Doha – The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) has launched a national initiative to support local production and offer subsidized red meat for Ramadan. The program starts Wednesday and runs until the end of the holy month.
The initiative aims to provide citizens with affordable red meat while balancing supply and demand to stabilize market prices. The ministry has partnered with Widam Food Company to supply both local and imported sheep at reduced costs.
Eligible citizens can purchase up to two sheep per ID card at a fixed price of QR1,000 each. The subsidized sheep will be available at Widam’s slaughterhouses in Al Shamal, Al Khor, Umm Salal, Al Wakrah, Al Shahaniya, and Abu Nakhla. Purchases can also be made through Widam’s online application.
To ensure fairness and prevent resale, immediate slaughtering is required at the designated slaughterhouses. Widam will set up air-conditioned tents for beneficiaries, including separate areas for men, women, and the elderly. Additional fees of QR16 for slaughtering, cutting, and packaging, and QR34 for porter services will be charged separately.
MoCI will conduct inspections to ensure compliance with the initiative’s pricing and the availability of sheep. The ministry will also monitor food markets to prevent price manipulation and unfair practices.
Consumers are encouraged to report any violations. MoCI has made complaint channels available through its call center and social media platforms, reinforcing its commitment to protecting consumer rights and market stability.
