Latest news with #Eid-related
Daily Tribune
8 hours ago
- Health
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain Imports Over 30,000 Livestock and 6,800 Tons of Meat Ahead of Eid Al-Adha
The Kingdom of Bahrain has ramped up livestock and meat imports to meet expected demand for sacrifices and meat consumption during the festive season. Engineer Assem Abdul Latif Abdullah, Undersecretary for Agriculture and Marine Resources at the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture, confirmed the import of approximately 30,630 heads of sheep, 91 cattle, and 34 camels into the Kingdom. He noted that an additional 17,000 heads of livestock are expected to arrive in the coming days to accommodate increased demand for sacrificial animals. In addition to live animals, Bahrain has imported 1,541 tons of chilled and frozen red meat and 5,299 tons of frozen poultry. A total of 228 import permits were issued for red meat and poultry products, underscoring the Kingdom's readiness for Eid-related meat demand. The Undersecretary affirmed the Ministry's full preparedness for Eid Al-Adha 1446H through an integrated plan that ensures the readiness of licensed slaughterhouses, along with the availability of veterinary doctors to inspect animals in coordination with licensed abattoir veterinarians, aimed at streamlining and accelerating the inspection process. Highlighting the importance placed on food safety, Eng. Abdul Latif stated that all imported live, chilled, and frozen meat undergoes rigorous laboratory testing to ensure the health and safety of the meat supply in Bahrain. He also emphasized that both Hamala Abattoir and Bahrain Livestock Company's slaughterhouse in Sitra are licensed and operate under the supervision of qualified veterinarians. Slaughtering is conducted with regular health and veterinary inspections, both pre- and post-slaughter, and meat destined for markets is officially stamped and approved. Furthermore, around 25 veterinary professionals are stationed across key entry points — Khalifa Bin Salman Port, Bahrain International Airport, and King Fahd Causeway — operating around the clock to monitor the import and export of live animals and meat products, whether fresh, chilled, or frozen. Veterinary oversight also extends to quarantine facilities, ensuring imported livestock and meat products meet Bahrain's strict health regulations. The Undersecretary emphasized the Ministry's collaboration with certified importers who comply with all legal and veterinary quarantine regulations, in accordance with Law No. (8) of 2003 and its executive bylaw No. (7) of 2004. The strong importer demand this season, he added, is largely due to Bahrain's strategy of diversifying its sources of livestock and meat from various international markets, and granting licenses to qualified traders to ensure a stable and safe supply throughout the festive period
Mid East Info
11 hours ago
- Mid East Info
Wego: 96% of Saudi Eid Travel Searches Target International Destinations
As Saudi Arabia prepares for an extended Eid Al-Adha holiday from Thursday, June 5 (Dhul Hijjah 9) through Monday, June 9 Dhul Hijjah 13, travel activity across the Kingdom is witnessing a significant surge. Citizens and residents alike are seizing the opportunity to explore a variety of destinations, ranging from global cities with deep cultural ties to domestic hotspots rich in natural and spiritual heritage. According to the latest insights from Wego, the number one travel app and largest online travel marketplace in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), there has been a remarkable shift towards international travel. A staggering 96.12% of Eid-related travel searches from Saudi users are for international trips, a notable increase from 87.34% during the same period last year. This trend reflects a growing appetite among Saudi travelers for global experiences, buoyed by the extended public holiday and facilitated entry requirements. Strong Preference for Culturally Linked Destinations: Wego data reveals that countries with longstanding familial and cultural ties to the Kingdom continue to dominate search trends. Egypt, India, the UAE, Pakistan, Türkiye, and Bangladesh top the list, highlighting a preference for destinations where travelers can reunite with family and celebrate Eid in a spiritually familiar setting. European destinations such as Italy, Azerbaijan, the United Kingdom, Georgia, and Russia are also rising in popularity. These countries offer a