national food security and domestic production. Accordingly, some breeders noted that one of the key benefits of stronger animal-health regulation is the emphasis on early reporting and rapid intervention when disease is detected. They said that prompt communication with veterinary authorities can help isolate infected animals, identify outbreaks at an early stage and prevent transmission within livestock holdings. Rashid Ali al-Nuaimi, livestock owner, stressed the need for stringent veterinary controls on imported animals. He said seasonal ailments are generally manageable when detected early, but diseases introduced through imported livestock could pose a wider threat if animals are not properly examined and quarantined. Al-Nuaimi called for veterinary inspections at livestock markets, including informal trading locations, to prevent the sale and movement of infected animals. The emphasis on biosecurity is consistent with the Ministry of Municipality’s ongoing efforts to strengthen disease surveillance and veterinary services. The ministry said last year that it was developing an animal-disease monitoring and tracking programme, upgrading veterinary diagnostic laboratories and expanding veterinary services in major livestock concentrations. It also reported plans for additional veterinary centres, including facilities in Al Wakra and Al Karaana. Jabran al-Hababi, another breeder, stressed the importance of improving livestock mobility and access to natural grazing areas. He said that prolonged confinement can limit the animals’ movement and called for greater opportunities for livestock to benefit from the natural pastures where conditions permit. Al-Hababi also pointed to the potential benefits of natural vegetation as part of a diversified feeding system. Barn owner Saad Khalid al-Kubaisi said that vaccination, regular monitoring and communication with veterinary authorities should remain central to livestock management. He also called for broader availability of veterinary medicines and feed products through government centres, noting that breeders sometimes have to obtain certain medicines from private clinics. Feed costs remain an important consideration for the sector. According to the Ministry of Municipality, government support covers up to 70% of feed components, alongside free vaccination campaigns against epidemic diseases. The ministry has also been working to develop livestock complexes, improve veterinary laboratories and strengthen animal-health surveillance. Qatar’s livestock sector has made measurable progress in domestic production. In 2025, the Ministry of Municipality reported annual domestic production of around 202,000 tonnes of dairy products, 25,000 tonnes of fresh poultry meat, 16,000 tonnes of table eggs and 9,000 tonnes of red meat. Self-sufficiency was reported at 100% for dairy and fresh poultry, 34% for table eggs and about 15% for red meat. More recently, at AgriteQ 2026, the ministry reported self-sufficiency rates of 99% for dairy, 100% for poultry and 24% for sheep and goat meat. Barn owner Jaberal-Marri stressed that continued investment in veterinary services would help breeders protect their herds and reduce losses from preventable disease. He noted that early isolation, veterinary diagnosis and appropriate treatment can significantly limit the consequences of outbreaks. 

The 14th Qatar Halal Festival concluded Monday, having drawn strong participation from herd and livestock breeders from Qatar and other Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) countries. The festival, which began on February 11, was held at the southern area of Katara Cultural Village, attracting families, heritage enthusiasts and visitors eager to enjoy activities celebrating the region’s desert and Bedouin traditions, with particular emphasis on improving goat and sheep breeds. Throughout the event, breeders showcased distinguished breeds of sheep and goats in the popular “Mazayen” beauty contests, held daily across various categories. The competitions highlighted the advanced technical standards achieved by local and regional breeders, reflecting years of expertise in selective breeding and animal husbandry. The festival featured dedicated livestock display areas, an auction platform and exhibition spaces where visitors observed rare breeds up close and learned about traditional desert-based husbandry practices that have shaped Bedouin communities for generations. In addition to the livestock competitions, there were a vibrant traditional market offering handicrafts and heritage products, art workshops for children and live cultural performances, including rababa music. Over the years, the Qatar Halal Festival has grown into a key heritage initiative, combining cultural preservation with tangible economic value. 

Geneva confirmed her quality and consistency with a hard-fought success in the Gr.1 (PA) French Arabian Breeders’ Challenge Classic – Wathba Stallions at Toulouse.The race, run over 2200m for four-year-old and older Purebred Arabians, featured a field of six, and the talented filly finally earned the Group 1 (PA) title that had previously eluded her.Trained by François Rohaut, ridden by Alexandre Gavilan, and carrying the colours of Abdulla bin Fahad al-Attiyah, the four-year-old came into the race on the back of a strong third-place finish in the Gr.1 (PA) Qatar Arabian Trophy des Juments at ParisLongchamp.Last year, she had also crossed the line first in the Gr.1 (PA) Qatar Arabian Trophy des Pouliches at Saint-Cloud, before being disqualified due to her jockey exceeding the permitted number of whip strikes. This time, justice was firmly served as Geneva officially became a Gr.1 (PA) winner.She fired slightly left coming out of the stalls and soon settled in fourth in a race led by Almurjanah. Still travelling behind Kanti de Bozouls, the pace steadied down the back straight, with the filly always moving comfortably. When the tempo lifted entering the final bend, Geneva momentarily looked outpaced as the leaders kicked on, but she soon found her rhythm again.Inside the final 400m, the leader had opened up a few lengths on the field, but Geneva began to close in, moving into third and challenging Molfit.In the last 200 metres, she produced a determined effort to sweep past both rivals, though Wala’a emerged with a strong late run on the outside. In a thrilling finish, Geneva held on gamely to win by half a length, with Wala’a finishing second and Molfit taking third.Bred by Patrick Lombrail, Geneva is by Azadi out of Theeba, a dual winner over 1600m at four and 1700m at five, as well as twice third in Gr.1 (PA) company over 2000m at five.She is a half-sister to Fleur du Soleil, a Listed winner over 1750m at four; to Eclipse du Soleil (Munjiz), a winner over 2000m at four; to Al Theeb (Azadi), a winner over 2100m at four; and to Kiaora du Soleil (Mahabb), runner-up in a Gr.3 (PA) over 1900m at three.