GCC Poultry Meat Market SIZE & SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS & FORECASTS UP TO 2030

GCC Poultry Meat Market Analysis

The GCC Poultry Meat Market size is estimated at 7.73 billion USD in 2025, and is expected to reach 8.39 billion USD by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 1.65% during the forecast period (2025-2030).

The GCC poultry meat industry is experiencing significant digital transformation, driven by rapidly evolving consumer preferences and technological adoption. The region has witnessed substantial growth in digital platforms, with the Middle East recording over 200 million internet users in 2022, representing 79% of the total population. This digital penetration has revolutionized the way consumers purchase poultry products, with many traditional retailers expanding their online presence through partnerships with delivery platforms. The shift towards digital channels has been particularly pronounced in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, where major supermarket chains have invested heavily in developing their e-commerce capabilities and last-mile delivery infrastructure.

The industry is undergoing a substantial transformation in terms of production capabilities and self-sufficiency initiatives. Saudi Arabia has made remarkable progress in domestic production, achieving a self-sufficiency rate of 68% in 2022, a significant increase from previous years. This improvement reflects the broader regional trend toward reducing import dependency and strengthening local production capabilities. Major poultry food producers across the GCC have implemented advanced biosecurity measures and modern farming techniques, resulting in improved mortality rates and enhanced production efficiency.

Infrastructure development and strategic investments are reshaping the GCC poultry meat landscape. In 2023, Abu Dhabi made a significant move by investing USD 272 million in establishing food processing plants in the Khalifa Economic Zone, demonstrating the region's commitment to enhancing food security. Saudi Arabia has announced ambitious investment plans valued at USD 4.5 billion by 2025, aimed at expanding production capacity to 1.3 million metric tons of chicken meat annually. These investments are accompanied by technological advancements in processing facilities and cold chain infrastructure, ensuring better product quality and longer shelf life.

The distribution landscape is evolving with changing consumer demographics and preferences, particularly influenced by the significant expatriate population. The UAE's expatriate population reached approximately 90% in 2022, contributing to the diversification of food preferences and consumption patterns. This demographic shift has led to the emergence of specialized retail formats and the expansion of international food service chains offering various poultry products. Health consciousness is increasingly influencing consumer choices, with 76% of Middle Eastern consumers preferring healthy food options, driving demand for premium, organic, and antibiotic-free processed poultry products.

GCC Poultry Meat Market Trends

Increased domestic poultry production is driving the market’s growth

• Saudi Arabia is the largest producer of poultry in the Middle East, accounting for about 22.93% of the region's total poultry production in 2022. Domestic poultry production in the country reached more than 60% self-sufficiency level in 2022. The Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture (MEWA) announced plans to collaborate with the private sector to increase that level to more than 85% by 2030. The government has also been actively working to remove obstacles for producers to acquire and use the land for poultry production, provide loans for equipment purchases, and reform its subsidy system for feed, livestock, and poultry.
• In 2022, Saudi's local chicken meat production reached 1.130,000 metric tons, an increase of 25.56% from 2020, mainly due to the expansion of production facilities of the largest chicken producers, such as Al Watania Poultry Farms and Alyoum Chicken Farm. The expansion project will increase these farms' daily production from 850,000 to one million chickens per day.
• Poultry production in the United Arab Emirates reached 52,573 metric tons (MT) in 2022. Increasing feed prices and other inputs and a government-set price ceiling on fresh chicken at retail outlets have stopped further production increases. Moreover, the country's limited agriculture is concentrated in Abu Dhabi, where most poultry production occurs. Local poultry farmers, particularly larger and medium-sized producers, have implemented improved biosecurity procedures to reduce the risk of contagious poultry diseases. Some well-managed poultry producers have achieved a 2.5% or lower mortality rate, which has increased output while significantly reducing overall production costs.

