Economic hardships subdue the mood for Eid Al-Adha this year
JAKARTA: Less spending, higher prices and fewer animal sacrifices subdued the usual festive mood as the Muslim holiday of Eid Al-Adha was celebrated in many parts of the world.
In Indonesia's capital, Jakarta, Muslim worshippers were shoulder-to-shoulder in the streets and the Istiqlal Grand Mosque was filled for morning prayers Friday.
Eid Al-Adha, known as the 'Feast of Sacrifice,' coincides with the final rites of the annual Hajj in Saudi Arabia. It's a joyous occasion, for which food is a hallmark with devout Muslims buying and slaughtering animals and sharing two-thirds of the meat with the poor.
Outside Jakarta, the Jonggol Cattle Market bustled with hundreds of cattle traders hoping to sell to buyers looking for sacrificial animals. While sales increased ahead of Eid, sellers said their businesses have lost customers in recent years due to economic hardship following the COVID-19 pandemic.
A foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in 2022 to 2023 also significantly dampened the typically booming holiday trade in goats, cows and sheep, though Indonesia's government has worked to overcome that outbreak.
Rahmat Debleng, one of the sellers in the market, said before the pandemic and the FMD outbreak, he could sell more than 100 cows two weeks ahead of Eid Al-Adha. But on the eve of the celebration this year, only 43 of his livestock were sold, and six cows are still left in his stall.
'Though the foot-and-mouth outbreak threats remain loom large, but the declining in sales mostly because of economic hardship,' Debleng said.
Jakarta city administration data recorded the number of sacrificial animals available this year at 35,133, a decline of 57 percent compared to the previous year.
The government has made next Monday an additional holiday after Friday's festival to allow people more time with their families. Eid momentum is expected to support economic growth in Indonesia, where household consumption helps drive GDP. It contributed over 50 percent to the economy last year, though analysts expect more subdued consumer spending in 2025.
Eid expected to come Saturday in South Asia
Eid Al-Adha commemorates the Qur'anic tale of Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice Ismail as an act of obedience to God. Before he could carry out the sacrifice, God provided a ram as an offering. In the Christian and Jewish telling, Abraham is ordered to kill another son, Isaac.
South Asian countries like India and Bangladesh will celebrate Eid Al-Adha on Saturday. Ahead of the festival, many Muslims in the region were turning to livestock markets to buy and sell millions of animals for sacrifice.
In New Delhi, sellers were busy tending to their animals at these markets, while potential buyers negotiated prices with them.
Mohammad Ali Qureshi, one of the sellers, said this year his goats were fetching as high as $640, some $60 more than the last year.
'Earlier, the sale of goats was slow, but now the market is good. Prices are on the higher side,' Ali said.
Preparations for the festival were also peaking in Indian-controlled Kashmir, where many Muslims dye sheep and goats in henna before they are sacrificed.
'We are following the tradition of Prophet Ibrahim,' said Riyaz Wani, a resident in Kashmir's main city of Srinagar, as his family applied henna on a sheep they plan to sacrifice.