compelling mix of cooler climates, scenic views, and historical richness. In Asia, Saudi travelers are increasingly drawn to Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Japan, which offer immersive nature escapes, wellness experiences, and family-friendly resorts. Domestic Travel Retains Its Appeal: While international destinations are gaining prominence, domestic travel continues to play a significant role in Eid plans for Saudi citizens. Jeddah, Riyadh, Madinah, Dammam, and Abha remain among the most searched local destinations. These cities attract visitors with their festive atmospheres, cultural events, and temperate weather—particularly in Abha—along with providing unique spiritual experiences in cities such as Madinah. Cultural Exploration Drives Destination Choices: Cultural tourism is emerging as a key factor in travel decisions. Cities like Istanbul, Cairo, Jakarta, and Tbilisi are increasingly favored for their rich blend of Islamic heritage sites, historical landmarks, and vibrant local life. According to Wego, these destinations resonate strongly with Saudi travelers seeking authenticity and meaningful cultural engagement during the Eid season. Simplified Access to Global Travel for Saudi Citizens: The growing preference for international travel is significantly supported by simplified visa policies for Saudi passport holders. Türkiye, Thailand, Georgia, the Philippines, and Malaysia currently offer visa-free access. Meanwhile, other popular destinations provide efficient electronic visa systems, visa waivers (such as the UK's Electronic Travel Authorization), or visa-on-arrival facilities, making it easier than ever for travelers to make spontaneous plans. Expert Travel Tips from Wego: To help travelers make the most of the Eid holiday, Wego recommends planning and booking at least a month in advance. Setting up fare alerts and utilizing flexible date searches can lead to significant savings. For those planning closer to the holiday, the platform offers real-time deals and last-minute hotel booking options, catering to both families and individual travelers. Wego continues to invest in smart booking technologies, real-time price comparisons, and a robust partner network comprising airlines, hotels, and rental providers. These tools empower users to craft personalized, seamless, and cost-effective travel experiences that cater to diverse travel styles and preferences.
Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
Markets in twin cities buzz with Eid prep
The twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi are abuzz with Eid preparations as shoppers flock to markets, malls, and shopping centres. The festive spirit is in full swing, with families, youth, and children eagerly searching for the best deals, turning the cities into a lively spectacle of colour, joy, and celebration. The commercial hubs are bustling with activity as vendors display vibrant Eid collections, ranging from traditional attire to festive delicacies. Shopkeepers attract customers with special discounts, adding to the excitement and anticipation of the upcoming celebration. This year, rising tailoring costs make off-the-rack outfits a practical choice, offering affordability and diverse fashion options. For many, these pre-stitched options strike the right balance between affordability and trendiness. Inamur Rehman, a resident of Islamabad, while talking to the media, said, "It's overwhelming to witness such massive crowds yet encouraging for local businesses." he highlighted how ready-made garments have streamlined Eid shopping for many while stressing the need for more discounts. "Shopkeepers should offer promotions to help more people celebrate Eid with ease," he said, adding that it's essential to support the underprivileged during this time. "As Muslims, we have a duty to remember and support those who are less fortunate," said Romana, a shopper from Rawalpindi. "This year, I chose ready-to-wear clothes because of their variety and affordability," she said. "I found everything I needed, in line with the latest trends and traditional styles." She urged authorities and business owners to introduce more price cuts on Eid-related items. "If discounts are offered, lower-income families would be able to participate in the celebrations without financial strain," she added. After spotting the crescent moon of Dhul Hijjah on coming Wednesday, the shopping frenzy is set to intensify as malls and bazaars extend hours to accommodate surging crowds.
