Camel meat and offal market in the United Arab Emirates

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the camel meat market in the UAE grew from 39.6 thousand tons to 45.2 thousand tons. This initial expansion was driven by the 2018 federal food safety laws, which boosted demand for halal meats including camel meat by imposing strict sanctions on non‑halal products. In 2019, clearer regulations for camel auctions and electronic transaction documentation improved market transparency. The notable 11% surge in 2020 was primarily due to a government plan to expand the camel herd to 5 600 heads at Camelicious facilities, directly increasing domestic meat supply.

Market volume continued to rise from 2021 to 2023, reaching 52.0 thousand tons. In 2021, directives limiting imports of unlabeled meat strengthened local production and supported food security. The following year, a national advertising campaign promoting camel meat as part of the 'Healthy Protein' initiative stimulated consumer demand, while the introduction of an electronic traceability system enhanced supply chain control. By 2023, market research highlighted robust protein demand from the luxury tourism sector, sustaining growth alongside government price‑cap directives to manage food inflation. Factors noted for 2024 include the approval of a first‑of‑its‑kind camel‑milk powder plant for children and the announcement of a major food market in Dubai, which are expected to reinforce distribution infrastructure and quality standards for the sector.

Production camel meat and offal in the United Arab Emirates

In kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, the United Arab Emirates ranked 6th globally in camel meat and offal production.

Top producers of camel meat and offal, 2017-2020

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

Camel meat and offal production in the United Arab Emirates grew for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 45 415 tonnes, marking an 11.5% increase from 2019. Over the 2017–2020 period, production rose by 15.7%, equivalent to an annualized growth rate of 5.0%.

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

Exports camel meat and offal from the United Arab Emirates

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited significant volatility during these years. Exports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2018, with a 14-fold difference between these two years. In 2020, the United Arab Emirates exported 199.0 tonnes of camel meat and offal, a 31.5% increase from the previous year. The highest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 260.1 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a 41.8% drop, while the largest increase was in 2018, surging by 1 298.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, 100.0% of the United Arab Emirates' camel meat and offal exports in kind were directed to Oman, making this market overwhelmingly dominant.

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, K $ US

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. Export volumes in value terms hit their lowest in 2017 and peaked in 2018, with a 20-fold difference between these extremes. In 2020, the value of camel meat and offal exports from the United Arab Emirates was recorded at 640.9 thousand US dollars, up 32.0% from the prior year. The maximum value was reached in 2018 at 753.8 thousand US dollars. The largest decline was in 2019, with a 35.6% decrease, while the largest increase occurred in 2018, jumping by 1 903.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the export partner base in value terms was extremely narrow, with Oman accounting for 100.0% of total flows.

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 camel meat and offal to the United Arab Emirates

Imports in kind, t

The market displayed volatility over the observed period. Imports fluctuated, with the lowest level in 2019 and the highest in 2017, showing a 3.7-fold variation. In 2020, cross-border shipments of camel meat and offal to the United Arab Emirates totaled 19.9 tonnes, a 212.3% increase from the previous year. The minimum volume was recorded in 2019 at 6.4 tonnes. The largest decline was in 2018, with a 71.8% drop.

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

During 2017–2020, the geographical pattern of imports in kind was primarily shaped by Pakistan and Sudan, which together accounted for 99.9% of total flows.

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, K $ US

The data indicates irregular changes, pointing to a volatile market environment. Imports varied by 3.8 times, from a low in 2019 to a high in 2017. In 2020, the United Arab Emirates imported camel meat and offal worth 98.1 thousand US dollars, reflecting a 227.2% increase from the prior year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 30.0 thousand US dollars. The largest decline was in 2018, with a 72.1% decrease.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, Pakistan, with 84.4% of total flows, and Sudan, with 15.3%, were the key markets for imports in value terms, together forming 99.8% of total flows.

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