United Arab Emirates Seafood Market Report by Type, Form, Distribution Channel, Top 7 City and Company Analysis, 2025-2033

The United Arab Emirates Seafood Market is expected to reach US$ 1.49 billion by 2033 from US$ 1.32 billion in 2024, with a CAGR of 1.37% from 2025 to 2033. The United Arab Emirates seafood market is projected to grow steadily, driven by increasing consumer demand, rising imports, aquaculture development, and a growing preference for healthy, protein-rich, and sustainable food options.

United Arab Emirates Seafood Industry Overview

The United Arab Emirates seafood market is witnessing robust expansion, supported by increasing seafood consumption, strong import networks, and growing aquaculture initiatives. The UAE’s diverse population, coupled with rising health awareness, has boosted demand for protein-rich and nutrient-dense foods such as fish and shellfish. The market benefits from the country’s advanced logistics infrastructure, allowing efficient import and distribution across retail and hospitality sectors. With seafood being a key component of both traditional and international cuisines, restaurants, hotels, and catering services play a major role in driving consumption. The government’s efforts to promote food security and sustainable fishing practices further strengthen the industry. Additionally, the availability of frozen, canned, and processed seafood products across supermarkets and online platforms supports consumer convenience and accessibility.

Technological advancements in cold storage, processing, and packaging have enhanced product quality, shelf life, and safety standards, fostering consumer trust. The UAE’s strategic geographic position facilitates seafood imports from Asia, Africa, and Europe, ensuring diverse product availability throughout the year. Aquaculture development programs aim to reduce dependence on imports and increase domestic production capacity, particularly for high-demand species. Premium seafood categories, including shrimp, salmon, and seabass, continue to dominate urban consumption trends. Growing tourism and hospitality expansion in cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi further stimulate market growth, as seafood remains a preferred choice across fine dining and casual eateries. Moreover, e-commerce growth and food delivery services have boosted demand for fresh and ready-to-cook seafood options among urban consumers.

Despite positive market momentum, challenges such as overfishing, climate variability, and stringent regulatory frameworks affect long-term sustainability. The reliance on imports exposes the market to global supply fluctuations and price volatility. Moreover, maintaining product freshness and meeting food safety standards during transportation and storage require continuous investments in cold chain logistics. Increasing consumer expectations regarding traceability and sustainability add further pressure on suppliers. However, government-backed initiatives encouraging aquaculture innovation, research in sustainable fisheries, and public-private partnerships are expected to mitigate these challenges. With rising consumer preference for healthy diets, global culinary influences, and sustainable sourcing, the UAE seafood market is poised for continued growth over the forecast period.

Key Factors Driving the United Arab Emirates Seafood Market Growth

Rising Health Awareness and Shift Toward Protein-Rich Diets

Increasing health consciousness among UAE consumers is driving the demand for seafood, recognized as a rich source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential nutrients. The growing prevalence of lifestyle-related diseases has encouraged consumers to adopt healthier eating habits, favoring seafood over red meat. Government-led awareness campaigns promoting balanced diets and wellness have further strengthened this trend. The expanding middle-class population, coupled with rising disposable incomes, supports spending on premium and organic seafood varieties. Restaurants and retail outlets are responding by offering a wide range of fresh, frozen, and ready-to-cook seafood options. The influence of international cuisines and multicultural preferences also contributes to diversified seafood consumption patterns. As consumers increasingly seek nutrient-dense and low-fat foods, the shift toward seafood continues to drive consistent market growth across the UAE.

Expansion of Aquaculture and Sustainable Fishing Practices

The UAE government’s commitment to enhancing food security has accelerated investments in aquaculture and sustainable fisheries. With growing demand for locally produced seafood, aquaculture serves as a key strategy to reduce import dependence and ensure year-round supply. Initiatives supporting modern fish farming technologies, water recirculation systems, and species diversification are boosting domestic production. Public-private collaborations and research projects are enhancing aquaculture efficiency, focusing on high-value species such as seabream, barramundi, and shrimp. Sustainable fishing regulations, monitoring systems, and certification programs help protect marine biodiversity while ensuring responsible harvesting. Additionally, the integration of smart monitoring tools and digital platforms supports traceability and transparency throughout the supply chain. As sustainable sourcing becomes a key consumer preference, the UAE’s proactive efforts in aquaculture development and ecological management significantly contribute to market growth.

Growth of Foodservice and Retail Distribution Channels

The rapid expansion of the UAE’s hospitality sector and modern retail networks significantly drives seafood market growth. With tourism and dining-out culture thriving in major cities, hotels, restaurants, and catering services account for substantial seafood demand. Fine-dining establishments, seafood-specialty restaurants, and global cuisines have boosted consumption of premium fish and shellfish varieties. Retail modernization, featuring hypermarkets, specialty seafood outlets, and online grocery platforms, has enhanced consumer accessibility to high-quality seafood. Cold chain advancements ensure product freshness from ports to retail shelves, while e-commerce platforms offer convenience through home delivery and flexible purchasing options. Additionally, strategic partnerships between seafood suppliers and retail chains ensure consistent product availability. Seasonal promotions, international seafood festivals, and awareness campaigns further attract consumers. The synergy between foodservice growth and evolving retail infrastructure continues to shape the UAE’s seafood consumption landscape.

