United Arab Emirates Seafood Market Forecast 2025–2033

According to Renub Research United Arab Emirates seafood market is projected to reach US$ 1.49 billion by 2033, rising from US$ 1.32 billion in 2024, at a CAGR of 1.37% from 2025 to 2033. This steady expansion is fueled by growing consumer interest in high-quality protein sources, increasing seafood imports, ongoing aquaculture advancements, and a rising preference for healthy, sustainable, and culturally diverse food options. With its multicultural population, flourishing hospitality sector, and world-class logistics capabilities, the UAE is strengthening its position as one of the Middle East’s most dynamic seafood markets.

United Arab Emirates Seafood Industry Overview

The UAE seafood market is undergoing considerable growth, supported by rising consumption, expanding import networks, and robust aquaculture initiatives aimed at reducing dependence on foreign supply. The country’s diverse demographic base—including expatriates from Asia, Europe, and Africa—drives demand for a wide range of fish and shellfish varieties. Increasing health awareness and a growing preference for nutrient-dense, low-fat proteins have further elevated seafood’s appeal among households and restaurants.

The UAE’s advanced logistics and cold-chain infrastructure enable seamless import, storage, and distribution of seafood across retail, foodservice, and online channels. Given that seafood is integral to traditional Emirati cuisine and widely used in international dishes, restaurants, hotels, and catering establishments play a pivotal role in market expansion. The hospitality sector—particularly in Dubai and Abu Dhabi—continues to create high demand for premium seafood categories, including salmon, shrimp, seabass, and tuna.

Government-led initiatives focusing on food security and sustainable fishing are reshaping the industry. Authorities are investing in aquaculture research, modern fish farms, and marine conservation programs to increase local production and reduce pressure on natural marine reserves. Meanwhile, consumers’ increasing preference for sustainably sourced products has prompted importers and retailers to pursue eco-certifications and transparent supply chains.

Technological advancements in cold storage, packaging, and processing have significantly improved seafood quality and safety standards. These innovations allow suppliers to maintain freshness during transport and extend shelf life, thereby reducing waste and strengthening consumer confidence. E-commerce growth—combined with the UAE’s digital-savvy urban population—has led to rising demand for fresh, frozen, and ready-to-cook seafood delivered directly to consumers.

Despite its strong performance, the market faces challenges such as overfishing, regulatory compliance requirements, and vulnerability to global supply chain disruptions. Heavy reliance on imports makes the UAE sensitive to international price fluctuations, geopolitical tensions, and seasonal supply shifts. At the same time, maintaining freshness from supplier to shelf requires continuous investment in logistics and cold-chain technologies.

Nevertheless, long-term prospects remain favorable as the government continues to support aquaculture innovation, sustainable sourcing, and food security programs. Increasing health consciousness, growth in tourism, and evolving culinary trends will continue to support the UAE’s seafood market throughout the forecast period.

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Key Factors Driving Market Growth in the UAE Seafood Market

1. Rising Health Awareness and Shift Toward Protein-Rich Diets

Health consciousness is a major driver of the UAE seafood market. With the increasing prevalence of lifestyle-related diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disorders, consumers are actively seeking healthier, low-fat and nutrient-rich food choices. Seafood is recognized as an excellent source of lean protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and essential minerals.

Government-backed health campaigns and educational programs promoting balanced diets have played a critical role in shaping consumer behavior. The rising middle-class population, coupled with higher disposable incomes, has strengthened the demand for premium seafood products such as wild-caught fish, organic fish, and sustainably sourced shellfish.

Retailers and restaurants have responded by offering a broad variety of seafood formats—fresh, frozen, marinated, and ready-to-cook options—to cater to different lifestyles and preferences. Multicultural culinary influences, ranging from Mediterranean to Asian cuisines, contribute to a diversified and expanding seafood palate among UAE residents. As consumers increasingly prioritize nutrient-dense foods, seafood continues to gain prominence as a preferred protein source.

2. Expansion of Aquaculture and Sustainable Fishing Practices

The UAE government’s ongoing initiatives targeting food security have accelerated the growth of domestic aquaculture. The country is investing in technology-driven fish farming solutions, water recirculation systems, and species diversification programs to reduce dependence on imported seafood. High-value species such as seabream, barramundi, shrimp, and seabass are at the forefront of these aquaculture efforts.

Public-private partnerships, national marine research programs, and investment-friendly policies support rapid expansion of local production. Advanced system designs—such as bio-secure farming units and aquaponics—are being increasingly adopted to ensure high yields and sustainable practices.

The move toward sustainable fishing extends beyond aquaculture. Efforts to conserve marine biodiversity include:

·        Stricter catch limits

·        Monitoring and controlling fishing activities

·        Encouraging eco-certified products

·        Promoting traceable supply chains

Consumers are becoming more aware of environmental sustainability, prompting suppliers and retailers to adopt responsible sourcing and green certifications. These efforts are expected to significantly reduce environmental pressure and support long-term industry resilience.