Business Recorder
12-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Remittance 10MFY25 snapshot
Remittances to Pakistan reached an all-time high of $31.2 billion during the first ten months of FY25 (10MFY25), registering a remarkable 31 percent year-on-year increase from $23.9 billion in the same period last year. The surge marks a critical lifeline for the country's fragile external account and underscores the economic resilience of the overseas Pakistani community. However, despite the cumulative strength, there was a sharp decline in inflows during April 2025—down 22 percent month-on-month. March's spike was widely attributed to seasonal factors linked to Ramadan and Eid-related transfers. The April drop, while expected in part, was deeper than forecast and is raising fresh concerns over the sustainability of remittance momentum in the months ahead. Year-on-year, April 2025 still reflected a healthy 13.1 percent growth, showing that the overall trend remains positive. Yet the volatility suggests the need for policy vigilance. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates remained the two largest corridors. Saudi Arabia contributed $7.6 billion in 10MFY25, followed by the UAE at $6.36 billion. Inflows from the United Kingdom stood at $4.78 billion, and the United States contributed $3.12 billion. These four corridors together accounted for over two-thirds of Pakistan's total remittances. The growth in formal channel flows is supported by improved compliance measures, narrowing of the gap between official and open market exchange rates, and expanded access to digital remittance channels. Programs such as the Roshan Digital Account and Raast have also played a role, although their adoption may now be plateauing. Recent economic recovery has also fuelled growth in remittances. According to an ADB Working Paper, macroeconomic variables in both sending and receiving countries significantly shape remittance flows to Pakistan. The study found that economic activity abroad—especially in the Gulf and Western economies—remains a strong driver of remittance inflows. Migrants tend to remit more when their income prospects are strong. Then, domestic inflation in Pakistan consistently boosts remittance flows, reflecting a compensatory motive where migrants support their families against rising domestic interest rates have a delayed positive impact on remittances, suggesting that higher returns at home eventually attract greater financial inflows. Finally, the oil prices are positively associated with remittance growth, particularly from Saudi Arabia. When oil revenues rise, Gulf economies experience employment, and wage gains that cascade into higher the report also highlights that the structural and persistent drivers—such as diaspora size, cost of transfer, and cultural remittance habits—remain dominant. This implies that remittances tend to persist even in the face of macroeconomic fluctuations, though their growth rate may vary. Looking ahead, Pakistan's full-year FY25 remittances are likely to exceed $36 billion, barring major external shocks. However, in the coming months, a softening of economic activity in the Gulf, rising inflation in host countries, and reduced incentives through formal channels could all weigh on inflows in the final two months of FY25. Additionally, the stabilizing exchange rate may reduce the urgency to remit early or through official banking routes.
Business Recorder
10-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Jul–Apr FY25: Robust 31pc jump recorded in remittances
KARACHI: Inflows of home remittances recorded a robust 31 percent growth during the first 10 months of the current fiscal year (FY25) due to stable exchange rate. According to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), the country received remittances amounted to $31.2 billion during July–April FY25, compared to $23.9 billion in the same period of the previous fiscal year (FY24), reflecting a significant increase of $7.3 billion. With a 24 percent share, Saudi Arabia remained the largest contributor to Pakistan's home remittances during the first ten months of the current fiscal year. Inflows from the Kingdom surged 31 percent, reaching $7.6 billion mark. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) ranked second, with remittances totaling $6.36 billion, reflecting a significant 51 percent increase. The United Kingdom followed with $4.77 billion, while inflows from the United States stood at $3.12 billion. Since October 2024, Pakistan has been consistently receiving around $3 billion in monthly remittances. This upward trend continued in April 2025, with workers' remittances amounting to $3.2 billion, up from $2.8 billion in April 2024, marking a 13 percent year-on-year increase. However, April inflows were lower than the record high of $4.2 billion received in March 2025, which was primarily driven by Eid-related remittances. During April, remittances inflows 2025 were mainly sourced from Saudi Arabia worth $725.4 million, United Arab Emirates $657.6 million, United Kingdom $535.3 million and United States of America $302.4 million. Healthy home remittances inflows have eased pressure on external account and the current account recorded a sizable surplus of $1.2 billion in March, mainly due to record-high workers' remittances. This surplus and SBP's FX purchases partially cushioned the impact of large ongoing debt repayments on the SBP's FX reserve. With higher than earlier projected growth in workers' remittances, lower commodity prices, and continuing momentum in exports, the current account balance for FY25 is projected in the range of -0.5 to 0.5 percent of GDP. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
