Beef and buffalo meat market in the United Arab Emirates

Earlier Report Observations

The beef and buffalo meat market in the UAE showed a steady expansion from 2018 to 2023. Market volume remained stable at about 125 thousand tons in 2018 and 2019, then began to rise in 2020, reaching 139.5 thousand tons by 2021 with annual growth rates of approximately 6%.

Growth accelerated noticeably in 2022, when the market size jumped by 13.8% to 158.8 thousand tons. This surge was supported by a decline in prices for chilled meat, which made products more affordable and boosted consumer demand. Simultaneously, the opening of three new meat, poultry, and seafood plants by GMMJ Group in Dubai Investment Park marked a step toward greater domestic production under the 'Make it in the Emirates' food security initiative.

In 2023, the market continued to expand, albeit at a slower pace of 5%, reaching 166.8 thousand tons. During this period, competition intensified, particularly during Ramadan, with a wider variety of imported chilled beef entering the market from numerous countries and brands, maintaining pressure on prices and selection.

Production beef and buffalo meat in the United Arab Emirates

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of beef and buffalo meat, 2017-2020

World map of production of beef and buffalo meat, 2017-2020

In 2019, beef and buffalo meat production in the United Arab Emirates reached its peak at 18 530 tonnes, marking a 2.8% increase from the previous year. However, production declined to 18 090 tonnes in 2020, representing a 2.4% decrease compared to 2019. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 18 020 tonnes.

Annual dynamics of production in the United Arab Emirates in kind, 2017-2020, t

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Following a two-year decline, beef and buffalo meat production in the United Arab Emirates showed a slight recovery. In 2020, the output was valued at 69 199 thousand US dollars, remaining relatively stable compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 10.1%, which translates to an average annual decline of 3.5%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 69 018 thousand US dollars, while the most significant drop occurred in 2018 with a 9.6% decrease.

Annual dynamics of production in the United Arab Emirates in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Exports beef and buffalo meat from the United Arab Emirates

Exports in kind, K t

The export market for beef and buffalo meat from the United Arab Emirates experienced notable fluctuations between 2017 and 2020. In 2019, exports peaked at 126.4 thousand tonnes, but then dropped sharply to 27.1 thousand tonnes in 2020, representing a 78.5% decrease from the previous year. The most substantial increase occurred in 2018 with a remarkable 511.5% growth. Overall, the difference between the highest and lowest export volumes during this period was 25-fold.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the United Arab Emirates in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Iran dominated the export structure for beef and buffalo meat from the United Arab Emirates, accounting for 86.5% of total export volumes. Other destination countries represented relatively minor shares in comparison.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from the United Arab Emirates in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

Export values for beef and buffalo meat from the United Arab Emirates showed considerable volatility between 2017 and 2020. In 2019, exports reached their highest point at 470.9 million US dollars, but then fell sharply to 103.8 million US dollars in 2020, representing a 78.0% decrease from the previous year. The most significant increase occurred in 2018 with 464.2% growth. Throughout this period, export values fluctuated 22-fold between their peak and lowest points.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the United Arab Emirates in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, Iran accounted for 85.8% of the total export value of beef and buffalo meat from the United Arab Emirates. The remaining export value was distributed among various smaller trading partners.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from the United Arab Emirates in value, 2017-2020

Imports beef and buffalo meat to the United Arab Emirates

Imports in kind, K t

After two consecutive years of growth, beef and buffalo meat imports to the United Arab Emirates declined in 2020. Imports reached 141.1 thousand tonnes in 2020, representing a 39.4% decrease compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 31.6%, which corresponds to an average annual growth rate of 9.6%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 232.7 thousand tonnes, with the most substantial increase occurring that same year at 67.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the United Arab Emirates in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Brazil, India, and Pakistan formed the primary sources for beef and buffalo meat imports to the United Arab Emirates. Brazil accounted for 41.6% of import volumes, India for 22.5%, and Pakistan for 16.3%. Together, these three countries represented 80.4% of total import flows during this period.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to the United Arab Emirates in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

Following two years of growth, beef and buffalo meat import values to the United Arab Emirates decreased in 2020. Imports amounted to 608.4 million US dollars in 2020, representing a 37.1% decline compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, import values increased by 21%, equating to an average annual growth rate of 6.6%. The highest import value was recorded in 2019 at 966.8 million US dollars, with the most significant increase occurring that same year at 54.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the United Arab Emirates in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, Brazil, Pakistan, and India emerged as the main sources for beef and buffalo meat imports to the United Arab Emirates in value terms. Brazil accounted for 37.0% of import value, Pakistan for 14.3%, and India for 13.9%. Collectively, these three countries represented 65.2% of total import flows during this period.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to the United Arab Emirates in value, 2017-2020