Price of sacrificial animals for the end of Hajj in Saudi Arabia 2023 by type

In 2023, camels and cows were the most expensive animals bought for sacrifice at the end of the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. These two animals cost more than eight times the cheapest sacrificial animal in the same year. Male goats (tuwais) cost roughly 300 SAR more than female goats (maaiza). Three types of sheep were sold for sacrifice, all costing less than 2,100 Saudi riyals each.

Eid and sacrificial animals

A celebration known as Eid (al-Adha) concludes the Hajj pilgrimage with worshippers slaughtering a prescribed animal and distributing the meat amongst the poor, relatives, friends, and keeping a portion for themselves. To fulfill local meat demands, in addition to those required for the pilgrimage, a strong animal supply is necessary. From 2014 to 2018, the number of cows, sheep, and goats were relatively stable, but all nearly doubled in 2019. Likewise, the value of live animal imports to Saudi Arabia in 2022 crossed 3.2 million Saudi riyals.

The Hajj pilgrimage

The Hajj pilgrimage takes place every year in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. In recent years, the number of Hajj pilgrims has been relatively lower compared to pre-COVID figures after certain safety regulations were put in place. However, numbers are steadily increasing again, with the Haij pilgrimage bringing in millions of dollars in revenue each year. The Saudi government has invested billions in infrastructure related to the Hajj and other services.