UAE Seafood Market Report | Market Size, Industry Analysis, Growth Opportunities, & Forecast (2025-2030)

UAE Seafood Market Overview

The global United Arab Emirates Seafood Market is witnessing steady growth, with an estimated market size of USD 2.52 billion in 2025, and is projected to reach USD 2.88 billion by 2030, expanding at a CAGR of 2.23% during the forecast period 2025-2030The UAE seafood market is experiencing significant growth, driven by rising consumer demand, government-led aquaculture initiatives, and efforts to ensure food security. The country imports over 75% of its seafood due to limited domestic production, resulting in fluctuating market prices influenced by global supply chains. The UAE consumes approximately 220,000 tons of fish annually, with only 2% supplied by local aquaculture.

To reduce import dependency, the government is actively supporting the development of sustainable aquaculture projects. Initiatives like coral reef cultivation, artificial caves, and the establishment of marine protected areas aim to boost fish stocks and protect marine biodiversity. Advanced production systems like Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) and aquaponics are being adopted to increase local production. Key players, such as the Sheikh Khalifa Marine Research Centre, support aquaculture growth by supplying fish fingerlings to companies like Emirates National Fish Farming Company.

The UAE’s seafood consumption is fueled by the growing on-trade channel, with over 67% of seafood consumed via restaurants and food services. Popular local fish species include Hammour, Sultan Ibrahim, and Safi, while imports like salmon, tuna, and sea bass remain in high demand. The market is set to grow further with increased sustainable seafood production and technological advancements in fish farming.

Market Report Coverage:

The “UAE Seafood Market Report—Future (2025-2030)” by Digiroads Research & Consulting covers an in-depth analysis of the following segments in the market.

Study Assumptions and Definitions

This study on the UAE Seafood Market is based on key assumptions and definitions to ensure accuracy, relevance, and clarity. The analysis focuses on production, consumption, import dependency, pricing, and aquaculture trends.

Assumptions:

1. Market Scope: The study covers seafood consumed in the UAE, including fish, shrimp, and pelagic species, sourced through imports, aquaculture, and wild capture.
2. Timeframe: Data from 2019 to 2024 has been considered for market trends, with forecasts based on current initiatives and technological developments.
3. Price Data: Retail and wholesale prices are measured in USD per kilogram (kg) for comparison.
4. Growth Rate: Projections are based on the Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) for shrimp and other seafood categories.
5. Sustainability Efforts: Government regulations, aquaculture development, and marine protected areas are assumed to continue supporting local production growth.

Definitions:

• On-Trade Channel: Sales through restaurants, hotels, and cafes (HoReCa).
• Off-Trade Channel: Sales to households and labor camps via supermarkets and retail stores.
• Aquaculture: Fish farming using methods like Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) and aquaponics.
• Marine Protected Areas: Designated zones to protect marine biodiversity and ensure sustainable fishing.

These assumptions and definitions provide a strong foundation for analyzing the UAE seafood market.

Market Scope

The UAE Seafood Market encompasses the production, import, distribution, and consumption of seafood within the United Arab Emirates. It includes a wide range of seafood products such as fish, shrimp, and pelagic species sourced through wild capture, aquaculture, and imports. The market serves both on-trade (restaurants, hotels, cafés) and off-trade (households, supermarkets, labor camps) consumption channels.

Key segments of the market are categorized by source (imported vs. local), seafood type (fish, shrimp, pelagic species), and end-users (households, HoReCa). The market also tracks retail and wholesale prices influenced by factors like import dependency, weather conditions, and supply constraints.

With rising government focus on aquaculture and sustainable fishing, local production is expected to increase, reducing import reliance and stabilizing seafood prices in the UAE.

MARKET OUTLOOK

Executive Summary

The UAE Seafood Market is a dynamic sector driven by growing consumer demand for seafood, increasing reliance on imports, and government efforts to enhance local production through aquaculture. The UAE is heavily dependent on seafood imports, with over 75% of its seafood consumption sourced from abroad, leaving the market vulnerable to global supply fluctuations. Despite this, local aquaculture production contributes just 2% of the total seafood consumed, highlighting a significant gap and opportunity for growth.

The government has introduced various initiatives to increase domestic production and support food security. Key efforts include aquaculture development, marine conservation projects, and the adoption of advanced fish farming technologies such as Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) and aquaponics. In addition, the establishment of marine protected areas and sustainable fishing practices is expected to ensure the long-term viability of the industry.

In terms of market consumption, fish is the primary seafood product, with shrimp and pelagic fish such as sardines, mackerel, tuna, and barracuda also being highly popular. The on-trade channel (restaurants, hotels) accounts for over 67% of total seafood consumption, driven by the UAE’s bustling hospitality and tourism industry. Meanwhile, the off-trade channel includes households and labor camps.

