BAHRAIN has imported more than 30,000 livestock and 6,800 tonnes of meat ahead of Eid Al Adha with 17,000 heads of livestock further expected, it was revealed yesterday.
Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Ministry Agriculture Under-Secretary Assem Abdullatif said that the ministry has ramped up efforts to ensure the availability of livestock and meat to meet consumer demand during the peak religious season.
“The kingdom has imported 30,630 heads of sheep, 91 cattle, and 34 camels so far,” he said.
“We are also anticipating the arrival of an additional 17,000 heads of livestock in the coming days to fully satisfy the needs of citizens and residents seeking to offer sacrifices.”
In addition to livestock imports, the ministry has authorised the entry of large volumes of meat products.
These include 1,541 tonnes of chilled and frozen red meat and 5,299 tonnes of frozen poultry, with 228 import licences issued specifically to facilitate the inflow of meat for the Eid season.
“Our strategy is built on both volume and safety,” said Mr Abdullatif.
“We are committed to protecting public health and ensuring the quality of all animal products entering the country.
“Every shipment, whether live or processed, undergoes rigorous veterinary inspection and laboratory testing.”
He emphasised that maintaining the integrity of Bahrain’s food supply chain is a top priority, and that the ministry’s veterinary teams are working around the clock to uphold these standards.
To ensure that the Eid Al Adha rituals are performed in accordance with religious and health standards, the ministry has launched a comprehensive operational plan to manage slaughter activities across licensed abattoirs.
The plan includes the deployment of licensed veterinarians to inspect sacrificial animals before and after slaughter, working closely with staff at government-authorized slaughterhouses.
Among the licensed facilities are the Hamala Abattoir and the Bahrain Livestock Company Abattoir in Sitra, which are operating under strict veterinary supervision.
“There is continuous health monitoring at these facilities,” affirmed Mr Abdullatif.
“Our veterinarians examine each animal before slaughter and inspect the meat afterward.
“All meat destined for the markets – whether during regular days or peak seasons – is properly stamped to guarantee its safety and suitability for consumption.”
He pointed out that the ministry has also deployed 25 veterinary doctors and technicians to operate 24/7 across all key entry points, including Khalifa Bin Salman Port, Bahrain International Airport, and the King Fahad Causeway, ensuring that all imported livestock and meat products are thoroughly inspected in accordance with Bahraini law.
“We operate under a strict veterinary and quarantine protocol,” Mr Abdullatif explained.
“Animals and meat products go through a multi-step process that includes on-site inspections, quarantine checks, and laboratory analysis. We are especially vigilant during religious seasons like Eid Al Adha.”
He said all imports and inspections are carried out in accordance with Law No. 8 of 2003 on Veterinary Quarantine and its Executive Regulations.
The official added that the ministry works closely with authorised and qualified importers, who are vetted to ensure compliance with Bahrain’s animal health and food safety laws.
“The increasing interest among traders to import livestock and meat products stems from our diversified sourcing strategy,” he said.
“We’ve opened the door to multiple countries around the world, giving us flexibility and resilience in meeting local demand.”
“As Eid approaches, the ministry’s strategy is clear: ensure sufficient supply, uphold the highest standards of public health, and facilitate smooth and respectful observance of Islamic rituals.
“We are fully prepared for Eid Al Adha. Our teams are on the ground, our systems are tested, and our partnerships with traders are strong. Bahrainis can rest assured that their sacrificial animals and meat products will be safe, fresh, and readily available.”
He said that the ministry’s efforts reflect a broader commitment to food security, public health, and responsive governance, especially during high-demand periods that carry both spiritual and societal significance.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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