Abu Dhabi Municipality conducts comprehensive abattoir inspections ahead of Eid Al Adha 2025

Abu Dhabi: In preparation for Eid Al Adha, the Department of Municipalities and Transport, represented by the Abu Dhabi City Municipality, has carried out a thorough inspection campaign across its affiliated abattoirs. The initiative aims to assess operational readiness, ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, and maintain a safe environment for workers and visitors during the busy festive period.

The three-day campaign included inspections at the Automated Abattoir in Mina Zayed, Shahama Abattoir, Baniyas Abattoir, and Al Wathba Abattoir. The inspections focused on enforcing health, safety, and environmental standards, while also raising awareness among both the public and abattoir staff about the importance of maintaining best practices.

Municipal inspectors confirmed that staff at all abattoirs are adhering to safety protocols. In addition, educational efforts were made to promote safe slaughtering and meat-cutting practices, proper equipment use, emergency response protocols, evacuation procedures, and the identification of designated external assembly points.

As part of the campaign, workshops were held to reinforce environmental safety standards and reduce the ecological impact of abattoir operations. The Abu Dhabi City Municipality also confirmed that all its abattoirs will be fully operational throughout Eid Al-Adha, with several service improvements implemented to meet increased demand.

Focus on health, safety, and efficiency

The Municipality, through its Public Health Department, organised a series of lectures for abattoir staff, focusing on occupational health and safety, public interaction, managing stress during peak seasons, and maintaining high service standards. These sessions aimed to enhance both worker wellbeing and the overall quality of customer experience.

In preparation for the festival, essential maintenance and equipment checks were also conducted to ensure optimal operational readiness.

Extended operating hours to accommodate demand

To meet the expected surge in slaughter service requests, abattoirs will operate extended hours from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. On Fridays, services will pause between 11:30 AM and 2:00 PM in observance of Friday prayers. This revised schedule is designed to accommodate the increased public demand efficiently and comfortably.

Increased workforce and veterinary oversight

The Municipality anticipates a significant rise in slaughter requests during Eid and has accordingly increased the number of qualified butchers at each facility. Additionally, every abattoir will be staffed with a veterinary team to conduct comprehensive pre- and post-slaughter inspections, ensuring all meat is safe and disease-free for human consumption.

To further streamline the process and reduce crowding, residents are encouraged to use approved digital platforms such as Dhabihati, Thabaeh Al Jazeera, Thabaeh Al Emarat, and Halal Mazari’na. These apps allow customers to order and receive slaughtered meat within three hours, offering convenience and improved customer satisfaction.

Crackdown on illegal slaughter practices

The Municipality reiterated that slaughtering animals in homes, streets, or public areas is strictly prohibited and subject to legal penalties, including fines and immediate confiscation of livestock. Specialised mobile inspection patrols have been deployed to monitor and prevent such violations, underscoring the city's commitment to public health and safety.

In addition to operational checks, the Environmental, Health, and Safety Department conducted in-depth inspections across all four abattoirs to ensure full compliance with occupational and environmental safety regulations.

The campaign also included the introduction of eco-friendly practices and environmental impact assessments to reduce the negative effects of waste generated by abattoir activities.

Public awareness and community engagement

As part of the initiative, inspectors distributed awareness materials covering a wide range of topics, including:

• Safe slaughtering and cutting techniques

• Proper use of safety equipment

• Correct disposal and recycling of animal waste

• Emergency procedures and evacuation protocols

• Visitor safety measures and assembly points

These materials aimed to educate both workers and the public, encouraging community participation in promoting sustainable and safe abattoir operations.

The Municipality also urged residents to avoid hiring unlicensed or itinerant butchers, warning of the serious health risks posed by unauthorised slaughtering practices. Abu Dhabi’s modern, regulated abattoirs follow international standards and strict health protocols, ensuring the delivery of safe, high-quality meat.

Inclusive services for all

In line with its inclusive approach, Abu Dhabi Municipality announced priority services for senior citizens and people of determination during Eid Al Adha. These individuals will be able to complete all procedures — including payment, livestock reception, and meat collection — from their vehicles, ensuring a smooth and respectful experience.

Advantages of using official abattoirs

The Municipality highlighted the numerous benefits of using its licenced abattoirs:

• Full compliance with Islamic slaughtering practices

• Thorough veterinary inspections to detect contagious diseases

• Assurance that all butchers are medically cleared and free from infectious illnesses

• Environmentally responsible waste disposal procedures

• Access to trained professionals adhering to stringent health and safety standards