Price fluctuations remain a challenge, with fish prices rising due to weather impacts and supply constraints. Retail prices range from USD 4 to USD 20 per kg, while wholesale prices range from USD 2.8 to USD 14 per kg. Despite these challenges, cobia farming and other aquaculture ventures are expected to stabilize prices and reduce reliance on imports.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

The UAE Seafood Market Is moderately fragmented, with regional and multinational players competing fiercely for market share.

Key Market Players

Emirates National Fish Farming Company

• One of the leading companies involved in the production and farming of seafood in the UAE, focusing on sustainable aquaculture practices.

Fish Farm’s Jebel Ali Facility

• A key player in UAE’s aquaculture industry, producing around 3,000 tons of fish annually, with plans for expansion.

Sheikh Khalifa Marine Research Centre

• Provides fish fingerlings to aquaculture companies and plays a crucial role in supporting sustainable fish farming in the UAE.

Al Dahra Agriculture

• Involved in fish farming, focusing on aquaculture and agriculture to contribute to food security and local production.

Al Reef Fisheries

• A major player in both the fishing and aquaculture sectors, focused on producing high-quality fish products locally.

Blue Diamond Seafood

• Specializes in seafood processing and distribution, contributing significantly to the retail and food service sectors.

International Fish Farming Company (Asmak)

• Known for its marine fish farming operations, producing local seafood to meet growing demand in the UAE.

National Fish and Seafood Co.

• Active in the import and distribution of a variety of seafood products, including frozen and fresh fish, to both wholesale and retail markets.

Market Share Analysis

The UAE Seafood Market is primarily dominated by imported seafood, which accounts for over 75% of total consumption. This heavy reliance on imports is due to limited local aquaculture production, which currently contributes only 2% of the market. Importers of fish, particularly from regions like Asia, Europe, and the America, hold a significant share, especially in the retail and foodservice sectors.

Local players involved in aquaculture are gradually increasing their market share, with companies like Emirates National Fish Farming Company and Fish Farm’s Jebel Ali Facility leading production efforts. However, aquaculture’s contribution is still small compared to the overall seafood market, with government initiatives and investments in sustainable farming technologies expected to increase local production in the coming years.

The on-trade channel (restaurants, hotels) represents a significant portion of the market, consuming over 67% of the seafood, with increasing demand driven by tourism and hospitality sectors. The off-trade channel (supermarkets and households) also plays a crucial role in market dynamics, contributing to growing retail seafood consumption.

As aquaculture technologies evolve and sustainable practices gain traction, the market share of local seafood production is expected to rise, reducing dependency on imports and stabilizing market prices.

MARKET DYNAMICS

Market Drivers and Key Innovations

The UAE Seafood Market is driven by several key factors, which include consumer demand, government initiatives, and technological innovations.

Market Drivers:

1. Rising Consumer Demand: With increasing population and urbanization, particularly in cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the demand for seafood has surged. Fish, shrimp, and pelagic species remain highly popular, fueled by both local preferences and the robust tourism industry.
2. Import Dependency: Over 75% of seafood is imported, making the market sensitive to global supply chain fluctuations. The growing demand for fresh, high-quality seafood drives the need for sustainable local production.
3. Government Initiatives: The UAE government is heavily investing in aquaculture to reduce dependency on imports and enhance food security. Initiatives include the establishment of marine protected areas, aquaculture technology adoption, and regulatory measures to boost local seafood production.
4. Sustainability and Food Security: The drive towards sustainability and securing food resources in the face of climate change and rising global demand further supports the development of local seafood farming.

Key Innovations:

1. Aquaculture Technologies: Innovations like Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) and aquaponics are being adopted to improve the efficiency and sustainability of fish farming. These technologies allow for controlled environments, minimizing water use and ensuring better fish health.
2. Cobia Farming: The farming of Cobia, a fast-growing species, is gaining attention for its high potential in the UAE’s aquaculture sector.
3. Sustainable Fishing Practices: The UAE is adopting advanced techniques in sustainable fishing, including artificial caves, coral reef cultivation, and seasonal fishing bans.

These drivers and innovations are shaping the future of the UAE seafood market, creating opportunities for growth and reducing dependency on imports.