Rising production costs are impacting the poultry prices

• In GCC countries, the cost of poultry increased by 0.92% in 2022. The region has seen an increase in the local production. The majority of locally produced chicken meat is chilled, expensive, and consumed primarily by the local population. Price controls have unintentionally favored cheaper, non-fresh imported poultry products. The UAE government imposed a price ceiling on regional coops and other retail enterprises that sell primarily to the UAE community. The price cap also impacted the profitability of chicken farms because farms could not boost prices to keep up with the rising costs. All fresh chicken sold in the United Arab Emirates is subject to a price cap set by the government at USD 5.85 + VAT, which is not allowed to be exceeded by shops.
• For a decade, Kuwait has been dealing with a shortage of poultry products, which is set to increase the price of poultry in the country further. The shortage of poultry is caused by local poultry companies that deliberately refrained from providing supermarkets with their products in order to increase their prices, which rose by 20% in June 2022. Notably, Saudi Arabian poultry exports did not increase in 2022, while Bahraini exports fell drastically, as both countries faced higher feed costs (both are dependent on imported feed and other inputs).
• The Russia-Ukraine War also increased poultry prices in 2022, with some poultry companies raising their prices due to rising feed costs. The Kuwaiti government’s support only covers corn and does not cover other feeds, such as soy, vitamins, and salts, and their prices have risen globally. The price of a ton of soy increased from USD 450 to 900 in just a month in March 2022. Thus, these factors have boosted the price of poultry in the region.

Segment Analysis: Form

Fresh/Chilled Segment in GCC Poultry Meat Market

The fresh poultry meat segment dominates the GCC poultry meat market, accounting for approximately 54% of the total market value in 2024. This significant market share is primarily driven by consumer preference for fresh poultry products, particularly in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The segment's dominance is supported by increasing domestic production capabilities across GCC countries, with Saudi Arabia leading the way in reducing import dependence through local production initiatives. Hotels, restaurants, and foodservice operators are the primary consumers of fresh poultry in the region, contributing significantly to the segment's market leadership. The segment's growth is further bolstered by the expansion of specialized fresh meat sections in modern retail formats and strict adherence to halal certification requirements.

Processed Segment in GCC Poultry Meat Market

The processed poultry segment is projected to exhibit the strongest growth in the GCC poultry meat market, with an expected CAGR of approximately 2% during 2024-2029. This growth is primarily driven by increasing demand for convenient food options among the region's growing working population. The segment's expansion is supported by manufacturers incorporating local and regional flavors into their processed poultry products to cater to Middle Eastern taste preferences. Major players like Al Islami Foods, Sadia, Americana Group, and Sunbulah Group are actively expanding their manufacturing capacities to meet the rising demand. The segment's growth is further fueled by the increasing popularity of ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook products, particularly in urban areas where time-saving meal solutions are highly valued.

Remaining Segments in Form

The frozen poultry and canned segments complete the GCC poultry meat market portfolio, each serving distinct consumer needs and preferences. The frozen poultry segment maintains a strong presence in the market due to its longer shelf life and competitive pricing compared to fresh products, making it particularly popular among price-sensitive consumers and bulk buyers. The segment benefits from well-established cold chain infrastructure and the region's high dependence on imports. Meanwhile, the canned segment, while smaller in market share, serves a crucial role in the market by providing convenient, long-lasting poultry products particularly suited for emergency food supplies and remote locations where fresh products may not be readily available.

Segment Analysis: Distribution Channel

On-Trade Segment in GCC Poultry Meat Market

The on-trade channel dominates the GCC poultry meat market, commanding approximately 56% market share in 2024. This segment's prominence is driven by the robust food service industry across GCC countries, where restaurants, hotels, and foodservice operators utilize most of the poultry meat sold in the region. The growth of tourism in GCC countries has significantly contributed to the expansion of food service establishments, thereby boosting on-trade consumption. International food service establishments have particularly influenced the market by introducing diverse poultry-based dishes and preparations. The segment's strength is further reinforced by the increasing adoption of food delivery platforms, which have become integral to the food service sector's operations. The rise of digital food ordering platforms like Talabat, Mrsool, Hunger Station, and Uber Eats has created additional channels for on-trade poultry meat consumption, making it more accessible to consumers.

