Agriculture in UAE Market Size
| Study Period | 2019 - 2029 |
| Base Year For Estimation | 2023 |
| Forecast Data Period | 2024 - 2029 |
| Market Size (2024) | USD 3.31 Billion |
| Market Size (2029) | USD 4.09 Billion |
| CAGR (2024 - 2029) | 4.30 % |
Agriculture in UAE Market Analysis
The UAE Agriculture Market size is estimated at USD 3.31 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 4.09 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 4.30% during the forecast period (2024-2029).
- With high per capita food consumption, the United Arab Emirates is the most promising agriculture market in the GCC region. The United Arab Emirates' cereal production is moderately high, but the country is not fully self-sufficient in terms of agriculture production. The United Arab Emirates is still dependent on imports of cereals.
- According to FAO, in the United Arab Emirates, cereals production in 2020 was 15,978 Metric ton, which was very minimal. Similarly, fruit production amounted to 361,471 Metric ton, and vegetable production stood at 233,009 Metric ton in 2020. Along with this, according to FiBL Statistics (Research Institute of Organic Agriculture) the organic farming area in the country has increased by 15% from 4,687 hectares in 2017 to 5,419 hectares in 2020. This is due to the government's support and increasing demand for organic products which is one of the reasons for the development of the agriculture sector in the country. With the government prioritizing the production of fruits and vegetables, production is showing positive growth. Hydroponics is emerging in this region since the process requires less quantity of water and no land or soil. All these factors are driving the growth of agriculture in the United Arab Emirates.
Agriculture in UAE Market Trends
This section covers the major market trends shaping the UAE Agriculture Market according to our research experts:
Increasing Crop Production Marking Steady Growth in Agriculture
Dates are a major crop grown in the United Arab Emirates. According to Food And Organisation, dates lead the agricultural crop production, amounting to 312,657 Metric tons in 2020. Despite various unfavorable soil and climatic factors, the production of various crops in the United Arab Emirates is increasing due to various initiatives by the government, such as free cultivation, 50% lesser cost of crop protection, veterinary services, and fertilizers at 50% lesser cost. The production of dates amounted to 312,65 Metric ton. The date production has slightly declined in 2020 as compared to the previous year but it is expected to bounce back given the favorable policies set forth by the government and the steady demand from the market.
According to FAOSTAT, a lot of commodities such as tomatoes, production fell in the year 2020 by approx 28% as compared to the previous year. Although certain greens such as cabbage, and broccoli have witnessed higher production numbers, which have increased by 20-30% due to increased commercialized greenhouse and indoor farms.
Further, the country considers food security to be essential to the security and well-being of its citizens and residents. In 2018, the United Arab Emirates launched its National Food Security Policy to increase production by 30-40% in 10 years. The country also aims to practice sustainable agriculture to improve the efficiency of its farms, in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The government of the UAE is investing in the agricultural sector to increase self-sufficiency. For example, in July 2019, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) signed a memorandum of understanding(MoU) with Aswaaq, a supermarket to increase the sales of local products grown in hydroponic and organic farms in a bid to promote locally grown food products. The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment is partnering with private players for the development of farmers by supporting the marketing of their products. Lulu Group International, Union Cooperative Association, and Majid Al Futtiam Hypermarkets LLC are some of the private players promoting marketing.
Import of Major Cereals
According to ITC Trade Map, the import of cereals was valued at USD 1,189.3 million in 2020, an increase from the USD 1,080.3 million recorded in 2019. Increased import of cereals is due to high local consumption and a decrease in government grain stocks. Among cereals, rice is majorly imported. The majority of UAE rice imports are milled rice, while others include paddy, brown, and broken rice.
As the country seeks to enhance its food security amid the disruption of supply chains caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, an agricultural trading platform to connect Indian farmers with food companies in the United Arab Emirates was established in 2020. The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre's platform, named Agriota and developed with India's CropData Technology, enables trading in cereals, pulses, oilseeds, fruits, vegetables, spices, and condiments.
Dubai's rebounding tourist sector may enhance demand for food goods, supporting both domestic production and cereal imports. According to UAE official figures, Dubai's tourist industry contributes 10 to 15% of the UAE's overall GDP each year and is a key source of demand for baked goods, processed meals, restaurants, and fast food chains that rely on cereals.
According to ITC Trade Map, India is the dominant supplier of cereals to the United Arab Emirates and held a 35.8% share in total imports in 2020. The Russian Federation was ranked second highest exporter to the United Arab Emirates, with a 17% share of total imports. The increasing imports suggest that opportunities are increasing in the United Arab Emirates.
