Sheep and goat meat market in the United Arab Emirates

Earlier Report Observations

The UAE sheep and goat meat market began the period at 190 тыс. т in 2018, supported by growing consumption due to rising demand for animal protein and consumer preference for high-quality halal products. The market volume dipped to 182 тыс. т in 2019, then stabilized around 182 тыс. т in 2020 despite supply chain disruptions from the COVID‑19 pandemic, which affected import flows but was offset by stable domestic production.

After a slight contraction to 180 тыс. т in 2021, the market rebounded to 188 тыс. т in 2022 as improved global meat prices—driven by lower feed costs and favorable exchange rates—made lamb more affordable. Growth continued in 2023, with the market returning to 190 тыс. т, fueled by intensified competition and high consumer demand during Ramadan, alongside government measures to streamline imported frozen meat shipments and curb price volatility.

By 2024, import volumes surged to 76 тыс. т, reflecting sustained demand underpinned by government directives to secure supplies from approved countries and a rapid shift to e‑commerce platforms, which increased accessibility to traceable, high-quality lamb products.

Production sheep and goat meat in the United Arab Emirates

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of sheep and goat meat, 2017-2020

World map of production of sheep and goat meat, 2017-2020

In 2020, the United Arab Emirates produced 128 924 tons of sheep and goat meat, marking a 3.8% increase compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production grew by 7.3%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 2.4%. The most significant drop occurred in 2019, with a 0.7% decrease, while the largest rise was seen in 2018, at 4.1%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Sheep and goat meat production in the United Arab Emirates has risen for the third year in a row. In 2020, the output was valued at 606.7 million US dollars, reflecting a substantial year-over-year increase of 19.2%. Between 2017 and 2020, production surged by 56.5%, averaging an annual growth rate of 16.1%.

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

Exports sheep and goat meat from the United Arab Emirates

Exports in kind, t

The data shows irregular fluctuations, pointing to a volatile market. Exports peaked in 2019 and hit a low in 2020, with a two-fold difference between these years. In 2020, the United Arab Emirates exported 1 037 tons of sheep and goat meat, representing a sharp decline of 49.7% from the previous year. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 2 061 tons, while the largest increase occurred in 2018, with a 77.6% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the top destinations for sheep and goat meat exports from the United Arab Emirates were Oman, accounting for 55.6% of exports in volume, Kuwait at 10.0%, and Iraq at 7.2%. Together, these three countries made up 72.9% 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 market displayed an unstable pattern over this period, with a peak in 2019 and a trough in 2017, showing a 2.5-fold amplitude. In 2020, the United Arab Emirates exported 4.9 million US dollars worth of sheep and goat meat, which was a 42.2% drop from the year before. The highest value was in 2019 at 8.4 million US dollars, and the largest increase happened in 2018, with a 117.6% surge.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Oman, Iraq, and Kuwait were the leading destinations for sheep and goat meat exports from the United Arab Emirates in value terms. Oman contributed 50.4% of export value, Iraq 9.3%, and Kuwait 5.8%, together accounting for 65.5% of total exports.

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 sheep and goat meat to the United Arab Emirates

Imports in kind, t

Sheep and goat meat imports into the United Arab Emirates fell for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country imported 54 054 tons, indicating a modest decrease of 9.4% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports dropped by 12.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of -4.5%. The highest volume was in 2018 at 66 920 tons, while the largest decline was in 2019 at 10.9%, and the biggest increase was in 2018 at 7.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Australia, India, and Ethiopia were the main sources for sheep and goat meat imports into the United Arab Emirates by volume. Australia accounted for 45.8% of imports, India for 16.9%, and Ethiopia for 13.5%, together making up 76.2% of total import 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, M $ US

Sheep and goat meat imports into the United Arab Emirates declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports were valued at 359.3 million US dollars, down by 6.2% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 2.9%, averaging an annual decline of 1.0%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 386.1 million US dollars, and the largest increase occurred in 2018, with a 4.4% rise.

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

Over the 2017-2020 period, Australia, India, and Ethiopia were the key contributors to sheep and goat meat imports into the United Arab Emirates in value terms. Australia made up 44.7% of import value, India 20.2%, and Ethiopia 13.4%, collectively accounting for 78.3% of total import 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