GCC Basmati Rice Market Growth Analysis Report - Market Size, Share, Forecast Trends and Outlook (2025-2034)

The GCC basmati rice market reached a value of USD 1.65 Billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 2.30% over the forecast period between 2025-2034 to reach a value of USD 2.07 Billion by 2034. The market is driven by a growing South Asian expatriate population, which sustains strong cultural and culinary demand for aromatic, long-grain rice.

Key Insights and Trends:

• The Saudi Arabia basmati rice market held the dominant share of 38.1% of the total revenue in 2024.
• The UAE basmati rice market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 2.5% over the forecast period.
• By type, the raw category is expected to grow at a CAGR of 2.6% over the forecast period.
• By nature, brown basmati rice is expected to grow at a CAGR of 2.7% over the forecast period.

Market Size & Forecast:

• Market Size in 2024: USD 1.65 Billion
• Projected Market Size in 2034: USD 2.07 Billion
• CAGR from 2025 to 2034: 2.30%
• Largest Regional Market: Saudi Arabia

Rice is an essential part of the Middle East cuisine and is a staple food, along with wheat, specifically in the GCC nations. Among the various varieties, basmati rice is known to be the most common variant produced mainly in the foothills of the Himalayas. Basmati rice is commonly used in a variety of delicious dishes containing layers of rice, meat, sauces as well as dried fruits. It has made the GCC countries the main importers of basmati rice from Asian countries, including India and Pakistan. Saudi Arabia is the leading regional market in the GCC region, accounting for a significant share of the total consumption. It can be due to the Kingdom's large consumer base relative to the rest of the region.

The absence of rice production in the GCC nations and the increased demand for higher quality of the product amongst consumers in the region, contribute significantly to the potential for growth in the GCC basmati rice market. The high density of expatriates from Asia in the region is another significant explanation for the increase in demand for the product. Increasing urbanisation rates, demographic change, as well as inflating income levels are anticipated to further fuel the product consumption in the GCC region.

Market Segmentation

Basmati rice is a thick, slender, aromatic rice, usually from the Indian subcontinent. It is a rare type of long grain rice from the Indian subcontinent, which has a floral aroma as well as a nutty flavour. It is available in two colours: white and brown. It has a low level of fat, is gluten-free, and has a low to moderate glycaemic index. It is also rich in vitamins, minerals, copper, calcium, potassium, magnesium, zinc, proteins, amino acids, and folic acid, and contains less sodium and no cholesterol. Because of its distinct taste and presence, it is used as the main ingredient for preparing a wide range of rice-based dishes around the globe, particularly in the GCC region.

On the basis of the type of rice, the market has been categorised as follows:

• Parboiled
• Raw

Based on the pack size, the market has been segmented as follows:

• Retail Packaging
• Institutional Packaging

Based on the country of origin, the market has been divided into the following:

• India
• Pakistan
• Others

Market Breakup by Region

• Saudi Arabia
• United Arab Emirates
• Kuwait
• Oman
• Qatar
• Bahrain

Market Analysis

The GCC basmati rice market is mainly driven by the rise in the product demand. Unsuitable weather conditions have contributed to a shortage of rice production that has contributed to a rise in imports of basmati rice from South Asian countries. Due to a lack of physical activity, the growing prevalence of obesity, as well as other lifestyle disorders, in the region has led to a rise in health consciousness amongst the masses. As a result, basmati rice is increasingly being included in their daily diet due to the low-fat content and high nutritional value of the product. In addition, the increasing population of Asian expatriates has also increased the demand for high-quality rice, further boosting the market growth.

Competitive Landscape

The report gives a detailed analysis of the key players in the GCC basmati rice market, covering their competitive landscape, capacity, and latest developments like mergers, acquisitions, and investments, expansions of capacity, and plant turnarounds. The comprehensive report provides an in-depth assessment of the market based on the Porter's five forces model along with giving a SWOT analysis.