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United Arab Emirates Seafood Market Size

The United Arab Emirates seafood market is experiencing growth, driven by a significant reliance on imports and a governmental focus on aquaculture to enhance food security. The market's expansion is supported by a high consumption rate through on-trade channels, with fish being the predominant seafood type. The UAE's coastal access and vibrant seafood markets in cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi further contribute to the market's dynamics. Additionally, there is an increasing consumer preference for sustainably farmed shrimp, reflecting broader trends in the region's seafood consumption patterns.

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Market Size of united arab emirates seafood Industry

United Arab Emirates Seafood Market Summary
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svg icon Study Period 2017 - 2029
svg icon Market Size (2024) USD 1.36 Billion
svg icon Market Size (2029) USD 1.44 Billion
svg icon Largest Share by Type Fish
svg icon CAGR (2024 - 2029) 1.16 %
svg icon Fastest Growing by Type Shrimp
svg icon Market Concentration Low

Major Players
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*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order

Key Players

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United Arab Emirates Seafood Market Analysis

The United Arab Emirates Seafood Market size is estimated at 1.36 billion USD in 2024, and is expected to reach 1.44 billion USD by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 1.16% during the forecast period (2024-2029).

1.36 Billion

Market Size in 2024 (USD)

1.44 Billion

Market Size in 2029 (USD)

2.26 %

CAGR (2017-2023)

1.16 %

CAGR (2024-2029)

Largest Segment by Type

82.81 %

value share, Fish, 2023

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The country's demand for fish is fueled by a range of factors, including fish's lower price, greater nutritional value, and ease of availability due to increased production.

Largest Segment by Form

53.55 %

value share, Fresh / Chilled, 2023

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Local consumers choose wild-caught as they believe it to be more natural, fresh, delicious, and healthy. The demand rose considerably after the relaxation of the lockdown.

Fastest-growing Segment by Type

1.98 %

Projected CAGR, Shrimp, 2024-2029

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The growth of the aquaculture sector supports the progress of the shrimp market in the country, with farmed shrimp set to dominate the market in the coming years.

Fastest-growing Segment by Form

2.39 %

Projected CAGR, Processed, 2024-2029

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The increasing popularity of ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook meat to match the fast-paced lifestyle is projected to drive the demand for processed seafood products in the country.

Leading Market Player

3.04 %

market share, The Deep Seafood Company, 2022

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The company provides a wide range of premium quality fish products to consumers through its extensive distribution network to ensure the freshness and quality of its products.

The increase in focus on aquaculture favors the market's growth

  • The United Arab Emirates imports around 70% of the seafood. Hence, the UAE government is focusing on investing in aquaculture projects due to the increasing demand for seafood, as it is a viable source of improving the region’s food security, which is a major concern in the country because the nation relies majorly on imports to meet the seafood demand. In the United Arab Emirates, more than 67% of the seafood is consumed through the on-trade channel, which includes restaurants and food services. Around 40% of seafood consumers dine out at least 2-3 times per week due to various restaurant options driving the growth of the seafood market in the country.
  • Fish is the primary type of seafood consumed in the United Arab Emirates. Fish sales were increased by 2.07% by value in 2022 compared to the previous year. In UAE, local seafood includes Hammour (local grouper), Sultan Ibrahim (threadfin bream), Sheri (emperor fish), and Safi (rabbitfish). Additionally, imported fish species, such as salmon, tuna, and sea bass, are popular. Overall, small pelagic fish, such as sardines and mackerel, and large pelagic fish, such as tuna and barracuda, are the most consumed species in the United Arab Emirates.
  • Shrimps are anticipated to register a CAGR of 1.98% by value during the forecast period. The UAE's coastal location and access to fresh seafood contribute to the popularity of shrimp. The country has a coastal line of around 1,318 kilometers. Coastal cities like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah have bustling seafood markets where consumers can find a wide variety of shrimp options. There is a growing demand for sustainably farmed shrimp among consumers in the UAE, which is anticipated to grow during the forecast period.
United Arab Emirates Seafood Market

United Arab Emirates Seafood Industry Segmentation

Fish, Shrimp are covered as segments by Type. Canned, Fresh / Chilled, Frozen, Processed are covered as segments by Form. Off-Trade, On-Trade are covered as segments by Distribution Channel.

