UAE Aquaculture Market Size
| Study Period | 2019 - 2029 |
| Base Year For Estimation | 2023 |
| Forecast Data Period | 2024 - 2029 |
| Market Size (2024) | USD 21.82 Billion |
| Market Size (2029) | USD 27.98 Billion |
| CAGR (2024 - 2029) | 5.10 % |
Major Players*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
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UAE Aquaculture Market Analysis
The United Arab Emirates Fisheries and Aquaculture Market size is estimated at USD 21.82 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 27.98 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 5.10% during the forecast period (2024-2029).
The UAE government is focusing on increasing aquaculture projects as it is a viable source for improving the region's food security, which is the major concern in the country. Rapid growth and development and the diverse population of the United Arab Emirates, coupled with the rising consumption of seafood, are the major factors driving the fisheries and aquaculture sector. The tourist visits and lower-income disparity among the population increased fuel consumption, thus driving the market.
The fisheries and aquaculture sector is pivotal in achieving self-sufficiency and meeting the protein needs of the people. Therefore, the government is also focusing on the development of the industry, which has led to the establishment of the marine research center. Freshwater aquaculture in the country is limited only to a few irrigation channels, ponds, and tanks located near agricultural farms. Expansion is likely to happen in the near future as people become aware of the dual benefits of rearing fish, such as tilapia, in such facilities, which would produce fish and fertilize the irrigation water. All these factors are likely to drive the fisheries and aquaculture market in the United Arab Emirates.
UAE Aquaculture Market Trends
This section covers the major market trends shaping the UAE Fisheries & Aquaculture Market according to our research experts:
Growing Demand for Fish and Seafood Products
The demand for fish and seafood is increasing among consumers, as they are high in nutrition and contain low-fat protein. The rise in meat consumption, growing health concerns, changing diet patterns, urbanization, population, and economic growth are the factors influencing the higher preference for seafood products. The United Arab Emirates is the largest consumer of fish among all GCC countries, with the majority of the population preferring seafood, which is driving the demand. The United Arab Emirates has acquired food security through the availability of fresh fish.
According to Euromonitor International, consumer expenditure in the United Arab Emirates for fish and seafood in 2021 was USD 179. This trend is expected to grow during the forecast period. Norway is one of the biggest suppliers of fresh fish to the United Arab Emirates; in 2020, the total import was valued at USD 58.9 million. The growing demand for high-protein diets is driving the demand for fish and seafood products to meet diet requirements. This trend is anticipated to rise exponentially, driving the fisheries and aquaculture market.
Increasing Import of Fish is Driving the Market
The growing population, coupled with the increasing consumption of fish, is leading to dependence on the import of fish to meet the domestic demand. According to FAO 2021 data, the United Arab Emirates consumes more than 220,000 metric tons of fish per year, making its seafood consumption greater than the global average, estimated to be 28.6 kilograms per year.
The United Arab Emirates is a net importer of fish and seafood, the major exporters to the country are Vietnam, Uganda, Norway, and Spain, among others. According to Agriculture and Agrifood Canada's UAE trend analysis, the United Arab Emirates is a net importer of seafood and fish, as the majority of the food consumed in the country is imported. According to data from UN Comtrade, the import value of fresh fish to the United Arab Emirates was estimated to be USD 58.8 million, a 27.5% increase from 2017. The imports are expected to increase.
According to the ITC Trade, in 2020, imported frozen fish in the United Arab Emirates was valued at USD 89,549.00 thousand compared to USD 58,924.0 thousand in 2017. In 2020, Greece, Ghana, Myanmar, and Chile were the major exporters to the United Arab Emirates, with a share of 24.5%, 16.1%,12.7%, and 6.1%, respectively. Greece accounted for an export value of USD 21,972 thousand. The import of fish is expected to grow further during the forecast period due to the increasing demand from the consumers.
UAE Aquaculture Market News
- July 2022: The UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment partnered with Abu Dhabi National Oil company and Emirates National Oil company to provide subsidies to the fisherman to cope with the increasing cost and to boost the fisheries sector.
- March 2022: A project to build a new recirculating aquaculture system in Abu Dhabi was undertaken by a group of businesses. The project aims to supply 2,000 metric tons of premium quality, locally-grown Atlantic salmon in the country. The new technology is expected to enable the re-use of over 99.5% of the process water, almost eliminating resource wastage.