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Arab News
14 hours ago
- Arab News
Saudis dig deep into their wallets as Eid Al-Adha drives spending surge
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's Eid Al-Adha holiday is proving to be a major economic driver, fueling robust growth across the Kingdom's livestock, retail, and domestic tourism sectors. Coinciding with the annual Hajj pilgrimage, the extended public holiday channels billions of riyals into the economy as businesses ramp up operations to meet soaring seasonal demand. Livestock markets are bustling, shopping centers are teeming with eager consumers, and hotels and resorts across the Kingdom are reporting high occupancy rates — all pointing to a dynamic shift in consumer behavior and an increasingly diversified economic landscape. Retail activity, in particular, is experiencing a seasonal boom. From glittering gold souqs and fashion boutiques to thriving e-commerce platforms, shoppers are on the lookout for Eid gifts, festive attire, and high-end products. A recent survey by Toluna and MetrixLab shows that 47 percent of Saudi consumers expect to spend more this Eid than last year. Over half (51 percent) are boosting their shopping budgets, while 44 percent are allocating more for dining out. Among the most in-demand items this season are fashion apparel, gold and diamond jewelry, perfumes, and electronics. In response, retailers are rolling out aggressive promotions, with 49 percent of consumers attracted to price discounts, 40 percent favoring bundled deals, and 33 percent looking for cash-back incentives. The digital retail landscape is also witnessing significant momentum. The survey highlights that 31 percent of consumers now fall into the 'heavy digital shopper' category — individuals who make purchases daily or several times a week. 'Eid gifting remains a core element of celebrations, with 89 percent of KSA residents planning to give gifts in 2025,' the report stated. The report added: 'Luxury gifting continues to rise, with 41 percent opting for fashion cloths, up from 36 percent in 2024, dates, and sweets 45 percent, and major electronic devices gaining popularity, rising from 22 percent to 24 percent.' Fragrances and gourmet items such as dates and chocolates also continue to dominate gifting choices, reflecting cultural values and the desire to present meaningful and luxurious tokens of appreciation. The trend of self-gifting, while slightly down from 2024, remains strong, indicating the growing role of Eid as a moment for personal indulgence. The tourism and hospitality sector stands out as one of the biggest winners during Eid Al-Adha, with hotels, resorts, and travel operators across Saudi Arabia witnessing a surge in demand. JS Anand, founder and CEO of Leva Hotels, told Arab News that the holiday's timing alongside the Hajj pilgrimage makes it a uniquely impactful season, not only for spiritual observance but also for economic momentum driven by both local and international tourism. 'Eid Al-Adha will increasingly serve as a key driver for business and consumption, benefiting both local and regional markets. Beyond its economic impact, the holiday is also a time for spiritual reflection, generosity, and community, while highlighting Saudi Arabia's vibrant culture and hospitality,' Anand said. He added: 'Increased consumer spending during this period benefits industries such as transportation, hospitality, and retail, while the extended holiday period further amplifies economic activity.' Speaking on shifting consumer behaviors, Anand noted that travelers are becoming more discerning and value-conscious. While they are not necessarily looking for the cheapest option, they want to ensure they're getting meaningful value for what they pay. He added: 'Guests increasingly expect hotels to deliver not just a place to stay, but a personalized, experience-rich offering that resonates with their lifestyle and preferences.' Domestic tourism continues to thrive, but international travel has surged in popularity among Saudi residents. According to Wego, 96.12 percent of Eid-related travel searches in the Kingdom are now for international destinations, up from 87.34 percent last year. Top destinations include Egypt, India, and the UAE, as well as Pakistan, Turkiye, and Bangladesh, along with a rising interest in European and Southeast Asian locales such as Italy, Thailand, and Malaysia. Despite the international travel boom, domestic destinations like Jeddah, Riyadh, and Madinah, alongside Dammam and Abha, remain popular for their cultural attractions and spiritual experiences. Wego data suggests that cultural exploration is becoming a primary driver in destination selection, as travelers seek meaningful connections during the holiday. Anand affirmed this trend: 'The hospitality sector must be agile, crafting offerings that cater not only to the loyal domestic traveler but also to the rising wave of international visitors.' He continued: 'For hotels, this means providing thoughtfully tailored packages, seamless digital booking experiences, and culturally resonant, memorable stays that appeal to both local guests and the growing base of inbound international tourists discovering Saudi Arabia during the festive Eid season and beyond.' Businesses are also preparing for the holiday through targeted promotions and operational enhancements. 