Market Challenges

1. High Import Dependency: Over 75% of seafood in the UAE is imported, making the market highly vulnerable to global supply chain disruptions, changing international trade regulations, and price fluctuations.
2. Limited Local Production: Local aquaculture currently accounts for only 2% of the total seafood consumed, with the UAE relying heavily on imports to meet demand.
3. Climate and Environmental Factors: Extreme weather conditions, such as hot summers, impact fish production and availability, leading to price increases and supply shortages, which affect the overall market stability.
4. Price Volatility: The fluctuation in seafood prices, influenced by factors like weather, seasonal availability, and supply chain issues, makes it difficult to maintain consistent pricing, especially for consumers and foodservice providers.
5. Sustainability Concerns: Despite growing efforts in sustainable fishing and aquaculture, overfishing and environmental degradation pose long-term challenges for maintaining marine biodiversity and ensuring sustainable seafood supply.
6. Technological and Infrastructure Limitations: While aquaculture technologies like Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) are emerging, the adoption of these advanced systems is still limited due to high investment costs and technical challenges in operating them in harsh UAE conditions.
7. Regulatory Barriers: Stringent regulations around fishing zones, species protection, and aquaculture operations can complicate market access for new players and slow the expansion of local seafood production.
8. Consumer Preference for Freshness: The preference for fresh over frozen seafood puts pressure on both local producers and importers to maintain a consistent supply of high-quality products.

Market Opportunities

1. Expansion of Local Aquaculture: The UAE government’s initiatives to increase local seafood production through aquaculture provide significant growth opportunities. The development of technologies like Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) and aquaponics can increase local output and reduce reliance on imports.
2. Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Practices: There is growing consumer demand for sustainably farmed and ethically sourced seafood. Aquaculture ventures focused on sustainability and eco-friendly production methods can attract environmentally conscious consumers and offer a competitive edge.
3. Increase in Domestic Seafood Farming: The successful farming of non-endemic species like Cobia, known for their fast growth, presents an opportunity for producers to meet local demand and enhance supply chain stability.
4. Technological Innovations in Aquaculture: Adoption of advanced fish farming technologies, including automated feeding systems, water treatment solutions, and AI-based monitoring, presents opportunities to increase the efficiency and sustainability of aquaculture operations.
5. Growing Tourism and Hospitality Sector: The on-trade market (restaurants, hotels, foodservice) in the UAE is booming due to the strong tourism industry. Increased consumption in these sectors provides opportunities for seafood suppliers to meet rising demand.
6. Export Potential: As local production increases, there is an opportunity to expand the UAE seafood market beyond national borders, tapping into regional and international export markets.
7. Consumer Awareness of Health Benefits: As health consciousness rises, seafood consumption is expected to grow. Promoting the health benefits of seafood, particularly omega-3-rich fish, could increase demand in the domestic market.
8. Government Support for Innovation: The UAE government’s focus on food security and sustainable practices provides incentives for businesses to invest in innovative aquaculture projects, benefiting from subsidies and support for research and development.

RECENT STRATEGIES & DEVELOPMENTS IN THE MARKET

Government Investments in Aquaculture

• The UAE government is heavily investing in aquaculture to reduce reliance on seafood imports. Key projects include supporting Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) and aquaponics technologies to boost local seafood production.
• In 2021, the Sheikh Khalifa Marine Research Centre delivered 600,000 fish fingerlings to aquaculture companies to improve production capabilities.

Sustainability Initiatives

• The government has implemented marine protected areas to ensure the sustainable use of marine resources. These areas cover 12% of the UAE’s coastal territory, aiming to protect endangered species and improve fish stock regeneration.
• A seasonal fishing ban on certain species during spawning seasons has been enforced to support long-term sustainability.

Local Production Enhancement

• In 2021, the Sustainable Exploitation Index for Hamour (local grouper) stocks increased from 8.9% in 2018 to 62.3% in 2021, showcasing successful efforts in managing fish stock sustainability.
• The Emirates National Fish Farming Company and Fish Farm’s Jebel Ali Facility are ramping up production, aiming for 3,000 tons of fish annually, with plans to expand salmon farming to meet local demand.

Development of Non-Endemic Species Farming

• The farming of Cobia, a fast-growing species with high market potential, has been explored on a pilot scale by private enterprises, helping increase local fish supply while reducing dependence on imports.

Technological Advancements

• Advanced farming techniques like RAS are being adopted to improve fish production efficiency, reduce water consumption, and maintain fish health. This includes automated feeding systems and AI-powered monitoring for better resource management.

Retail and Pricing Strategies

• Retail prices for popular fish like Cobia decreased by 15-20% in 2023 compared to the previous year due to increased domestic production, helping to stabilize market prices and meet growing demand.

KEY BENEFITS FOR STAKEHOLDERS

For Local Aquaculture Producers:

• Reduced Import Dependency: Increased local production reduces reliance on imports, offering greater market control and reduced vulnerability to international supply chain disruptions.
• Sustainability Focus: Adoption of sustainable practices attracts environmentally conscious consumers, allowing local producers to tap into the growing demand for eco-friendly seafood.
• Government Support: With ongoing government initiatives like funding for Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) and other sustainable farming methods, stakeholders benefit from financial incentives and technical assistance.

