Here’s the ironic truth: most Saudis don’t personally slaughter the animal anymore. I know, I know. It’s outsourced. You buy a voucher online, a certified butcher does the dirty work, and a charity gets a third. In 2026, the Ministry of Municipalities launched a slick new app called “Udhiya.” It shows you live video of your sheep being processed. Very metal. Very modern.
But if you’re traditional—like my neighbor Abu Hamad—you insist on doing it yourself in the backyard. He’s 67. He sharpens his knife like a samurai. I once asked him why he doesn’t use the app. He said, “Because the app doesn’t let me hug the sheep before I do it.” I… did not know how to respond. (Respect, though. Deep respect.)