Off-Trade Segment in GCC Poultry Meat Market

The off-trade segment is projected to exhibit the strongest growth in the GCC poultry meat market, with an expected CAGR of approximately 2% during 2024-2029. This growth trajectory is primarily fueled by the rapid expansion of e-commerce and digital retail platforms across the region. The segment's evolution is particularly evident in the online channel, which has witnessed substantial development in line with increasing internet penetration in GCC countries. The convenience store channel within off-trade is also experiencing significant growth, with major retailers like Carrefour and LuLu expanding their presence through smaller format stores. The segment's growth is further supported by the increasing consumer preference for home cooking and meal preparation, coupled with the rising demand for premium and specialized poultry products available through retail channels.

GCC Poultry Meat Market Geography Segment Analysis

Poultry Meat Market in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia dominates the GCC poultry meat market, commanding approximately 61% market share in 2024, while also leading regional growth with a projected CAGR of nearly 2% from 2024-2029. The country's strong market position is underpinned by robust domestic production capabilities, with fresh poultry being the predominant form consumed. The Saudi government's strategic focus on food security has led to significant investments in local production infrastructure, helping reduce import dependence. Consumer preferences in the kingdom increasingly favor locally raised fresh chicken meat, driving domestic producers to boost production capacity. The rise in working women and students has catalyzed demand for convenient ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook poultry products. The country's distribution network has evolved significantly, with online channels showing particular dynamism in recent years. The market's growth is further supported by increasing health consciousness among consumers who are shifting from red meat to white meat products.

Poultry Meat Market in United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates represents a dynamic market for poultry meat, characterized by a sophisticated distribution network and evolving consumer preferences. The country's poultry sector benefits from significant government support and investment in food security initiatives, including the development of state-of-the-art processing facilities. The UAE's position as a global tourism hub and its large expatriate population drive diverse demand patterns for poultry products. Local producers have implemented advanced biosecurity measures, achieving impressive efficiency metrics with mortality rates as low as 2.5%. The market shows particular strength in the off-trade channel, with modern retail formats and e-commerce platforms gaining prominence. The UAE's strategic location and well-developed logistics infrastructure make it a key hub for poultry trade in the region. Consumer preferences in the UAE are increasingly influenced by health and wellness trends, driving demand for premium and value-added poultry meat products.

Poultry Meat Market in Kuwait

Kuwait's poultry meat market demonstrates unique characteristics shaped by its distinct consumer preferences and market dynamics. The country's poultry sector is undergoing significant transformation with increased focus on domestic production capabilities. Major retail chains and supermarkets are expanding their poultry offerings, particularly in the frozen and processed poultry segments. The market shows strong potential in the off-trade channel, with modern retail formats gaining consumer preference. Kuwait's poultry industry is characterized by a mix of traditional and modern distribution channels, with increasing adoption of digital platforms for meat purchases. The country's consumers show growing preference for convenient, ready-to-cook poultry products, particularly among the urban population. Local producers are investing in modern production facilities and adopting advanced technologies to improve efficiency and meet growing demand.

Poultry Meat Market in Qatar

Qatar's poultry meat market exhibits strong growth potential, supported by the country's robust economy and changing consumer preferences. The market is characterized by increasing demand for processed poultry products, particularly among the working population. Qatar's retail landscape is evolving rapidly, with modern trade formats gaining prominence in poultry distribution. The country's food service sector plays a crucial role in driving poultry consumption, particularly through high-end restaurants and hotels. Local producers are investing in capacity expansion and modernization to meet growing domestic demand. The market shows particular strength in the premium segment, with consumers willing to pay more for quality products. Qatar's poultry sector benefits from government support aimed at enhancing food security and reducing import dependence.

Poultry Meat Market in Other Countries

The poultry meat markets in Bahrain and Oman exhibit distinct characteristics while sharing common regional trends. These markets are characterized by growing consumer preference for convenient and processed poultry products, particularly among urban populations. Both countries are focusing on developing their domestic production capabilities to reduce import dependence and enhance food security. The retail landscape in these markets is evolving, with modern trade formats and digital platforms gaining prominence. Consumer preferences are increasingly influenced by health and wellness trends, driving demand for premium and value-added poultry meat products. Government initiatives supporting local production and distribution infrastructure development play a crucial role in shaping market dynamics. These markets also benefit from regional trade networks and technological advancements in the poultry sector.

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