'Today, it's all about creating value-added, memorable, immersive experiences and curating unique, personalized offerings to meet the surge in demand and deliver exceptional value.' Mohammed Al-Mu'ajil, a tourism expert, told Arab News that Saudi Arabia is seeing remarkable shifts in travel and consumer behavior this Eid season. 'In 2025, Saudi Arabia witnessed a significant rise in consumer spending, with total expenditure reaching approximately SR148 billion ($39.46 billion) in March, the highest level since May 2021, reflecting a 17 percent increase compared to the previous year. This growth is attributed to the Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr seasons, in addition to the Umrah season,' Al-Mu'ajil said. With more people shopping and traveling, businesses are also recalibrating their approach to Eid. Al-Mu'ajil also highlighted the increasing role of technology and digital outreach stating: 'Companies are increasingly relying on digital channels to engage with customers, with 94.03 percent of internet users in the Kingdom active on social media platforms such as X, TikTok, and Snapchat.' He also explained that domestic hotel nights increased by 14 percent, while international hotel nights rose by 13 percent. The Kingdom recorded a 48 percent increase in international visitors during the first quarter compared to the previous year, driven by Vision 2030 initiatives and relaxed visa regulations. International destinations are seeing strong demand from Saudi tourists, particularly Egypt, Turkiye, and Dubai, due to their geographic proximity, cultural similarities, and diverse tourism offerings,' he said. 'Red Sea cruises have also emerged as a new and appealing option, offering luxurious and comprehensive travel experiences.' He added that domestic travel remains a strong draw, stating: 'On the domestic front, cities such as AlUla, Abha, Al-Baha, Jeddah, and Riyadh have become favored destinations for Saudi travelers. These cities are distinguished by their natural and cultural diversity as well as advanced infrastructure, making them attractive to families and holidaymakers during the Eid season.' Al-Mu'ajil added that digital platforms are increasingly central to consumer engagement, noting that the number of e-commerce users in Saudi Arabia is projected to reach 34.5 million by the end of 2025. 'With Internet penetration expected to rise from 66.7 percent in 2023 to 74.7 percent by 2027, digital engagement is reshaping how Saudis prepare for Eid, from online bookings to promotional offers,' he said. Increased spending More than half — 51 percent — of consumers in the Kingdom said they are willing to spend more on Eid gifts this year. According to the Toluna and MetrixLab report, this is driven by a mix of improved financial confidence and a desire to make the holiday more special after years of pandemic-related limitations. About 38 percent of consumers expressed a desire to make this Eid more special to compensate for pandemic-era limitations, while 36 percent noted improved financial standing. In addition, 35 percent plan to expand their gift lists to include more people, and 30 percent expressed a desire to be more generous with their families and friends. These sentiments are reflected in higher spending across multiple categories. Fashion apparel, fragrances, and electronics have seen a significant bump, while gold and diamond jewelry purchases have also increased slightly. The trend underscores Eid's growing role not just as a religious and cultural moment, but as a peak period of emotional expression through gifting and consumer engagement With 89 percent of consumers planning to give gifts, and significant growth in retail and travel expenditures, Eid Al-Adha is proving to be not just a spiritual cornerstone — but a vital pillar of the Kingdom's economy. The economic impact of Eid Al-Adha is particularly evident in the livestock sector, which sees a surge in demand — particularly in sheep and goats. Local farmers, traders, and international suppliers navigate challenges such as rising feed costs and supply chain constraints while ensuring a steady supply. Although the Kingdom's livestock market remains robust, escalating feed prices have put upward pressure on animal prices, prompting some households to consider shared sacrifices or smaller livestock options. Seasonal livestock markets are also set up across major cities to accommodate the peak demand period. The evolving behavior of Saudi consumers — seeking quality, cultural relevance, and immersive experiences — indicates broader societal shifts and economic resilience. As Vision 2030 continues to reshape the Kingdom's economic landscape, seasonal events like Eid Al-Adha serve not only as cultural milestones but also as indicators for consumer confidence and economic diversification.
