Poultry meat and offal market in the United Arab Emirates

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for poultry meat and offal in the United Arab Emirates experienced considerable fluctuations between 2018 and 2023. After growing to 718 thousand tons in 2019, consumption dropped sharply to 529.5 thousand tons in 2020 before surging to a peak of 848 thousand tons in 2021. The following two years saw a correction, with the market settling at 622.4 thousand tons in 2023.

The UAE market is predominantly supplied by imports, with Brazil being a major source of frozen poultry shipments to the Middle East. This reliance on international trade links the local market volume to global supply chain dynamics and pricing in key exporting countries. Concurrently, consumer preference in the UAE has been shifting towards poultry due to its affordability, health benefits, and versatility, supporting underlying demand for both fresh and frozen products.

Advancements in freezing technology and cold chain logistics have improved the quality and shelf life of imported poultry, facilitating its distribution through expanding retail and foodservice channels. While domestic production remained relatively stable, the substantial import volumes drove the overall market size, with the notable spike in 2021 coinciding with increased import activity.

Production poultry meat and offal in the United Arab Emirates

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of poultry meat and offal, 2017-2020

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

Following a two-year decline, poultry meat and offal production in the United Arab Emirates rebounded. In 2020, production reached 108 202 tonnes, representing a significant 20.4% increase from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, overall production decreased by 5.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.9%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 89 860 tonnes, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 at 17.6%.

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

Exports poultry meat and offal from the United Arab Emirates

Exports in kind, K t

Poultry meat and offal exports from the United Arab Emirates have grown for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 64.8 thousand tonnes, showing a modest 2.2% increase compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports surged by 166.7%, translating to an annualized growth rate of 38.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Saudi Arabia (21.4% of exports by volume), Yemen (20.8%), and Kuwait (14.3%) collectively accounted for 56.6% of total exports, maintaining their position as the primary destinations for UAE poultry meat and offal.

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 market showed volatility throughout the period. Import levels varied significantly, with a 3.8-fold difference between the peak in 2019 and the low in 2017. In 2020, the value of exported poultry meat and offal from the UAE amounted to 143.8 million US dollars, marking a 13.6% decrease from 2019. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 166.4 million US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 146.0%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Saudi Arabia (31.0% of export value), Kuwait (20.3%), and Yemen (14.1%) continued to be the main buyers of UAE poultry meat and offal, together representing 65.4% 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 poultry meat and offal to the United Arab Emirates

Imports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, poultry meat and offal imports into the United Arab Emirates declined. In 2020, imports totaled 64.8 thousand tonnes, reflecting a sharp 29.7% contraction from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 7.6%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 2.5%. The peak import volume was recorded in 2019 at 691.9 thousand tonnes, with the largest increase occurring in 2018 at 33.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Brazil remained the dominant source for poultry meat and offal imports into the UAE, accounting for 74.0% of total import volume, while other markets contributed smaller shares.

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 expansion, poultry meat and offal import volumes into the United Arab Emirates decreased. In 2020, import value reached 709.1 million US dollars, down 18.1% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports declined by 7.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of -2.6%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 866.1 million US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 at 9.3%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Brazil continued to be the leading supplier of poultry meat and offal to the UAE, representing 70.3% of total import value, with the remainder distributed among numerous other countries.

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