More than 22,000 heads of livestock and 9,000 tonnes of meat have arrived in the kingdom to ensure a stable food supply during Ramadan.
According to Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Ministry assistant under-secretary for agriculture and animal wealth Asim Abdulla, all necessary preparations have been completed to guarantee the availability of sufficient quantities of live animals as well as red and white meat throughout the holy month.
He noted that Ramadan typically sees a significant rise in demand for various types of meat, both for household consumption and within the restaurant sector. This annual surge has made early planning and import scheduling essential to secure adequate supplies and meet the needs of the local market.
“The volume of livestock imports that arrived in the kingdom from the beginning of January until mid-February 2026 has reached around 22,500 heads of live animals,” said Mr Abdulla.
“This comprised around 20,300 sheep and 2,250 cattle, and the coming days will see the arrival of additional shipments, including 30,000 sheep, 1,500 cattle and 100 camels, following completion of the required permits.
“The quantities of imported meat, both chilled and frozen, received by the kingdom are estimated at approximately 9,853 tonnes, including 3,294 tonnes of red meat and 6,559 tonnes of poultry.
“An additional 250 import permits have been approved to meet the increased demand during the holy month.”
Mr Abdulla
Mr Abdulla added that shipments of live animals arrive in the kingdom from approved Arab and foreign exporting countries, affirming that the ministry continues to open new markets and diversify import sources to strengthen the stability of food supplies.
More than 200 traders have ensured adequate stock of food and meat supplies, while pledging to maintain price stability during the holy month.
There are more than 7,000 supermarkets and stores in the kingdom that will be selling food products for Ramadan, in addition to 15 different delivery companies.
The GDN reported that during a virtual gathering organised by the Bahrain Chamber’s food sector committee chairman Khalid Al Amin, authorities reassured the public that they would continue working together to ensure traders do not exploit the unusually high demand for certain products.
Mr Al Amin confirmed that Bahrain secured food products by liaising with farmers, who delivered the items as scheduled. He also revealed that tomato and potato supplies have been secured from Saudi Arabia, ensuring no market shortages of these essentials.
Additionally, the food sector committee will work alongside the Bahrain Customs Affairs to facilitate the arrival of fruit and vegetables by land from countries such as Egypt and Jordan.
Authorities have pledged to keep an eye out on prices during the holy month to ensure compliance, and Mr Al Amin anticipates a low rate of violations.
nader@gdnmedia.bh
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