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

Middle East Poultry Meat Market Analysis

The Middle East Poultry Meat Market size is estimated at 16.25 billion USD in 2025, and is expected to reach 17.83 billion USD by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 1.87% during the forecast period (2025-2030).

The Middle East poultry meat industry is experiencing significant transformation driven by changing consumer demographics and preferences. The region has witnessed a substantial influx of expatriates, particularly in key markets where they comprise a significant portion of the population with the UAE having approximately 90% expatriate population and Saudi Arabia at 41.6% as of 2022. This demographic shift has led to an increasingly diverse culinary landscape, with international food preferences gaining prominence. The industry has responded by expanding its product offerings to include both traditional Middle Eastern preparations and international-style poultry meat products. Consumer health consciousness has also emerged as a key trend, with approximately 76% of Middle Eastern consumers expressing a preference for healthier food options in recent years.

The distribution landscape for poultry meat is evolving rapidly, particularly in the digital sphere. The Middle East's digital transformation has reached a significant milestone with internet penetration reaching 79% in 2022, representing over 200 million users across the region. This digital advancement has catalyzed the growth of e-commerce platforms and food delivery services, transforming how consumers access poultry products. Supermarkets and hypermarket chains are increasingly adopting omnichannel strategies, combining physical retail presence with digital platforms to enhance customer reach and convenience. Major retailers are investing in advanced cold chain infrastructure and quality control measures to maintain product freshness and meet growing consumer expectations.

Regional governments and industry stakeholders are actively pursuing poultry production self-sufficiency initiatives. Saudi Arabia has made substantial progress in this direction, increasing its poultry self-sufficiency from 45% in 2016 to 68% in 2022, with ambitious plans to reach 80% by 2025. The kingdom has announced significant investments totaling USD 4.5 billion in its poultry production sector, aiming to boost annual production capacity to 1.3 million metric tons of broiler chicken. This commitment to domestic production is further exemplified by Qatar's recent initiative, where the Qatar Fund for Development signed a USD 13 million agreement with the World Poultry Foundation in 2023 to enhance poultry sector capabilities.

The industry is witnessing significant technological advancement in production and processing capabilities. Modern poultry facilities are incorporating automated systems for feeding, climate control, and processing, improving efficiency and product quality. The Middle East Poultry Expo has emerged as a crucial platform for showcasing these technological innovations and facilitating knowledge exchange between local investors, suppliers, and global expertise houses. Industry players are increasingly focusing on implementing advanced food safety measures and quality control systems to meet international standards and consumer expectations. These technological improvements are enabling producers to better manage production costs while maintaining product quality and meeting growing demand. This comprehensive poultry industry analysis highlights the strategic initiatives and technological advancements shaping the meat and poultry market in the region.

Middle East 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 poultry prices

• In the Middle East, the cost of poultry increased by 0.92% in 2022. The region has seen an increase in 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 within the United Arab Emirates is subject to a price cap set by the government at USD 5.85 + VAT, which shops are not allowed to exceed.
• 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 have not increased in 2022, while Bahraini exports have fallen dramatically, as both countries face higher feed costs (both are dependent on imported feed and other inputs).
• The Russia-Ukraine war was also responsible for the price increase 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 these prices have risen globally. 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 Middle East Poultry Meat Market

The fresh/chilled poultry meat segment dominates the Middle East market, accounting for approximately 54% of the total market value in 2024. This significant market share is primarily driven by consumer preferences for fresh meat products and the growing domestic production capabilities across the region. The segment's dominance is particularly notable in countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, where investments in local production facilities and cold chain infrastructure have enhanced the availability of fresh poultry products. The on-trade distribution channel, including hotels, restaurants, and food service operators, represents the largest sales channel for fresh/chilled poultry meat. The segment's growth is further supported by government initiatives to boost local production and reduce dependency on imports, with several countries implementing programs to achieve higher self-sufficiency levels in poultry production.

Processed Segment in Middle East Poultry Meat Market

The processed poultry segment is projected to exhibit the strongest growth in the Middle East market, with an anticipated CAGR of approximately 3% during 2024-2029. This growth is driven by increasing consumer demand for convenient and ready-to-eat poultry products, particularly in urban areas. Manufacturers are responding to this trend by introducing innovative processed products that cater to local tastes while maintaining halal certification. The segment's expansion is supported by investments in processing facilities and the introduction of value-added products like nuggets, sausages, and marinated items. The growth is further accelerated by the rising number of working professionals seeking convenient meal solutions and the expansion of modern retail formats that provide better storage and display facilities for processed poultry products.

Remaining Segments in Form Segmentation

The frozen and canned segments complete the Middle East poultry meat market's form segmentation, each playing distinct roles in meeting consumer needs. The frozen segment serves as a crucial bridge between import-dependent markets and consumption centers, offering extended shelf life and competitive pricing compared to fresh products. This segment is particularly important in countries with limited domestic production capabilities. Meanwhile, the canned segment, while smaller in market share, provides convenient, long-shelf-life options for consumers and is particularly relevant in institutional settings and emergency food supplies. Both segments benefit from the region's well-developed cold chain infrastructure and modern retail networks, which ensure proper storage and distribution of these products.

