United Arab Emirates Edible Meat - Market Share Analysis, Industry Trends & Statistics, Growth Forecasts (2025 - 2030)

The United Arab Emirates Edible Meat Market size is estimated at 2.03 billion USD in 2025, and is expected to reach 2.2 billion USD by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 1.65% during the forecast period (2025-2030).

High consumption of meat and reduced meat prices boost sales

• 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.

United Arab Emirates Edible Meat Market Trends

Adoption of strategies to increase the commercialization of livestock will propel the production

• The production of beef in the UAE showed growth at a rate of 4.98% from 2021 to 2022. The increase in supply can primarily be attributed to a growth in the number of slaughtered cattle and buffaloes for meat. In 2020, 74,638 cattle heads were slaughtered for beef production in the UAE, which increased by 2.94% in 2021 to 76,833 cattle heads. With the increase in local production, the country has decreased the imports of live cattle. In 2021, the import of live cattle had a trade value of USD 5.88 million, a decrease of 65.7% from USD 17.756 million in 2020.
• Local beef producers are finding it increasingly difficult to compete with the import of premium beef varieties from other countries, which are 150% to 180% priced higher than normal quality. Consumers in the UAE are known for prioritizing quality over cost for many products. The food service sector in the UAE is willing to pay a higher price for these imports due to their much higher consumer demand.
• Cattle farming in the UAE has struggled to scale over the years, mainly due to the scarcity of water resources, arable land, and high production costs. In 2021, the number of cattle in the UAE was 112,370. The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment is concentrating on formulating strategies for commercializing livestock in order to increase its contribution to the national economy and close the food deficit. This can be accomplished by developing and implementing integrated strategies for livestock protection and development, increasing biosecurity rates, developing and implementing disease and epidemic prevention and monitoring programs, and improving inspection and control mechanisms and standards on local farms and points of entry.

Market is observing a growing demand for premium beef owing to rising disposable incomes

• The price of beef in the United Arab Emirates has increased at a rate of 0.96% than the previous year, reaching USD 3,762 per ton in 2022. Beef prices in the country primarily depend on the rise in consumption during specific times of the year (like festivals) and growing tourism in the country.
• The increase in demand for more high-quality varieties of beef has also affected the price of beef in the United Arab Emirates. Premium beef types such as Australian A5 Wagyu, Japanese Wagyu, and Japanese-branded Kobe beef are very popular in the country. These types of beef are available only in premium restaurants due to their high price and supreme quality. In 2021, high-grade Japanese Wagyu beef cost as much as USD 441 per pound, or up to USD 300 for a steak cut. The rising demand for these prime beef varieties from Japan has drastically increased their import to the United Arab Emirates. In 2021, the United Arab Emirates' frozen beef imports from Japan increased by 126% compared to 2020.
• For the last eight years, Australia's top 20 most lucrative beef export destinations have continuously included the United Arab Emirates. On the strength of increasing exports, the price of beef in Australia rose to USD 442/100 kg in October 2022, an increase of 5.3% week-over-week and 5.1% year-over-year (y-o-y). Due to the price-sensitive nature of the business, India and Brazil have historically dominated the UAE's beef import quantities. However, due to faster economic growth brought on by high urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and growing tourism, Western-style culinary services have expanded quickly in the last ten years. As a result, more premium beef grades and cuts are now in demand.

United Arab Emirates Edible Meat Industry Overview

The United Arab Emirates Edible Meat Market is fragmented, with the top five companies occupying 23.31%. The major players in this market are Al Ain Farms, BRF S.A., Siniora Food Industries Company, Tanmiah Food Company and The Savola Group (sorted alphabetically).

Additional Benefits:

• The market estimate (ME) sheet in Excel format
• 3 months of analyst support

This product will be delivered within 2 business days.