For Government:

• Food Security: Strengthening local seafood production enhances the nation’s food security, reducing reliance on imports and stabilizing supply chains.
• Economic Growth: The growth of the aquaculture industry and seafood production creates new job opportunities, boosts the economy, and supports the diversification of the UAE’s economy beyond traditional sectors like oil.
• Environmental Protection: Implementation of marine protected areas and sustainable fishing regulations ensures the protection of marine biodiversity, which contributes to long-term ecological balance.

For Consumers:

• Stable Prices: The increase in local production helps stabilize seafood prices, benefiting consumers with more predictable pricing in retail and foodservice sectors.
• Fresh and Sustainable Products: Consumers gain access to fresh, locally farmed seafood that meets rising demand for sustainably sourced products.
• Health Benefits: Increased availability of omega-3-rich fish and other seafood types offers consumers a healthier food option, contributing to overall well-being.

For Retailers and Distributors:

• Consistent Supply: Local production expansion ensures more stable and reliable supply chains for retailers, reducing dependency on imports and mitigating risks posed by global trade disruptions.
• New Product Offerings: Retailers can offer new, locally farmed seafood products, such as Cobia or sustainably farmed shrimp, which appeal to health-conscious and environmentally aware consumers.
• Competitive Advantage: Retailers stocking sustainably sourced products may gain a competitive edge in a market that increasingly values eco-friendly practices.

For the Hospitality and Foodservice Sector (HoReCa):

• Increased Availability of Fresh Seafood: Local aquaculture helps maintain a steady supply of fresh, high-quality seafood, crucial for restaurants and hotels that rely on the on-trade market.
• Cost Control: Stable local production reduces fluctuations in seafood prices, helping food service providers manage costs effectively and offer more consistent menu pricing to customers.
• Customer Appeal: Serving locally sourced and sustainable seafood enhances brand image and attracts a growing number of eco-conscious diners.

At DigiRoads Research, we emphasize reliability by employing robust market estimation and data validation methodologies. Our insights are further enhanced by our proprietary data forecasting model, which projects market growth trends up to 2030. This forward-thinking approach ensures our analysis not only captures the current market landscape but also anticipates future developments, equipping stakeholders with actionable foresight.

We go a step further by offering an exhaustive set of regional and country-level data points, supplemented by over 60 detailed charts at no additional cost. This commitment to transparency and accessibility allows stakeholders to gain a deep understanding of the industry’s structural and operational dynamics. By providing exclusive and hard-to-access data, DigiRoads Research empowers businesses to make informed strategic decisions with confidence.

In essence, our methodology and data delivery foster a collaborative and data-driven decision-making environment, enabling businesses to navigate industry challenges and capitalize on opportunities effectively.

Contact Us For More Inquiry. 

Table of Contents

• • INTRODUCTION

    • Market Overview
    • Years Considered for Study
    • Market Segmentation
    • Study Assumptions and Definitions
    • Market Scope

  • RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

  • MARKET OUTLOOK

    • Executive Summary
    • Market Snapshot
  • Market Segments 
  • By Product Type:  
  • Fish, Shrimp, Shellfish, mollusks, squid, octopus, crabs, lobsters, etc.

• By Source

• Local Production

• • • • • Aquaculture-based production within the UAE, including companies such as Emirates National Fish Farming Company and Fish Farm’s Jebel Ali Facility.

• Imports

• • • • • Seafood is imported from regions like Asia, Europe, and the Americas to meet domestic demand.

• By Distribution Channel

• On-Trade (Foodservice)

• • • • • Seafood consumed in restaurants, hotels, and other food service establishments.

• Off-Trade (Retail)

• • • • • Includes supermarkets, hypermarkets, and seafood stores where seafood is sold for household consumption.

• By Type of Consumer

• Households

• • • • • Consumers purchasing seafood for home preparation.

• Commercial Sector

• • • • Includes the food service industry (restaurants, hotels) and wholesale distributors.

• COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

  • Recent Strategies (Key Strategic Moves)
  • Market Share Analysis
  • Company Profiles
    • Emirates National Fish Farming Company
    • Fish Farm’s Jebel Ali Facility
    • Sheikh Khalifa Marine Research Centre
    • Al Dahra Agriculture
    • Al Reef Fisheries
    • Blue Diamond Seafood
    • International Fish Farming Company (Asmak)
    • National Fish and Seafood Co.

• MARKET DYNAMICS

  • Market Drivers
  • Market Challenges
  • Market Opportunities
  • Porter’s Five Forces’ Analysis
    • Bargaining Power of Suppliers
    • Bargaining Power of Buyers
    • Threat of New Entrant
    • Threat of Substitutes
    • Competitive Rivalry

• GLOSSARY OF PROMINENT SECONDARY SOURCES

• DISCLAIMER

• ABOUT US