Challenges in the United Arab Emirates Seafood Market

Dependence on Imports and Supply Chain Vulnerabilities

The UAE seafood market heavily depends on imports to meet domestic demand, exposing it to global supply chain disruptions and price fluctuations. Factors such as geopolitical tensions, trade restrictions, and rising transportation costs can impact seafood availability and affordability. Maintaining product freshness during long-distance transit requires advanced cold chain logistics and strict quality control, which increases operational costs. Seasonal variations in supply and international fishing regulations may further constrain imports. Moreover, the reliance on foreign suppliers limits local industry resilience and competitiveness. Sudden shifts in global demand, such as during pandemics or natural disasters, can lead to supply bottlenecks. To address these vulnerabilities, greater emphasis is needed on domestic aquaculture development, local partnerships, and strategic stock management. Without such initiatives, dependence on imports will continue to pose risks to consistent market stability.

Environmental Concerns and Regulatory Compliance

Sustainability challenges remain a pressing issue in the UAE seafood market due to overfishing, habitat degradation, and climate-related impacts on marine ecosystems. Stringent international and local regulations governing fishing practices, product labeling, and traceability increase operational complexity for suppliers. Ensuring compliance with food safety, sustainability certifications, and import standards requires continuous investment in monitoring and documentation. As consumers increasingly demand environmentally responsible sourcing, businesses face pressure to demonstrate transparency throughout the supply chain. Overexploitation of certain fish species can disrupt ecological balance, prompting regulatory interventions that limit harvesting volumes. Furthermore, rising sea temperatures and pollution threaten marine biodiversity, affecting long-term resource availability. Balancing commercial demand with environmental protection remains a key challenge for the industry. Strengthening regulatory frameworks and encouraging responsible sourcing are essential to ensure sustainable growth of the UAE seafood sector.

United Arab Emirates Seafood Market Overview by Cities

The UAE seafood market shows strong regional performance across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah, driven by hospitality sector expansion, import accessibility, aquaculture development, and increasing consumer preference for sustainable, diverse, and premium-quality seafood products. The following provides a market overview by Cities:

Dubai Seafood Market

The Dubai seafood market is thriving due to the city’s dynamic hospitality sector, multicultural consumer base, and strong import infrastructure. As a global dining hub, Dubai’s restaurants and hotels heavily feature seafood on their menus, boosting demand for premium fish, shellfish, and crustaceans. The presence of large retail chains and seafood specialty markets ensures product availability and variety. Technological advancements in cold storage and supply chain logistics help maintain freshness and quality. Additionally, the city’s cosmopolitan population contributes to diverse seafood preferences influenced by international cuisines. Growing health awareness and preference for high-protein diets further support seafood consumption. Import partnerships and trade agreements enhance access to global seafood varieties. Although reliant on imports, Dubai’s efforts in sustainable sourcing and aquaculture research are strengthening its position as a leading seafood market in the UAE.

Abu Dhabi Seafood Market

Abu Dhabi’s seafood market continues to expand, supported by government-backed aquaculture initiatives, rising consumer health awareness, and robust hospitality growth. The emirate’s focus on food security has encouraged sustainable fish farming projects and marine conservation programs. Seafood remains integral to both traditional Emirati cuisine and international dining experiences, driving consistent demand across retail and foodservice segments. Modern supermarkets, premium grocery stores, and online platforms offer convenient access to fresh, frozen, and processed seafood. Technological integration in cold chain management ensures quality and safety from farm to table. Additionally, Abu Dhabi’s thriving tourism and event sectors amplify seafood consumption through hotels and catering services. While challenges such as import dependency and environmental regulations persist, continued investment in aquaculture and supply chain modernization supports long-term market growth and sustainability in the region.

Sharjah Seafood Market

The Sharjah seafood market is growing steadily, driven by increasing local consumption, expanding retail infrastructure, and government efforts to enhance food self-sufficiency. The emirate’s coastal location supports access to both imported and locally caught seafood, catering to diverse consumer preferences. Traditional markets, supermarkets, and online platforms offer a variety of fresh and processed seafood options. Rising awareness of healthy eating habits and protein-rich diets has further boosted demand. Sharjah’s foodservice sector, including restaurants and catering businesses, contributes significantly to market activity. Investments in cold chain facilities and sustainable fishing initiatives are improving product quality and availability. However, reliance on imports and environmental constraints remain key challenges. Continued emphasis on aquaculture development, sustainable sourcing, and retail expansion is expected to strengthen Sharjah’s role in the UAE’s growing seafood market over the coming years.

Market Segmentations

Type

• Fish
• Shrimp
• Other

Form

• Canned
• Fresh / Chilled
• Frozen
• Processed

Distribution Channel

• Off-Trade

I. Convenience Stores

II. Online Channel

III. Supermarkets and Hypermarkets

IV. Others

• On-Trade

Cities

• Dubai
• Abu Dhabi
• Sharjah
• Al Ain
• Ajman
• Ras Al Khaimah
• Fujairah

All the Key players have been covered

• Overviews
• Key Persons
• Recent Developments
• SWOT Analysis
• Revenue Analysis

Company Analysis:

• Al Islami Foods
• Tabuk Fisheries Co.
• Almunajem Foods
• The Deep Seafood Company
• The Savola Group
• Conagra Brands Inc.
• Enhance Group Holding Company Limited
• Golden Dunes General Trading LLC