- February 2022: Prime Aquaculture FZE, Emirates National Aquaculture LLC Subsidiary, is building the region's first shrimp recirculating aquaculture system(RAS) in Jafza, and the project is expected to be finished by Q1 2023. It is expected to cater to the increasing regional demand and the National Food Security Strategy 2051.
UAE Aquaculture 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
- 4.4 Value Chain/Supply Chain Analysis
5. MARKET SEGMENTATION
-
5.1 Type (Production Analysis, Consumption Analysis by Value and Volume, Import Analysis by Value and Volume, Export Analysis by Value and Volume and Price Trend Analysis)
- 5.1.1 Pelagic Fish
- 5.1.1.1 Sardines
- 5.1.1.2 Mackerel
- 5.1.1.3 Tuna
- 5.1.1.4 Barracuda
- 5.1.2 Demersal Fish
- 5.1.2.1 Grouper
- 5.1.2.2 Trevally
- 5.1.2.3 Emperor
- 5.1.2.4 Pomfret
- 5.1.3 Freshwater Fish
- 5.1.3.1 Tilapia
- 5.1.4 Scallop
- 5.1.5 Shrimp
- 5.1.6 Lobsters
- 5.1.7 Caviar
- 5.1.8 Salmon
- 5.1.9 Other Types
6. RETAIL OUTLETS ANALYSIS
- 6.1 Lulu Hypermarkets
- 6.2 Carrefour Hypermarkets
- 6.3 SPAR Hypermarkets
- 6.4 Al Madina Hypermarket
- 6.5 Big Bazaar Hypermarket
7. MARKET OPPORTUNITIES AND FUTURE TRENDS
UAE Aquaculture Industry Segmentation
The report contains an analysis of various aspects of the fisheries and aquaculture sector in the United Arab Emirates.
The UAE aquaculture and fisheries market is segmented by type (pelagic fish, demersal fish, freshwater fish, scallops, shrimp, lobster, caviar, salmon, and other types). The report provides an all-encompassing analysis of the production (volume), consumption (value and volume), import (value and volume), export (value and volume), and price trend analysis of the market. The report offers the market size and forecasts in terms of volume in metric tons and value in USD thousand for all the above segments.
| Type (Production Analysis, Consumption Analysis by Value and Volume, Import Analysis by Value and Volume, Export Analysis by Value and Volume and Price Trend Analysis) | Pelagic Fish | Sardines |
| Mackerel | ||
| Tuna | ||
| Barracuda | ||
| Type (Production Analysis, Consumption Analysis by Value and Volume, Import Analysis by Value and Volume, Export Analysis by Value and Volume and Price Trend Analysis) | Demersal Fish | Grouper |
| Trevally | ||
| Emperor | ||
| Pomfret | ||
| Type (Production Analysis, Consumption Analysis by Value and Volume, Import Analysis by Value and Volume, Export Analysis by Value and Volume and Price Trend Analysis) | Freshwater Fish | Tilapia |
| Type (Production Analysis, Consumption Analysis by Value and Volume, Import Analysis by Value and Volume, Export Analysis by Value and Volume and Price Trend Analysis) | Scallop | |
| Shrimp | ||
| Lobsters | ||
| Caviar | ||
| Salmon | ||
| Other Types |
UAE Aquaculture Market Research FAQs
How big is the United Arab Emirates Fisheries and Aquaculture Market?
The United Arab Emirates Fisheries and Aquaculture Market size is expected to reach USD 21.82 billion in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 5.10% to reach USD 27.98 billion by 2029.
What is the current United Arab Emirates Fisheries and Aquaculture Market size?
In 2024, the United Arab Emirates Fisheries and Aquaculture Market size is expected to reach USD 21.82 billion.
What years does this United Arab Emirates Fisheries and Aquaculture Market cover, and what was the market size in 2023?
In 2023, the United Arab Emirates Fisheries and Aquaculture Market size was estimated at USD 20.76 billion. The report covers the United Arab Emirates Fisheries and Aquaculture Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023. The report also forecasts the United Arab Emirates Fisheries and Aquaculture Market size for years: 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 and 2029.
UAE Aquaculture Industry Report
Statistics for the 2024 UAE Aquaculture market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports. UAE Aquaculture analysis includes a market forecast outlook to 2029 and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.