  • The United Arab Emirates imports around 70% of the seafood. Hence, the UAE government is focusing on investing in aquaculture projects due to the increasing demand for seafood, as it is a viable source of improving the region’s food security, which is a major concern in the country because the nation relies majorly on imports to meet the seafood demand. In the United Arab Emirates, more than 67% of the seafood is consumed through the on-trade channel, which includes restaurants and food services. Around 40% of seafood consumers dine out at least 2-3 times per week due to various restaurant options driving the growth of the seafood market in the country.
  • Fish is the primary type of seafood consumed in the United Arab Emirates. Fish sales were increased by 2.07% by value in 2022 compared to the previous year. In UAE, local seafood includes Hammour (local grouper), Sultan Ibrahim (threadfin bream), Sheri (emperor fish), and Safi (rabbitfish). Additionally, imported fish species, such as salmon, tuna, and sea bass, are popular. Overall, small pelagic fish, such as sardines and mackerel, and large pelagic fish, such as tuna and barracuda, are the most consumed species in the United Arab Emirates.
  • Shrimps are anticipated to register a CAGR of 1.98% by value during the forecast period. The UAE's coastal location and access to fresh seafood contribute to the popularity of shrimp. The country has a coastal line of around 1,318 kilometers. Coastal cities like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah have bustling seafood markets where consumers can find a wide variety of shrimp options. There is a growing demand for sustainably farmed shrimp among consumers in the UAE, which is anticipated to grow during the forecast period.
Type
Fish
Shrimp
Other Seafood
Form
Canned
Fresh / Chilled
Frozen
Processed
Distribution Channel
Off-Trade
Convenience Stores
Online Channel
Supermarkets and Hypermarkets
Others
On-Trade
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United Arab Emirates Seafood Market Size Summary

The United Arab Emirates seafood market is experiencing a steady growth trajectory, driven by a combination of local consumption patterns and strategic government initiatives. With a significant portion of seafood being imported, the UAE government is heavily investing in aquaculture projects to enhance food security and reduce dependency on imports. The on-trade channel, including restaurants and food services, dominates seafood consumption, with fish being the most popular type. Local species such as Hammour and Sultan Ibrahim are favored, alongside imported varieties like salmon and tuna. The coastal cities of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah play a crucial role in the vibrant seafood market, supported by a growing demand for sustainably farmed shrimp and other seafood products.

Efforts to boost local production are evident through various government-led initiatives, including the cultivation of marine ecosystems and the adoption of advanced aquaculture technologies. The UAE's strategic location and access to fresh seafood contribute to its dynamic market, with significant investments in fish farming and distribution agreements enhancing local supply. Despite challenges such as high import dependency and fluctuating fish prices, the market remains fragmented with key players like Almunajem Foods and Conagra Brands Inc. actively participating in expanding their reach. Collaborative efforts between government and private sectors aim to overcome industry challenges, focusing on producing non-endemic species and improving the quality and pricing of local seafood offerings.

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United Arab Emirates Seafood Market Size - Table of Contents

  1. 1. MARKET SEGMENTATION (includes market size in Value in USD, Forecasts up to 2029 and analysis of growth prospects)

    1. 1.1 Type

      1. 1.1.1 Fish

      2. 1.1.2 Shrimp

      3. 1.1.3 Other Seafood

    2. 1.2 Form

      1. 1.2.1 Canned

      2. 1.2.2 Fresh / Chilled

      3. 1.2.3 Frozen

      4. 1.2.4 Processed

    3. 1.3 Distribution Channel

      1. 1.3.1 Off-Trade

        1. 1.3.1.1 Convenience Stores

        2. 1.3.1.2 Online Channel

        3. 1.3.1.3 Supermarkets and Hypermarkets

        4. 1.3.1.4 Others

      2. 1.3.2 On-Trade

United Arab Emirates Seafood Market Size FAQs

The United Arab Emirates Seafood Market size is expected to reach USD 1.36 billion in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 1.16% to reach USD 1.44 billion by 2029.

In 2024, the United Arab Emirates Seafood Market size is expected to reach USD 1.36 billion.

UAE Frozen Seafood Market Report Snapshots

United Arab Emirates Seafood Market SIZE & SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS & FORECASTS UP TO 2029