Ahead of Eid Al-Adha, Saudi Arabia is witnessing a major transformation in livestock trade and supply chain operations, as digital commerce platforms and intensified market supply efforts reshape consumer access across the Northern Borders Region, Makkah, and the holy sites.
Livestock markets in the Northern Borders Region are undergoing a rapid digital shift, with breeders increasingly relying on specialized mobile applications to market and sell livestock through smartphone-based transactions instead of traditional market pens. Sellers are now displaying animals through photos and fixed pricing systems, streamlining the buying process ahead of the holiday season.
Market participants said the digital platforms have simplified livestock sales and transportation while driving stronger consumer demand through flexible installment payment options. The growing use of e-commerce solutions is also helping expand market reach and improve transaction efficiency during one of the Kingdom’s busiest seasonal trading periods.
To support and regulate the sector, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture launched the Udhiyah program at the Arar livestock market in partnership with government, private, and non-profit entities. The initiative aims to improve market and slaughterhouse readiness through live livestock auctions, consumer consultation services, and digital advance booking systems designed to ensure safe and efficient services for beneficiaries during Eid Al-Adha.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Commerce announced that more than 459 million essential goods have been supplied to markets and sales outlets in Makkah and the holy sites since the start of Dhu Al-Hijjah to meet the needs of pilgrims during the Hajj season.
According to the ministry, deliveries included more than 60 million loaves of bread, over 220 million bottles of drinking water, and more than 164 million packs of milk, juices, and refreshments. Supplies also included over 15 million blocks of ice distributed across the holy sites.
Image credits: SPA | Cropped by GBN
The ministry said daily supply averages exceeded 10 million loaves of bread, 33 million bottles of water, more than 28 million packs of milk, juices, and refreshments, and over two million blocks of ice per day.
Officials also confirmed that monitoring and inspection campaigns will continue across markets and retail outlets to ensure the uninterrupted availability of essential goods and enhance service readiness for pilgrims in Makkah and the holy sites throughout the Hajj and Eid Al-Adha season.
