United Arab Emirates Edible Meat Market Size

United Arab Emirates Edible Meat Market Analysis

The United Arab Emirates Edible Meat Market size is estimated at 2 billion USD in 2024, and is expected to reach 2.17 billion USD by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 1.68% during the forecast period (2024-2029).

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2 Billion

Market Size in 2024 (USD)

2.17 Billion

Market Size in 2029 (USD)

10.20 %

CAGR (2017-2023)

1.68 %

CAGR (2024-2029)

Largest Segment by Type

60.46 %

value share, Poultry, 2023

Product consistency, the surge in local production, and higher protein/lower fat content are some of the major factors influencing the higher poultry consumption.

Largest Segment by Form

56.12 %

value share, Fresh / Chilled, 2023

Fresh meats are considered to be of higher quality. The relaxation of the lockdown allowed customers to immediately purchase freshly cut meat through an offline channel.

Fastest-growing Segment by Type

1.84 %

Projected CAGR, Mutton, 2024-2029

The rise of the expat population and tourism in the country is driving the demand for mutton meat mainly through on-trade channels.

Fastest-growing Segment by Form

2.76 %

Projected CAGR, Processed, 2024-2029

The consumption of processed edible meat products in the UAE has increased due to increased globalization and Western influence.

Leading Market Player

6.77 %

market share, Al Ain Farms, 2022

Other than the extensive product portfolio incorporating all forms and types of edible meat, the company's broad consumer reach makes it a leading player in the market.

High consumption of meat and reduced meat prices boost sales

United Arab Emirates Edible Meat Industry Segmentation

Beef, Mutton, Poultry 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.

• Poultry was the most consumed edible meat variant due to its continued consumption during the study period. Poultry is a source of high-quality lean proteins; therefore, poultry meat is the preferred type of red meat; however, it is anticipated to cause several health complications. As the public sees a significant transition from imported frozen to fresh choices, particularly in the variety of portions and fillets, local production is anticipated to increase to meet their growing needs. In the UAE, poultry continues to be a relatively affordable source of animal protein despite growing food prices globally. Prices for poultry were 0.5% lower in July 2021 compared to the same month last year and have declined every month in 2021 since record high prices in 2020.
• Mutton was the second most consumed meat variant in the country, with the sales value of the segment observed to be expanding at a CAGR of 12.32% over 2017-2022. Although beef and chicken are consumed more often, lamb meat is a staple with advantages in price points, taste, and premium perception. The United Arab Emirates is a major importer of mutton, often sourcing it from countries like Australia, New Zealand, and India.
• Beef is also a significant contributor to the market, which is majorly encouraged by the preference of residents as well as tourists toward using the meat in traditional Arabic culinary preparations as well as continental preparations like steak, roast beef, pot roast, and brisket. Though frozen and processed beef products are experiencing a growth in demand, fresh beef products are the most consumed beef form in the country, covering 53.84% of the market sales value as of 2022. The popularity of fresh beef is partly due to its availability at local supermarkets or butcher shops.