UAE Sees Surge in Rare Livestock Trade as Salali Goat Fetches Dh70,000 at Auction

Ras Al Khaimah: A rare Salali goat was sold for Dh70,000 (approx. $19,000) at the Al Munaie Auction in Ras Al Khaimah on Friday, drawing attention across the livestock community in the UAE. The auction, known for showcasing premium and rare breeds, featured strong bidding activity around the animal due to its distinctive appearance and pedigree.

The Salali breed originates from Salalah in Oman and is known across the Gulf for its unique physical traits. These include a proportioned build, small upright ears, sparse hair, circular fur patterns, and coiled tails; all features that contribute to its high valuation among breeders and collectors.

Al Munaie is one of the UAE’s top livestock auctions, especially for enthusiasts interested in high-end or rare goats. While prices for Sudanese goats at the event typically range between Dh1,500 and Dh4,000, standout Salali goats can reach much higher figures based on lineage and conformity to breed standards.

According to Bu Mershad of Al-Nabag Farm in Al Ain, a breeder and educator in goat husbandry, high-value sales often reflect years of selective breeding.“Buyers may be looking for standout males to improve their own stock or may simply be collectors willing to pay for rare traits,” he said.

Mershad explained that goat types are often named based on coloration, such as al-Murashsh, al-Mutayyal, or al-Habashi brown, with prices driven by symmetry, coat patterns, and other distinguishing features.

He added that such high valuations are not uncommon in UAE’s broader animal trading scene. Past sales have included a parrot sold for Dh100,000 due to a rare mutation, a chimpanzee for Dh300,000, and falcons for several million dirhams. “Every type has its own market,” he said.