3. Growth of Foodservice and Retail Distribution Channels

The UAE’s hospitality and retail sectors are major catalysts for seafood market expansion. Dubai and Abu Dhabi, as global tourism hubs, boast a thriving ecosystem of hotels, seafood restaurants, beach resorts, and catering companies that rely heavily on premium seafood supply.

Key factors supporting distribution channel growth include:

·        Expansion of hypermarkets and premium grocery stores

·        Increasing number of specialty seafood outlets

·        Growth of e-commerce platforms offering home deliveries

·        Improved cold-chain logistics ensuring fresher seafood options

Retailers frequently collaborate with international suppliers to ensure year-round availability of diverse seafood products. Emirati consumers are also embracing the convenience of online seafood purchasing, supported by digital payment systems and same-day delivery services.

Seasonal seafood festivals, promotional campaigns, and tasting events are contributing to greater consumer engagement and market visibility. This synergy between foodservice demand and modern retail expansion continues to shape UAE’s seafood consumption trends.

Challenges in the UAE Seafood Market

1. Dependence on Imports and Supply Chain Vulnerabilities

The UAE relies heavily on imports to meet its seafood consumption needs, making it vulnerable to global supply chain disruptions. Fluctuations in international shipping costs, geopolitical instability, and weather-related supply challenges can directly impact seafood prices and availability.

Maintaining freshness is a particularly demanding requirement due to long-distance transport. Suppliers must invest significantly in:

·        Cold-chain logistics

·        Temperature-controlled storage

·        Rapid distribution networks

·        Quality certification and testing

These factors elevate operational expenses, making premium seafood products more costly for consumers.

Seasonal variations in global fish stocks and stricter international fishing regulations can also limit supply. Without continued expansion of domestic aquaculture and better supply chain coordination, dependence on imports will remain a key vulnerability.

2. Environmental Concerns and Regulatory Compliance

Environmental sustainability remains an urgent concern for the UAE seafood industry. Overfishing, marine habitat degradation, and climate change affect the availability of key fish species. As a result, authorities enforce strict regulations to ensure responsible fishing practices.

Compliance challenges include:

·        Adherence to food safety standards

·        Meeting international eco-certification requirements

·        Ensuring accurate labeling and traceability

·        Monitoring fishing activities to prevent illegal or unregulated catches

These regulations, while essential for protecting marine ecosystems, increase administrative burdens and require continuous investment in compliance systems. Rising ocean temperatures and pollution further threaten marine biodiversity, potentially affecting long-term seafood availability.

Balancing commercial demand with ecological conservation remains a central challenge for the sector.

United Arab Emirates Seafood Market Overview by Cities

Dubai

Dubai’s seafood market is one of the most vibrant in the UAE, supported by its world-renowned hospitality industry, multicultural population, and robust import infrastructure. As a major destination for global tourism, Dubai’s restaurants, hotels, and catering companies maintain strong demand for high-quality seafood.

Cold-chain technologies, specialty seafood markets, and large retail chains ensure diverse product availability. Health-conscious consumers, influenced by global food trends, are driving demand for premium seafood. While the city remains heavily import-dependent, ongoing research in aquaculture and sustainable sourcing is helping diversify supply and improve long-term resilience.

Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi’s seafood market continues to expand, propelled by government-backed aquaculture initiatives and rising emphasis on food security. The emirate’s modern retail networks, premium grocery stores, and innovative cold-chain infrastructure enhance product accessibility and quality.

Seafood consumption is supported by a mix of traditional Emirati culinary demand and international cuisine growth. With strong tourism activity and high household purchasing power, Abu Dhabi remains a significant contributor to the UAE seafood sector. However, import reliance and environmental compliance remain ongoing challenges.

Sharjah

Sharjah’s seafood market is experiencing steady growth due to rising consumption, strong retail expansion, and increasing investment in food self-sufficiency. The emirate benefits from access to both imported and locally caught seafood, making it a key regional supplier.

Traditional fish markets continue to play an important role, while supermarkets and online grocery platforms offer convenient access to fresh and processed seafood. Healthy eating trends and growing foodservice demand are boosting consumption. Despite environmental challenges and dependence on imports, Sharjah’s focus on aquaculture and sustainable sourcing is positioning it as an important player in the UAE seafood landscape.

Market Segmentations

Type

·        Fish

·        Shrimp

·        Other Seafood

Form

·        Canned

·        Fresh / Chilled

·        Frozen

·        Processed

Distribution Channel

Off-Trade:

·        Convenience Stores

·        Online Channel

·        Supermarkets & Hypermarkets

·        Others

On-Trade:

·        Hotels, Restaurants, Catering (HORECA)

Cities

Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Al Ain, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah

Key Companies Covered

(Each company includes: Overview, Key Persons, Recent Developments, SWOT Analysis, Revenue Analysis)

·        Al Islami Foods

·        Tabuk Fisheries Co.

·        Almunajem Foods

·        The Deep Seafood Company

·        The Savola Group

·        Conagra Brands Inc.

·        Enhance Group Holding Company Limited

·        Golden Dunes General Trading LLC