Segment Analysis: Distribution Channel

On-Trade Segment in Middle East Poultry Meat Market

The on-trade channel dominates the Middle East poultry meat market, commanding approximately 55% of the total market value in 2024. This significant market share is primarily driven by the region's robust foodservice industry and changing consumer dining preferences. The growth in tourism across Middle Eastern countries has substantially boosted the on-trade segment, with restaurants and food service establishments expanding their poultry-based offerings. International restaurant chains and local establishments are increasingly incorporating diverse poultry dishes to cater to both local and tourist preferences. Food delivery platforms like Talabat, Mrsool, Hunger Station, and Uber Eats have further strengthened the on-trade segment by providing convenient access to restaurant-prepared poultry dishes. The segment's strength is particularly evident in countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, where a significant portion of the population regularly dines out or orders prepared food.

Off-Trade Segment in Middle East Poultry Meat Market

The off-trade segment is projected to be the fastest-growing distribution channel in the Middle East poultry meat market, with an expected growth rate of approximately 2% during 2024-2029. This growth is primarily driven by the rapid expansion of e-commerce platforms and digital transformation in the retail sector. The proliferation of online grocery platforms and meat delivery services has made purchasing poultry products more convenient for consumers. Major retailers like Carrefour and LuLu are strengthening their e-commerce presence across the region, while specialized meat delivery platforms are gaining popularity. The segment's growth is further supported by the increasing internet penetration in the region, with the Middle East having more than 200 million internet users, representing about 79% of the total population. The trend toward online purchasing is particularly strong in countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia, where digital infrastructure is well-developed and consumers are increasingly comfortable with online shopping.

Middle East Poultry Meat Market Geography Segment Analysis

Poultry Meat Market in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia dominates the Middle East poultry meat market, commanding approximately 32% of the total market value in 2024. The country's poultry market benefits from substantial government support aimed at increasing domestic production capabilities. The Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture actively collaborates with private sector players to enhance local production infrastructure. The market is characterized by a strong presence of both modern retail chains and traditional outlets, catering to diverse consumer preferences. The country's robust food service sector, including international fast-food chains and local restaurants, significantly drives poultry meat consumption. Advanced poultry farming techniques and strict quality control measures ensure high-quality products for consumers. The government's commitment to food security has led to increased investments in poultry farming technology and infrastructure. Additionally, changing consumer preferences towards healthier protein sources have further strengthened the poultry market's position in the country.

Poultry Meat Market in Oman

Oman's poultry meat market is projected to grow at approximately 2% CAGR from 2024 to 2029, marking it as the fastest-growing market in the region. The country's poultry market is undergoing significant transformation with substantial investments in modern farming technologies and processing facilities. The government's focus on achieving food security has led to increased support for local poultry producers through various initiatives and subsidies. Consumer preferences in Oman are evolving, with increasing demand for both fresh and processed poultry products. The market benefits from a well-developed distribution network, including modern retail chains and traditional markets. The tourism sector's growth has also contributed to increased poultry consumption through hotels and restaurants. Local producers are expanding their production capabilities and implementing advanced farming techniques to meet growing demand. The market also sees strong competition from international brands, driving innovation and quality improvements in the sector.

Poultry Meat Market in United Arab Emirates

The UAE's poultry market demonstrates robust development, driven by its large expatriate population and thriving tourism sector. The country's market is characterized by a strong presence of both domestic and international players, offering diverse poultry meat products to meet varied consumer preferences. The UAE government actively supports the development of local poultry production through various initiatives and investments in modern farming technologies. The market benefits from advanced retail infrastructure, including hypermarkets, supermarkets, and growing e-commerce platforms. Consumer awareness about food quality and safety has led to increased demand for premium poultry products. The country's food service sector, particularly in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, significantly drives poultry consumption. Local producers are increasingly focusing on implementing sustainable farming practices and improving production efficiency to meet growing demand.

Poultry Meat Market in Kuwait

Kuwait's poultry market showcases steady development, supported by strong consumer demand and evolving dietary preferences. The market benefits from a well-established distribution network, including modern retail chains and traditional markets. Local producers are increasingly investing in advanced farming technologies to improve production efficiency and quality. The country's food service sector, including restaurants and fast-food chains, plays a crucial role in driving poultry consumption. Consumer preferences are shifting towards healthier protein options, benefiting the poultry market. The market sees active participation from both domestic and international players, ensuring product variety and competitive pricing. The government's support through various initiatives helps strengthen the local poultry production infrastructure. Additionally, the growing trend of online food delivery services has created new opportunities for poultry product distribution.

Poultry Meat Market in Other Countries

The poultry market in other Middle Eastern countries, including Qatar and Bahrain, demonstrates unique characteristics shaped by local preferences and market dynamics. These markets benefit from strong distribution networks and modern retail infrastructure. The food service sector plays a crucial role in driving poultry meat consumption across these countries. Local governments actively support the development of domestic poultry production through various initiatives and investments. Consumer preferences in these markets are evolving, with increasing demand for both traditional and innovative poultry products. The presence of international brands alongside local producers ensures product diversity and market competitiveness. These markets also benefit from technological advancements in poultry farming and processing, ensuring high-quality products for consumers. The growing trend of online food delivery services has created new opportunities for market expansion in these countries.

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