Camel meat and offal market in GCC

Earlier Report Observations

The camel meat market in the GCC region expanded from 136 thousand tons in 2018 to 164 thousand tons in 2023, marking a substantial increase over the period. After a temporary contraction to 130 thousand tons in 2021, the market recovered strongly, with volume jumping by 17% in 2023 alone.

This growth was driven by rising consumer awareness of camel meat's health benefits and lifestyle changes that boosted demand across the region. Additionally, active trade flows from key suppliers like Pakistan, Australia, and the UAE improved market access, particularly for importers in Oman and Kuwait.

Consumer preferences have shifted toward fresh camel meat, prompting product innovations such as slimmer slices, pre-marinated options, and ready-to-eat meals. At the same time, the market faces logistical challenges in distributing fresh meat over long distances, while investments in traceability technologies aim to enhance supply chain transparency.

Production camel meat and offal in GCC

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of camel meat and offal, 2017-2020

World map of production of camel meat and offal, 2017-2020

In 2020, GCC countries produced 141.1 thousand tons of camel meat and offal, marking a gradual increase of 4.8% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production grew by 5.7%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 1.9%. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, when production fell by 0.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in GCC in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the output of camel meat and offal in GCC countries was valued at 739.2 million US dollars, down by 23.1% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 25%, with a compound annual growth rate of -9.1%. The largest increase was recorded in 2019, at 0.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in GCC in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports camel meat and offal from GCC

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited significant volatility during these years. Exports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2020, with a 25-fold difference between these two years. In 2020, GCC countries exported 128 tons of camel meat and offal, representing a sudden improvement of 89.1% compared to 2019. The largest decline was recorded in 2019, at 36.4%, while the largest increase occurred in 2018, at 1 996.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from GCC in kind, 2017-2020, t

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

World map of product's exports from GCC in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

The market showed considerable volatility during this period. Export volumes peaked in 2018 and dropped to their lowest point in 2017, with a top-to-bottom ratio of 20 times. In 2020, GCC countries exported 673 thousand US dollars worth of camel meat and offal, indicating an abrupt gain of 38.7% compared to the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2018, at 754 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019, at 35.6%, while the largest increase was in 2018, at 1 904.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from GCC in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

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

World map of product's exports from GCC in value, 2017-2020

Imports camel meat and offal to GCC

Imports in kind, t

Foreign supplies of camel meat and offal to GCC countries increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, GCC imported a total of 1 045 tons of camel meat and offal, reflecting a rise of 6.9% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports surged by 300.7%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 58.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to GCC in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, three principal markets—Pakistan, India, and Ethiopia—together accounted for 22.3% of total imports in kind of camel meat and offal to GCC countries.

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

World map of product's imports to GCC in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Imports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with a 4.6-fold gap between these years. In 2020, camel meat and offal deliveries to GCC countries totaled 5 397 thousand US dollars, corresponding to a drop of 19.1% compared to the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2019, at 6 674 thousand US dollars. The largest increase occurred in 2018, at 125.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to GCC in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, the partner landscape for imports in value terms was diverse. Pakistan, India, and Ethiopia accounted for 26.5%, 7.3%, and 2.3% of imports in value terms, respectively, totaling 36.1% of total flows. A substantial 63.9% was supplied by many other countries.

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

World map of product's imports to GCC in value, 2017-2020