Saudi Arabia clears over 351,000 imported heads of cattle

Cairo: Saudi authorities have cleared around 351,700 imported heads of cattle in a single week in the run-up to the Muslim sacrificial season and Hajj pilgrimage due early next month.

The livestock, which included 351,427 sheep, were cleared last week through the Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture’s quarantine facility at the Red Sea port of Jeddah as part of the ministry’s operational plan for Hajj 2025.

The ministry expected the arrival of more shipments in the coming days for a Saudi project linked to sacrificial animals.

The ministry’s spokesman Saleh bin Dakhil stressed full preparedness for the Hajj season, pointing out that its offices in the holy cities of Mecca and Medina have completed their preparations, including the oversight of private slaughterhouses and public markets.

During Eid Al Adha (Feast of Sacrifice), Muslims, who can afford it, sacrifice animals such as sheep, goats, camels and cows, honouring the Prophet Ebrahim’s willingness to slay his son Ismael at Allah’s command.

As the Prophet Ebrahim and Ismael showed unwavering obedience to the divine order, Allah sent a ram slaughtered in the son’s stead.

This year’s Eid Al Adha is expected to start on June 6, depending on sighting the moon of the new Islamic month.