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UAE: Soaring livestock prices fail to deter meat lovers

RAS AL KHAIMAH -- Despite an increase in animal prices since last week, the Ras Al Khaimah livestock market has been witnessing a heavy rush of meat lovers.

Traders said that for the past few days, scores of people from all over the emirate had been visiting the Ras Al Khaimah livestock market to buy animals.

Noordin Ali, a Pakistani trader in the RAK livestock market said there had been a high demand for sheep in recent days as many people buy and stock animals for the holy month of Ramadan.

"Many people, especially Emiratis with big families, want to buy sheep or goats for Iftar meals early to avoid commission in the market," he added.

Ali noted that during the past few days, many of his Emirati customers had been buying six to 10 sheep, the meat of which could last through Ramadan."An increase in animal prices has not affected our business. Many people are buying animals in big numbers to keep them for Ramadan," 
said Ali.

Abdullah Al Shihi, a livestock trader in the RAK market said that the prices of sheep and goats went very high from last week. "Iranian sheep is now priced at Dh600, up from Dh400-450 last month, and Somali and Omani sheep now cost Dh550-650, up from Dh400. The price of Pakistani and Indian sheep has also gone up from Dh350 to Dh450-650. Local sheep and goats are the most highly priced in the markets with a record cost varying from Dh850 to Dh1,300.The price of goats of different origins has also increased by Dh100-200 depending on the size.

Mohsin Khan, a livestock dealer attributed the hike in animal prices to the increase in procuring costs on the side of the importers.

He said the prices of livestock tend to increase in different countries during the advent of Ramadan or the festive days because of the high demand. "The significant reduction in the importation of Somali sheep in the recent months also caused some shortage in the markets," said Abdul Karim, another livestock dealer.

Mohammed Hassan, a Pakistani trader of sheep in the RAK market said 40 to 50 trucks full of livestock are entering the market everyday but most of these are sold out even before they are off-loaded. "Some traders from Dubai and Abu Dhabi come and buy animals from importers at the RAK livestock market during this season since the prices here are lower compared to other markets," added Hassan. Meanwhile, veterinary experts from Ras al Khaimah Municipality are conducting daily inspections in the livestock market to ensure that all animals being sold to customers are healthy and free from diseases.

According to municipal officials, the inspections are intended to safeguard the residents' health and would continue throughout Ramadan.

By Sebugwaawo Ismail

© Khaleej Times 2010