Today's Edition
AMEINAH ALZEYOUDI (ABU DHABI)
Days ahead of Eid Al Adha, many families in the UAE have already booked their animal sacrifices for the occasion, ticking off one item on their long list of errands for one of the most significant religious customs of the holiday. It's all thanks to the smart apps offering the service.
Citizens say the growing use of digital services has made the procedure much simpler, compared to earlier practices that required them to queue at markets and abattoirs.
Eid Al Adha, or the Feast of the Sacrifice, marks the end of the Hajj or the greater pilgrimage to Makkah that Muslims who are able are required to perform at least once in their lifetime. During Eid Al Adha, Muslims of sufficient means are required to sacrifice livestock in remembrance of Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail to God, and distribute the meat to underprivileged families.
The arrival of online platforms to distribute sacrificial meat, including the Emirate Red Crescent's app, according to citizens, has changed how families plan their Eid Al Adha sacrifices. Many consumers are now completing the procedure online in a matter of minutes rather than going to livestock markets.
The Abu Dhabi City Municipality, in a statement published on Tuesday, said it continues to enhance slaughterhouse readiness in line with the highest standards of quality and safety, ensuring a smooth and comfortable experience for the community.
It also encouraged the public to use the approved smart applications for faster and easier access to services.
Ahmed Mohsen, a citizen who frequently utilises the official Emirates Red Crescent platform, said that it has simplified his family's Eid preparations.
"I use the official Emirates Red Crescent platform to perform my Eid sacrifice every year," he said. "Instead of looking for livestock dealers and selecting animals on my own, it saves me a great deal of work. I can easily submit my request and pay online."
Abdullah Al Breiki, another citizen, commended the ease of online services, explaining that they save families time during the hectic Eid season. "The system is well-organised and straightforward," he said. "Families can prepare for Eid with peace of mind because everything can be finished in a matter of minutes."
The online services simplify many steps, and are extremely helpful for working parents balancing their family obligations during Eid Al Adha, according to Umm Eisa, a mother of four from Abu Dhabi.
"It is challenging to spend hours visiting markets with work and family responsibilities," she said. "For families like ours, online platforms have made the process much more comfortable and convenient."
