UAE Meat Market Report, Share & Analysis 2025-2033
- Industry market
- Nov 17
- 4 min read
Updated: Dec 2
Market Overview
The UAE meat market size reached USD 6.90 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 8.15 Billion by 2033, with a CAGR of 1.87% during the forecast period 2025-2033. The market growth is supported by a diverse and growing population with varied dietary preferences, rising demand for halal and imported meats, increased health awareness favoring organic and premium-quality meats, and robust government regulations ensuring food safety and halal compliance. These factors collectively drive expansion in retail and foodservice sectors, making the market dynamic and responsive.
How AI is Reshaping the Future of UAE Meat Market
AI-powered supply chain management enhances cold chain infrastructure, reducing meat spoilage and ensuring safer distribution.
Government-backed smart abattoir initiatives integrate AI for better livestock processing efficiency and traceability.
AI-driven consumer insights help retailers tailor product offerings to the UAE's multicultural dietary preferences.
Companies like Switch Foods leverage AI for developing plant-based meat alternatives aligned with regional tastes.
AI-enabled halal compliance systems improve monitoring and certification processes, boosting consumer confidence.
Retailers adopt AI-based dynamic pricing and inventory control to optimize meat product availability and affordability.
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Market Growth Factors
The UAE’s meat market growth is significantly propelled by its expanding population, predominantly composed of around 88% expatriates from Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. This diverse demographic fosters strong demand for various meats including beef, lamb, chicken, mutton, and veal. Notably, the average UAE resident consumes about 85 kg of meat annually, nearly 18 times the global average, with poultry accounting for approximately 49% and red meat about 26%. Rising urbanization and disposable incomes, especially among younger consumers frequenting fast food and casual dining, further support sustained consumption, encouraging local investments in livestock farming and modern abattoirs to support food security.
Health-conscious consumption trends are reshaping the UAE meat market. In the GCC, 87% of consumers prioritize health-promoting foods, while 64% actively seek organic products. UAE consumers increasingly prefer lean cuts, organic, grass-fed, antibiotic- and hormone-free meat, demanding higher traceability from trusted halal-certified brands. Premium categories such as wagyu beef and free-range chicken are growing in popularity among affluent, health-focused customers. Retailers and foodservice providers respond with health-centric labeling, clearer segmentation, and sourcing transparency to meet the evolving demand and address lifestyle-related health concerns.
Strong government regulations and food security initiatives are foundational market drivers. The UAE's ZAD system registers over 840,000 food products ensuring traceability, food safety, and strict halal standards through hygiene protocols and inspections. The UAE Food Security Strategy 2051 focuses on boosting local meat production, reducing import reliance, and enhancing supply chain resilience. Efforts include investments in livestock farming, vertical farming for animal feed, agribusiness incentives, and development of smart abattoirs and cold chain infrastructure. Strategic trade partnerships with major meat-exporting countries like Brazil, India, and Australia further stabilize market supply and pricing.
Market Segmentation
Type Insights:
Raw
Processed
Product Insights:
Chicken
Beef
Pork
Mutton
Others
Distribution Channel Insights:
Supermarkets and Hypermarkets
Departmental Stores
Specialty Stores
Online Stores
Others
Regional Insights:
Dubai
Abu Dhabi
Sharjah
Others
Competitive Landscape:
The competitive landscape of the industry has also been examined along with the profiles of the key players.
Recent Development & News
May 2025: Switch Foods, the UAE’s first homegrown plant-based meat brand, was founded by Edward Hamod. Motivated by health concerns linked to traditional meat, it offers 100% plant-based, allergen-free products tailored to Middle Eastern tastes, such as kebab, kafta, and shawarma, boosting innovation in alternative protein sources.
November 2024: Al Islami Foods, a UAE halal food pioneer, expanded into Qatar with a new processed food range including burgers, nuggets, and kebabs. Known for hand-slaughtered, no-stunning halal methods, it balances convenience and quality, strengthening its global halal food leadership.
June 2024: AGWA partnered with Believer Meats to develop cultivated meat capabilities in Abu Dhabi, establishing commercial, production, and R&D centers, and creating regulatory frameworks for halal-certified cultivated meat, supporting regional food security and innovation.
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