Agriculture in UAE Market News
June 2022: The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) has launched a program to establish a gene bank that will help provide innovative solutions to future food security challenges and enhance the food security system of the UAE. The Abu Dhabi Agricultural Genome Program has been launched in cooperation with some national research centers in the UAE, in order to apply the best international practices in the field of agricultural genetic research.
November 2022: The Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate (Aim for Climate) in UAE has mobilized another USD 4 billion since it launched last year (2021) to build more resilient agriculture and food systems. This joint UAE-US fund to help prepare the agricultural sector for climate change has doubled to USD 8 billion.
March 2021: The Abu Dhabi-based agriculture technology start-up, Pure Harvest Smart Farms which grows fruits and vegetables in greenhouses in the United Arab Emirates desert announced it secured USD 60 million in funding to expand its operations in the Middle East.
Agriculture in UAE Market Report - Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Study Assumptions and Market Definition
1.2 Scope of the Study
2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
4. MARKET DYNAMICS
4.1 Market Overview
4.2 Market Drivers
4.3 Market Restraints
5. MARKET SEGMENTATION
5.1 Crop Type (Production by Volume, Consumption by Volume and Value, Import by Volume and Value, Export by Volume and Value, and Price Trend Analysis)
5.1.1 Food Crops/Cereals
5.1.2 Fruits
5.1.3 Vegetables
6. REGIONAL ANALYSIS
6.1 PESTLE Analysis
6.2 Supply Chain Analysis
6.3 Government Policies
7. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
7.1 Distribution Network and Retail Analysis
7.2 List of Distributors/Traders
8. MARKET OPPORTUNITIES AND FUTURE TRENDS
Agriculture in UAE Industry Segmentation
Agriculture in UAE is technology dependent and mainly grows vegetables and fruits. The crops grown are dates, tomatoes, cabbage, eggplant, cauliflower, squash, bougainvillea, tropical hibiscus, eggplant, mangoes, citrus fruits, etc.
The UAE agriculture market is segmented by crop type (food crops/cereals, fruits, and vegetables). The report includes production analysis (volume), consumption analysis (value and volume), export analysis (value and volume), import analysis (value and volume), and price trend analysis. The report offers market estimation and forecast in value (USD thousand) and volume (Metric ton) for the above-mentioned segments.
| Crop Type (Production by Volume, Consumption by Volume and Value, Import by Volume and Value, Export by Volume and Value, and Price Trend Analysis) | |
| Food Crops/Cereals | |
| Fruits | |
| Vegetables |
Agriculture in UAE Market Research FAQs
How big is the UAE Agriculture Market?
The UAE Agriculture Market size is expected to reach USD 3.31 billion in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 4.30% to reach USD 4.09 billion by 2029.
What is the current UAE Agriculture Market size?
In 2024, the UAE Agriculture Market size is expected to reach USD 3.31 billion.
What years does this UAE Agriculture Market cover, and what was the market size in 2023?
In 2023, the UAE Agriculture Market size was estimated at USD 3.17 billion. The report covers the UAE Agriculture Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023. The report also forecasts the UAE Agriculture Market size for years: 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 and 2029.
What are the key factors that are driving the Agricultural Industry in UAE?
The key factors that are driving the Agricultural Industry in UAE are a) Growing population and a desire to reduce dependence on imported food sources b) Increasing demand for locally sourced, organic, and high-quality agricultural products
Agriculture in UAE Industry Report
The agricultural sector in the UAE has undergone a dramatic transformation, driven by innovation and robust government support to mitigate challenges from the region's arid climate. Advanced technologies such as precision agriculture, vertical farming, and climate-controlled greenhouses are at the forefront, enhancing productivity and promoting sustainability. These initiatives underscore a shift towards self-sufficiency and have spurred an increased demand for modern agricultural equipment, fostering growth across various segments from tractors used in land development to planting and harvesting equipment vital for crop management and processing. This evolution is mirrored in the expanding market segments of agriculture in the UAE, showcasing a variety of equipment tailored to meet diverse farming needs. Furthermore, the market dynamics are adjusting with the rise of online sales and equipment rental services, reflecting changes in purchase behaviors due to high initial costs. These trends, highlighted in industry reports, illustrate the sophisticated and adaptive nature of farming in the UAE, poised to thrive amid both global and localized obstacles, with UAE agriculture statistics projecting continued growth. For deeper insights into this market's growth forecast, consider accessing detailed reports from industry analysts such as Mordor Intelligence™. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.
