United Arab Emirates Edible Meat Market SIZE & SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS & FORECASTS UP TO 2030

United Arab Emirates Edible Meat Market Analysis

The United Arab Emirates Edible Meat Market size is estimated at 2.03 billion USD in 2025, and is expected to reach 2.2 billion USD by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 1.65% during the forecast period (2025-2030).

The UAE meat market is experiencing significant transformation driven by changing consumer preferences and demographic composition. With expatriates constituting approximately 89% of the population in 2022, there is a diverse demand for various meat products and preparation styles. Consumer awareness regarding food safety and quality has intensified, with 84% of UAE consumers actively trying to limit their consumption of artificial additives. This shift has led to increased demand for fresh, natural, and organic edible meat products. The rising female workforce participation, reaching 18.34% in 2022, has also influenced consumption patterns, particularly driving demand for convenient and processed meat products.

The retail landscape is evolving rapidly with the integration of digital technologies and changing distribution channels. Over 40% of consumers now prefer e-commerce platforms for edible meat purchases, leading to significant investments in online delivery infrastructure and cold chain logistics. Traditional retailers are adapting by implementing omnichannel strategies, while specialized meat processing companies in UAE are expanding their digital presence. The market has witnessed a notable shift towards fresh meat products, with fresh beef alone accounting for 53.84% of market sales value in 2022.

Production and supply chain dynamics are undergoing substantial changes with increased focus on local production capabilities. In 2023, the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority announced a significant investment of USD 272 million in building food processing plants in the Khalifa Economic Zone to boost national food security. This initiative aims to reduce import dependency and ensure a consistent supply of quality edible meat products. Local producers are implementing advanced technologies in meat processing and packaging to meet international standards while maintaining halal compliance.

Government regulations and price control measures continue to play a crucial role in market development. The implementation of Ministerial Resolution No. 41 of 2023 allowed retailers to increase poultry meat prices by up to 13%, reflecting the government's responsive approach to market dynamics. The maintenance of price caps, such as the USD 5.85 plus VAT ceiling on fresh chicken, demonstrates the balance between consumer affordability and industry sustainability. These regulatory measures, combined with investments in food security infrastructure, are reshaping the competitive landscape and influencing market growth patterns.

United Arab Emirates Edible Meat Market Trends

Adoption of strategies to increase the commercialization of livestock will propel the production

• The production of beef in the UAE showed growth at a rate of 4.98% from 2021 to 2022. The increase in supply can primarily be attributed to a growth in the number of slaughtered cattle and buffaloes for meat. In 2020, 74,638 cattle heads were slaughtered for beef production in the UAE, which increased by 2.94% in 2021 to 76,833 cattle heads. With the increase in local production, the country has decreased the imports of live cattle. In 2021, the import of live cattle had a trade value of USD 5.88 million, a decrease of 65.7% from USD 17.756 million in 2020.
• Local beef producers are finding it increasingly difficult to compete with the import of premium beef varieties from other countries, which are 150% to 180% priced higher than normal quality. Consumers in the UAE are known for prioritizing quality over cost for many products. The food service sector in the UAE is willing to pay a higher price for these imports due to their much higher consumer demand.
• Cattle farming in the UAE has struggled to scale over the years, mainly due to the scarcity of water resources, arable land, and high production costs. In 2021, the number of cattle in the UAE was 112,370. The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment is concentrating on formulating strategies for commercializing livestock in order to increase its contribution to the national economy and close the food deficit. This can be accomplished by developing and implementing integrated strategies for livestock protection and development, increasing biosecurity rates, developing and implementing disease and epidemic prevention and monitoring programs, and improving inspection and control mechanisms and standards on local farms and points of entry.

Market is observing a growing demand for premium beef owing to rising disposable incomes

• The price of beef in the United Arab Emirates has increased at a rate of 0.96% than the previous year, reaching USD 3,762 per ton in 2022. Beef prices in the country primarily depend on the rise in consumption during specific times of the year (like festivals) and growing tourism in the country.
• The increase in demand for more high-quality varieties of beef has also affected the price of beef in the United Arab Emirates. Premium beef types such as Australian A5 Wagyu, Japanese Wagyu, and Japanese-branded Kobe beef are very popular in the country. These types of beef are available only in premium restaurants due to their high price and supreme quality. In 2021, high-grade Japanese Wagyu beef cost as much as USD 441 per pound, or up to USD 300 for a steak cut. The rising demand for these prime beef varieties from Japan has drastically increased their import to the United Arab Emirates. In 2021, the United Arab Emirates' frozen beef imports from Japan increased by 126% compared to 2020.
• For the last eight years, Australia's top 20 most lucrative beef export destinations have continuously included the United Arab Emirates. On the strength of increasing exports, the price of beef in Australia rose to USD 442/100 kg in October 2022, an increase of 5.3% week-over-week and 5.1% year-over-year (y-o-y). Due to the price-sensitive nature of the business, India and Brazil have historically dominated the UAE's beef import quantities. However, due to faster economic growth brought on by high urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and growing tourism, Western-style culinary services have expanded quickly in the last ten years. As a result, more premium beef grades and cuts are now in demand.