Arab News
15 hours ago
- Arab News
Economic hardships subdue the mood for Eid Al-Adha this year
JAKARTA: Less spending, higher prices and fewer animal sacrifices subdued the usual festive mood as the Muslim holiday of Eid Al-Adha was celebrated in many parts of the world. In Indonesia's capital, Jakarta, Muslim worshippers were shoulder-to-shoulder in the streets and the Istiqlal Grand Mosque was filled for morning prayers Friday. Eid Al-Adha, known as the 'Feast of Sacrifice,' coincides with the final rites of the annual Hajj in Saudi Arabia. It's a joyous occasion, for which food is a hallmark with devout Muslims buying and slaughtering animals and sharing two-thirds of the meat with the poor. Outside Jakarta, the Jonggol Cattle Market bustled with hundreds of cattle traders hoping to sell to buyers looking for sacrificial animals. While sales increased ahead of Eid, sellers said their businesses have lost customers in recent years due to economic hardship following the COVID-19 pandemic. A foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in 2022 to 2023 also significantly dampened the typically booming holiday trade in goats, cows and sheep, though Indonesia's government has worked to overcome that outbreak. Rahmat Debleng, one of the sellers in the market, said before the pandemic and the FMD outbreak, he could sell more than 100 cows two weeks ahead of Eid Al-Adha. But on the eve of the celebration this year, only 43 of his livestock were sold, and six cows are still left in his stall. 'Though the foot-and-mouth outbreak threats remain loom large, but the declining in sales mostly because of economic hardship,' Debleng said. Jakarta city administration data recorded the number of sacrificial animals available this year at 35,133, a decline of 57 percent compared to the previous year. The government has made next Monday an additional holiday after Friday's festival to allow people more time with their families. Eid momentum is expected to support economic growth in Indonesia, where household consumption helps drive GDP. It contributed over 50 percent to the economy last year, though analysts expect more subdued consumer spending in 2025. Eid expected to come Saturday in South Asia Eid Al-Adha commemorates the Qur'anic tale of Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice Ismail as an act of obedience to God. Before he could carry out the sacrifice, God provided a ram as an offering. In the Christian and Jewish telling, Abraham is ordered to kill another son, Isaac. South Asian countries like India and Bangladesh will celebrate Eid Al-Adha on Saturday. Ahead of the festival, many Muslims in the region were turning to livestock markets to buy and sell millions of animals for sacrifice. In New Delhi, sellers were busy tending to their animals at these markets, while potential buyers negotiated prices with them. Mohammad Ali Qureshi, one of the sellers, said this year his goats were fetching as high as $640, some $60 more than the last year. 'Earlier, the sale of goats was slow, but now the market is good. Prices are on the higher side,' Ali said. Preparations for the festival were also peaking in Indian-controlled Kashmir, where many Muslims dye sheep and goats in henna before they are sacrificed. 'We are following the tradition of Prophet Ibrahim,' said Riyaz Wani, a resident in Kashmir's main city of Srinagar, as his family applied henna on a sheep they plan to sacrifice.
Arab News
16 hours ago
- Arab News
Pakistani PM to meet Saudi Crown Prince today to bolster bilateral ties, discuss regional security
ISLAMABAD: Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is on a two-day visit to Saudi Arabia this week where he will meet Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman today, Friday, and discuss trade and investment as well as regional security matters. The Pakistani prime minister will celebrate Eid Al-Adha in the Kingdom and hold a bilateral meeting with the Saudi Crown Prince that is expected to focus on enhancing cooperation in trade, investment and regional security. Sharif reached Jeddah on Thursday evening and departed for Makkah to perform Umrah, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said. 'The two leaders will discuss ways to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in various fields, including trade and investment, welfare of the Muslim Ummah, and regional peace and security,' PMO said about Sharif's meeting with the Saudi Crown Prince later today, Friday. Sharif is also expected to express gratitude to the Saudi leadership for their role in de-escalating recent tensions between Pakistan and India. Last month, following the worst military confrontation between India and Pakistan in decades, Saudi Arabia, along with other Gulf nations, played a key role in mediating between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, helping to avert a potential war. The visit also comes amid deepening economic ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. In recent months, the two countries have signed multiple agreements aimed at boosting bilateral trade and investment. Notably, Saudi Arabia has committed to a $5 billion investment package to support Pakistan's economy, which has been grappling with a balance of payments crisis. Last year, Saudi and Pakistani businessmen signed 34 memorandums of understanding worth $2.8 billion, covering sectors such as industry, technology, and agriculture. Additionally, Saudi Arabia's Manara Minerals is in talks to acquire a 10-20 percent stake in Pakistan's $9 billion Reko Diq copper and gold mining project, one of the largest of its kind globally. Defense cooperation is also a key component of the bilateral relationship. The two nations have a history of military collaboration, with Saudi Arabia providing support to Pakistan during times of regional tension and Pakistan training Saudi forces. Pakistan has a 2.7 million-strong diaspora in Saudi Arabia, which accounts for the highest remittance inflow, a crucial lifeline for the country's economy.
