Manama : Asim Abdullatif Abdulla, Undersecretary of Agriculture and Animal Wealth Affairs at the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture, confirmed that the Kingdom of Bahrain has imported about 30,630 sheep, 91 cattle, and 34 camels in preparation for Eid Al Adha, with an additional 17,000 animals expected to arrive soon to meet demand for sacrifices. He added that the Kingdom has also imported 1,541 tonnes of chilled and frozen red meat and 5,299 tonnes of frozen poultry, and has issued 228 licences for importing red meat and poultry.
He said that the ministry is fully prepared for Eid, with a comprehensive plan covering all licensed slaughterhouses. Veterinary doctors are on hand to inspect livestock, and there is coordination with slaughterhouse veterinarians to speed up the inspection process. Samples from all imported live animals and meat are tested in laboratories to ensure safety.
The undersecretary noted that Al Hamala Central Slaughterhouse and Bahrain Livestock Company Slaughterhouse in Sitra are licensed and operate under the supervision of qualified veterinarians. Regular health checks are carried out before and after slaughter, and all meat is stamped before reaching the market.
He highlighted that around 25 veterinary doctors and technicians are working around the clock at entry points such as Khalifa Bin Salman Port, Bahrain International Airport, and King Fahd Causeway to monitor the import and export of animals and meat. He noted that there is ongoing coordination with qualified importers who comply with all regulations. He attributed the high import activity to Bahrain’s policy of diversifying sources and licensing qualified traders to ensure a steady and safe supply.