OTHER KEY INDUSTRY TRENDS COVERED IN THE REPORT

Segment Analysis: Type

Poultry Segment in UAE Edible Meat Market

The poultry segment dominates the UAE edible meat market, accounting for approximately 59% of the total market value in 2024. The segment's strong position is primarily driven by its continued consumption as a relatively affordable source of animal protein despite rising global food prices. Product consistency, the surge in local production, and higher protein/lower fat content are some of the major factors influencing the higher poultry consumption. The UAE government maintains strict price controls on fresh chicken sold within the country, ensuring accessibility to consumers. Additionally, the growing preference for locally produced meat on retail shelves has opened up opportunities for local producers, with most poultry farms located in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, accounting for more than 70% of UAE agricultural production.

Mutton Segment in UAE Edible Meat Market

The mutton segment is projected to be the fastest-growing segment in the UAE edible meat market, with an expected growth rate of approximately 2% during 2024-2029. The growth is primarily driven by the segment's importance in Arab culture and traditional cuisine, particularly during religious festivals and celebrations. The UAE market offers significant opportunities for both local and imported mutton products, with a strong preference for premium quality meat. The government is actively promoting various projects to enhance livestock farming to increase self-reliance and improve domestic production capabilities. The quality of locally produced lamb and mutton has been improving with new breeding programs for livestock farms introduced by government organizations, incorporating compatible breeds from Australia to enhance meat quality.

Remaining Segments in UAE Edible Meat Market

The beef and other meat segments complete the UAE edible meat market landscape, each serving distinct consumer preferences and needs. The beef segment maintains its significance through both domestic production and imports, particularly catering to the premium meat market with high-quality varieties from countries like Australia and the United States. The other meat segment, which includes camel and horse meat, holds cultural significance in the UAE's traditional practices, particularly during religious celebrations. These segments contribute to the market's diversity by offering various options to meet the preferences of both local consumers and the expatriate population, while also supporting the growing tourism sector's demand for diverse meat products in the UAE.

Segment Analysis: Form

Fresh/Chilled Segment in UAE Edible Meat Market

The fresh/chilled meat segment dominates the UAE chilled raw packaged meat whole cuts market, accounting for approximately 56% of the total market value in 2024. This significant market share is primarily driven by consumer preferences for fresh meat products, particularly in the halal-certified category. The popularity of fresh/chilled meat is largely attributed to its availability through local supermarkets and butcher shops, where consumers can specifically order customized meat cuts according to their preferences. The segment's growth is further supported by the increasing consumer consciousness regarding sustainable food products that are natural with high nutritional value, with about 84% of UAE consumers actively trying to limit their consumption of artificial additives. Additionally, the robust tourism sector in the UAE, attracting over 10 million tourists annually, significantly contributes to the demand for fresh/chilled meat through the hotel and restaurant industry.

Processed Segment in UAE Edible Meat Market

The processed meat segment is projected to be the fastest-growing segment in the UAE edible meat market, with an expected CAGR of approximately 3% during 2024-2029. This growth is primarily driven by changing consumer lifestyles and increasing urbanization in the country. The segment's expansion is particularly notable in the restaurant sector, where processed meat products are preferred due to their longer shelf life and storage convenience. The growth is further accelerated by the increasing female workforce participation, which has led to a shift toward convenient food options. The UAE's processed meat segment is also benefiting from significant investments in new processing facilities and start-ups, responding to the high demand and revenue potential in this category. The segment's growth is additionally supported by the rising demand for ready-to-eat cuisine and the increasing preference for processed meat products among the working population.

Remaining Segments in UAE Edible Meat Market Form Segmentation

The frozen and canned meat segments complete the UAE edible meat market's form segmentation, each playing distinct roles in meeting consumer demands. The frozen meat segment has gained traction due to its convenience, availability, and longer shelf life, particularly appealing to the working expatriate population. This segment is especially strong in the foodservice sector, where frozen meat products are essential for inventory management and consistent supply. Meanwhile, the canned meat segment serves a niche market, offering convenient, ready-to-eat options with extended shelf life. Both segments benefit from the UAE's well-developed cold chain infrastructure and modern retail channels, which ensure proper storage and distribution of these products throughout the country.

Segment Analysis: Distribution Channel

On-Trade Segment in UAE Edible Meat Market

The on-trade segment dominates the UAE edible meat market, commanding approximately 57% of the total market value in 2024. This significant market position is primarily attributed to the well-established foodservice industry in the UAE, which holds a major share in the Middle Eastern foodservice sector. Out-of-home consumption has become an integral part of the Emirati lifestyle, with consumers frequently dining out or spending time with family and friends at restaurants. The segment's strong performance is further bolstered by the country's thriving tourism sector, with visitors actively seeking authentic dining experiences in multi-cuisine restaurants. High-end foodservice operations, fine-dining establishments, and quick-service restaurants contribute significantly to this channel's dominance, offering various popular edible meat products ranging from premium cuts to traditional preparations.

Off-Trade Segment in UAE Edible Meat Market

The off-trade segment is projected to exhibit the strongest growth trajectory in the UAE edible meat market, with an expected CAGR of approximately 2% during 2024-2029. This growth is being driven by evolving consumer preferences and the increasing adoption of modern retail formats. The segment's expansion is supported by the rising penetration of supermarkets, hypermarkets, and online retail channels across the UAE. The growth is further accelerated by the increasing consumer awareness regarding food safety and hygiene, prompting more households to purchase meat products through organized retail channels. Digital transformation initiatives by retailers, including the implementation of omnichannel strategies and enhanced cold chain infrastructure, are contributing to the segment's robust growth prospects. Additionally, the increasing focus on private label products and the expansion of premium meat offerings through organized retail channels are expected to sustain this growth momentum.

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