The Ministry of Economy and Commerce has announced it will make available sheep from Arab countries, including the locally-bred, and those from Jordan and Syria, at subsidised rates to Qataris during Ramadan.

The ministry provides these sheep at lower than prevailing market prices to citizens during the fasting month every year citing increasing demand, particularly in the local community.

Syrian mutton is expensive and a hot favourite of Qataris and since its supplies were affected a bit due to the ongoing problem in Syria, Jordanian sheep were favoured by some.

Arab-origin sheep will begin to be sold to nationals four days before the start of Ramadan (expected by the middle of this month) until the end of the month, Qatar News Agency reports. The sheep will be priced between QR850 and QR950 per head. 

The government has asked Widam, Qatar Meat and Livestock Company, formerly known as Mawashi, to import 30,000 sheep of Arab origin. The ministry said the subsidy to help nationals reduce their expenses during the fasting month. Buyers will have to produce their ID cards to access subsidised sheep from Widam and wouldn’t be allowed to carry one live. Subsidised sheep bought must be slaughtered by a Widam abattoir and only its meat can be carried to prevent misuse, QNA said. So buyers will have to pay QR16 as slaughter charges and QR34 as porter’s fee.

Widam will set up air-conditioned tents at the central market in Doha and its abattoirs in Al Khor, Al Shamal and in Al Mazrooah (Umm Salal) to serve as luxury waiting areas for Qatari buyers.

The ministry said it will mount vigil at outlets across the country during the holy month to prevent irregularities and ensure consumers enjoy the needed protection.

 

As seen on The Peninsula