Sheep market traders are ramping up preparations to meet the anticipated surge in demand for meat, particularly mutton, as the holy month of Ramadan approaches. Several salesmen at the sheep markets told the local Arabic daily Al Raya that they have reached agreements with local farm owners to supply additional quantities of sheep. This measure aims to ensure price stability during the holy month. Currently, the market offers a variety of sheep at different prices. The price of a small local sheep is around QR1,150, while a large local sheep costs an average of QR1,350. The Awassi sheep, produced in Doha, is available for QR1,450, whereas Somali sheep are the cheapest, selling for QR650 for a weight of 35kgm. However, the prices are subject for slight changes depending on the market day and the negotiation skills of both the seller and the buyer. The Central Market in Al-Wakra have a wide range of sheep, both local and imported, providing consumers with multiple options as Ramadan approaches. Ahmed al-Rashidi, sheep seller, pointed out that the market offers Arabian, Iranian, and Somali sheep, alongside Somali goats. He explained that prices vary depending on the type, with the price of an Arabian sheep ranging between QR1,300 and QR1,400, while a local sheep costs QR 1,350, and an Iranian sheep is priced at around QR1,100. Hamdan Abdulrahman, sheep seller, pointed out that Kerman sheep are available for QR1,200, while the price of local sheep ranges between QR1,350 and QR1,400. He also stressed the availability of locally produced Syrian sheep at QR1,450 and Turkish sheep at QR1,150, in addition to Somali goats priced at QR700. He noted that the market activity is strong and expects demand to increase as Ramadan begins. Meanwhile, Mohamed Saleem, a trader in the market, expected a considerable increase in the numbers of sheep on display at the market during Ramadan, which could lead to a slight drop in prices. He said that the market is preparing to receive a new shipment of Iranian and Turkish sheep before the start of the holy month. Abdulhamid Abdulrahman noted that sales activity in the Al-Wakra market is currently below the usual level, but he expects demand to rise with the arrival of Ramadan. He noted that the prices of imported sheep, including Iranian, Turkish, and Kerman sheep varieties, range between QR1,100 and QR1,150. Mohammed Saeed, another trader, explained that sheep weighing over 40kgm are sold for QR 1,250, while those with lower weights are priced between QR1,100 and QR1,150, except for Somali sheep, which are sold for QR650 for 35kgm. He noted that Australian sheep are available for QR850 but can only be purchased through Widam Food Company. He also pointed out that the locally produced Kerman sheep is the most popular due to its close resemblance to the local sheep in both appearance and taste.