United Arab Emirates (UAE) Seafood Market Overview, 2029

United Arab Emirates (UAE) Seafood Market Overview, 2029

The UAE's seafood market is a burgeoning oceanic goldmine, characterized by its unique blend of opulence, sustainability, and innovation. As a global epicenter of luxury and refinement, the UAE's discerning consumers have fueled a premium seafood market that commands top dollar for the finest catches. The country's strategic geographic location, coupled with substantial investments in aquaculture and fisheries, has positioned it as a seafood hub, both as a consumer and exporter. Recent news of the UAE's Mars Scientific City spearheading groundbreaking research in sustainable aquaculture underscores the nation's commitment to seafood innovation. Moreover, the nation's robust economy and growing population have created a consistent demand for high-quality seafood, driving premiumization across the value chain. The UAE's emphasis on food safety and traceability has led to stringent regulations, making it a lucrative market for suppliers who can meet these exacting standards. Moreover, the country's robust e-commerce landscape has facilitated the growth of online seafood retail, offering consumers unprecedented convenience and access to a variety of fresh and processed seafood products.

According to the research report ""The United Arab Emirates Seafood Market Overview, 2029,"" published by Bonafide Research, the UAE Seafood market is expected to grow by more than 5% CAGR from 2024 to 2029. The country's large and diverse population, with a strong preference for seafood as a dietary staple, is a major driver. The influx of expatriates from various cultures, each with their own seafood preferences, has led to a booming demand for a wide variety of fish and shellfish. The UAE's tourism industry is a major contributor to seafood consumption. Visitors from around the world seek out fresh and high-quality seafood, boosting demand for both local and imported varieties. Moreover, the country's focus on luxury and fine dining has created a market for premium seafood products, such as caviar and lobster. The UAE government's efforts to diversify the economy and promote aquaculture have also contributed to the growth of the seafood market. Investments in aquaculture facilities have increased local production, reducing reliance on imports and ensuring a more stable supply of seafood. Despite its growth potential, the UAE seafood market also faces several challenges. One of the most significant is the country's heavy reliance on imports. While aquaculture is expanding, the demand for seafood still exceeds domestic production, making the market vulnerable to global supply chain disruptions and price fluctuations. Another challenge is the sustainability of seafood resources. Overfishing and habitat destruction are global issues that impact the availability of certain fish species.

The UAE seafood market is segmented by source, primarily into farm-raised and wild-caught. Farm-raised seafood, often referred to as aquaculture, has seen significant growth in the UAE due to its controlled environment and consistent supply. This segment includes fish like tilapia, shrimp, and sea bass, cultivated in local fish farms. On the other hand, wild-caught seafood is sourced from the vast marine ecosystems surrounding the UAE. This segment is characterized by its variety, including species like tuna, kingfish, and grouper, but can be subject to fluctuations in availability and price due to environmental factors and fishing quotas. The UAE seafood market is also categorized by its form: processed and fresh. Processed seafood undergoes various treatments like canning, freezing, drying, or smoking to extend shelf life and facilitate distribution. This segment caters to the convenience-seeking consumer and includes products like canned tuna, frozen shrimp, and smoked fish. Fresh seafood, on the other hand, is directly harvested and sold without undergoing significant processing. This segment is prized for its taste and nutritional value, appealing to consumers who prioritize quality and freshness. Seafood in the UAE can be classified by its type: fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and others. Fish, the most consumed category, includes a wide range of species like salmon, tuna, and cod. Crustaceans, such as shrimp, lobster, and crab, are popular for their delicate flavor and high protein content. Mollusks, encompassing clams, oysters, and squid, offer a unique taste and texture. The “others” category includes less commonly consumed but valuable seafood like sea cucumbers and sea urchins, which are particularly sought after in certain Asian cuisines.

Supermarkets and hypermarkets dominate the market, offering a wide range of fresh, frozen, and processed seafood products to a broad consumer base. These large-scale retailers focus on providing a convenient shopping experience with a vast selection of both local and imported seafood. Convenience stores, though smaller in size, play a crucial role in fulfilling the on-the-go needs of consumers, offering a limited but carefully curated assortment of seafood products, such as pre-cooked meals and snacks. Specialty seafood stores cater to a niche market of seafood enthusiasts seeking premium quality and unique products. These stores often carry a wider variety of fresh and live seafood, as well as specialized products like caviar and smoked fish. The emergence of online grocery platforms has disrupted the traditional retail landscape, with consumers increasingly opting for the convenience of home delivery. Online stores offer a wide selection of seafood products, often with detailed product information and customer reviews. Frozen seafood is the largest segment, driven by its convenience, long shelf life, and consistent quality. This category includes a wide range of products, from imported shrimp and salmon to locally caught fish. Salted seafood, a traditional staple in many cultures, has a dedicated consumer base in the UAE. It includes products like dried shrimp, salted fish, and fish roe, often used in local cuisine. Dried seafood, another traditional category, offers a unique taste and texture. It primarily includes dried fish and squid, popular as snacks or ingredients in specific dishes. Smoked seafood, gaining popularity due to its distinct flavor, encompasses products like smoked salmon, mackerel, and tuna, catering to both local and expatriate tastes.



Considered in this report
• Historic year: 2018
• Base year: 2023
• Estimated year: 2024
• Forecast year: 2029

Aspects covered in this report
• Seafood market Outlook with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Source
• Farm Raised
• Wild Caught

By Form
• Processed
• Fresh

By Type
• Fish
• Crustaceans
• Molluscs
• Others (sea cucumbers, sea urchins,)

By Distribution Channel
• Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
• Convenience Stores
• Specialty Stores
• Online Store
• Others (wholesale markets, direct sales from fishermen)

By Category
• Frozen Seafood
• Salted Seafood
• Dried Seafood
• Smoked Seafood
• Others (canned or pickled seafood)

The approach of the report:
This report consists of a combined approach of primary and secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and list the companies that are present in it. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual reports of companies, and government-generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources, primary research was conducted by conducting telephone interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducting trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this; we have started making primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting them in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us, we can start verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience
This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations, and organizations related to the Seafood industry, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing and presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.
Keywords:
Seafood, Farm Raised, Wild Caught, Processed, Fresh, Fish, Crustaceans, Molluscs, sea cucumbers, sea urchins, Supermarkets/Hypermarkets, Convenience Stores, Specialty Stores, Online Store, Wholesale markets, direct sales from fishermen, Frozen Seafood, Salted Seafood, Dried Seafood, Smoked Seafood, canned or pickled seafood