Livestock prices in Kuwait have climbed ahead of Eid Al-Adha, leaving shoppers in Al Rai and Kabd facing steeper bills for sheep, goats and cattle than they saw in previous years. Vendors and buyers said the increase reflects regional conditions, supply shortages and stronger demand as families prepare for the holiday.
Several residents at the Al Rai market said sheep prices had risen by between KD 10 and KD 50 depending on breed and size. In Kabd, vendors said cattle prices had doubled because of the regional conflict, with a Jersey bull that earlier sold for KD 350 now priced at KD 700. Somali breeds there were being offered at KD 550 and higher, while Sudanese sheep sold for KD 115 and Arabian breeds including Nuaimi sheep ranged from KD 130 to KD 170. Somali goats and sheep could also be bought for KD 60 to KD 80.
Abdul Rida al-Din said the jump has been hard to absorb for buyers trying to stick to a budget. “The market is very expensive compared to previous years,” he said, adding that he and others were trying to find animals around KD 120 to KD 130 and even KD 110, though he did not expect to find sheep at that price. He said sheep that once sold for around KD 90 to KD 100 are now going for about KD 130 to KD 160.
Bilal Ghani described a similar climb over time. He said prices were around KD 100 to KD 110 before COVID-19, then about KD 120 last year, and around KD 170 this year for the same sheep. His comparison shows how quickly the market has moved as Eid approaches and demand tightens supply across the main livestock yards.
Context at the market also shaped how shoppers judged value. Some families visiting with children said the current market felt cleaner and better organized than Dahar, while Ghani said, “This market is very clean and organized.” Buyers said they rely heavily on what they can see in front of them when choosing livestock, looking at age, health and physical condition before they pay.
Al-Din said that first look matters most because it can reveal whether an animal is healthy or something is wrong with it. He also pointed to age as part of the decision, saying a sheep with two teeth is at the proper age, while one with four teeth is considered too old. In his view, the animal is not just a purchase for the holiday but something treated with care. “According to Islamic principles, we respect it, love it, serve it, feed it, and even play with it,” he said. “It becomes like a family member.”
The pressure on shoppers is likely to hold until Eid demand passes, especially if supply remains tight and regional conditions continue to weigh on prices in Kuwait’s main livestock markets.
