Chicken meat and offal market in the United Arab Emirates

Earlier Report Observations

The UAE chicken meat market volume showed significant swings from 2018 to 2023. Growth to 667 thousand tons in 2019 coincided with the entry of new distributor Taiba Farms through online platforms and the launch of the Bait Al Makoolat production facility in Ras Al Khaimah, which added local processing capacity and broadened market access.

A sharp drop to 473 thousand tons in 2020 preceded a strong recovery to 797 thousand tons in 2021. This rebound was partly fueled by the introduction of a new product segment—omega-3 enriched chicken under the Tanmiah Life brand—which appealed to health-focused consumers and stimulated demand. Subsequent market adjustments occurred alongside regulatory actions, such as the UAE Ministry of Agriculture's measures to boost fresh and chilled poultry supplies ahead of Ramadan in 2022.

Later years saw a shift in market focus towards sustainability and compliance. Tanmiah's award-winning eco-friendly halal chicken campaign in 2023 highlighted growing consumer interest in environmental claims, while the ongoing expansion of players like Taiba Farms emphasized meeting stricter UAE labeling and transparency requirements for slaughter dates and weights.

Production chicken meat and offal in the United Arab Emirates

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of chicken meat and offal, 2017-2020

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

Following a two-year decline, chicken meat and offal production in the United Arab Emirates rebounded. In 2020, the country produced 54 101 tonnes, marking a significant 20.4% increase compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, overall production decreased by 5.7%, which translates to an average annual decline of 1.9%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 44 930 tonnes, while the sharpest drop occurred in 2018 with a 17.6% decrease.

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

Exports chicken meat and offal from the United Arab Emirates

Exports in kind, K t

Chicken meat and offal exports from the United Arab Emirates have grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports reached 63.0 thousand tonnes, showing a substantial 17.0% rise from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports surged by 167.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 38.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, and Oman were the leading markets for chicken meat and offal exports from the United Arab Emirates. Yemen accounted for 23.0% of exports in volume, Saudi Arabia for 17.7%, and Oman for 14.3%. Together, these three countries represented 54.9% of total export flows.

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

The data shows irregular fluctuations, pointing to a volatile market environment. Exports in value terms peaked in 2019 and hit their lowest point in 2017, with a 3.3-fold difference between these years. In 2020, chicken meat and offal exports from the United Arab Emirates amounted to 138.5 million US dollars, reflecting a 2.0% decrease from the previous year. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 141.4 million US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 with a 114.6% jump.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Yemen were the main buyers of chicken meat and offal from the United Arab Emirates in value terms. Saudi Arabia held a 28.3% share of exports, Kuwait 19.7%, and Yemen 15.8%. Collectively, these three markets made up 63.8% of total export value.

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 chicken meat and offal to the United Arab Emirates

Imports in kind, K t

After rising for two years, chicken meat and offal imports into the United Arab Emirates fell. In 2020, the country imported approximately 481.7 thousand tonnes, representing a sharp 28.7% decline from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 8.2%, averaging a 2.7% annual growth rate. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 675.7 thousand tonnes, with the largest increase occurring in 2018 at 34.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the import landscape for chicken meat and offal was dominated by Brazil, which accounted for 74.4% of total import volume. Other trading partners held relatively small shares 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 a two-year upward trend, chicken meat and offal imports into the United Arab Emirates in value terms declined. In 2020, imports totaled 846.3 million US dollars, down 17.9% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 7.1%, with an average annual decline of 2.4%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 846.3 million US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 with a 9.1% rise.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Brazil dominated chicken meat and offal imports into the United Arab Emirates in value terms, capturing 71.6% of the total. The remaining imports were distributed among various smaller partners.

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