Agriculture Saudi Arabia brings in new rules for livestock sales By Nadim Kawach June 9, 2025, 4:57 PM Reuters/Ahmed Yosri A customer pays for a sheep at a livestock market in Riyadh. Prices jumped by more than SAR2,000 ($533) during Eid Al-Adha, according to a media report Sale by weight rather than size Law to fight price manipulation 4m animals imported in 2024 Saudi Arabia is clamping down on longstanding profiteering in its livestock markets with the enforcement of a landmark decision later this month mandating sale by weight rather than size. Mohammed Al-Abdullatif, assistant undersecretary for agriculture and support services, said in remarks on the ministry’s website that the measures, due to take effect on June 27, should ensure fair value for both producers and consumers. Saudi Arabia is one of the region’s largest consumer markets. Demand for livestock surges during the annual pilgrimage, when Muslims in the kingdom and other Islamic countries slaughter millions of sheep for sacrifice, a tradition during Eid Al-Adha. Saudi Arabia imported over 4 million sheep, cows and other farm animals in 2024, according to the ministry of environment, water and agriculture. Millions more are produced locally. Citizens hope that the decision, if fully enforced, will eliminate price manipulators and roadside brokers who operate away from livestock markets with the aim of monopolising trading and subsequently raising prices, according to the Arabic language daily Al-Madina. Prices of some livestock jumped by more than SAR2,000 ($533) during Eid Al-Adha, the newspaper said. African and local sheep on the menu as livestock trade shifts Middle East’s biggest ‘livestock city’ set for Saudi province Down on the farm, Saudi Arabia has a $9.8bn hole to fill Major livestock suppliers to Saudi Arabia include Sudan, Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Australia, Bulgaria, Jordan, Oman and the UAE, according to the ministry. “This is an excellent decision as it will create fair value for both consumers and dealers,” said Saud Al-Hafta, a Saudi farming expert. “But I hope the decision will be applied to green clover so we can have a fair price that will contribute to the development of our animal wealth. It is not reasonable that a bale of clover is sold at more than SAR40 and its weight is not known,” he added. Register now: It’s easy and free AGBI registered members can access even more of our unique analysis and perspective on business and economics in the Middle East. Why sign uP Exclusive weekly email from our editor-in-chief Personalised weekly emails for your preferred industry sectors Read and download our insight packed white papers Access to our mobile app Prioritised access to live events Register for free Already registered? Sign in I’ll register later Register now: It’s easy and free AGBI registered members can access even more of our unique analysis and perspective on business and economics in the Middle East. Why sign uP Exclusive weekly email from our editor-in-chief Personalised weekly emails for your preferred industry sectors Read and download our insight packed white papers Access to our mobile app Prioritised access to live events Register for free Already registered? Sign in I’ll register later
