GCC Red Meat Market Report | Market Size, Industry Analysis, Growth Opportunities, & Forecast (2025-2030)

GCC Red Meat Market Overview

The GCC Red Meat Market is poised for steady expansion, with an estimated market size of USD 3.79 billion in 2025, projected to reach USD 4.54 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 3.62% during the forecast period 2025-2030. The market’s growth is fueled by evolving consumer preferences, increasing demand for premium meat products, and expanding distribution networks across the region. The GCC Red Meat Market report provides a comprehensive analysis of the regional red meat industry, focusing on key factors such as market trends, consumption patterns, and growth drivers. The market is segmented by type, including beef, mutton, and other meats, with mutton being the dominant red meat consumed in countries like Bahrain, Qatar, and Kuwait. The report also explores different product forms, such as canned, fresh, frozen, and processed meats, alongside distribution channels, including off-trade and on-trade.

Bahrain, with its increasing disposable income and growing expatriate population, is witnessing rising mutton and beef consumption. The report also highlights the growth potential of other meats, like pork, due to shifting demographic trends. Additionally, the rise in demand for high-quality beef in Saudi Arabia and other GCC nations is noted as a key market driver.

The research methodology includes a four-step process: identifying key variables, building a market model, validating findings, and sourcing data. This report offers valuable insights into the GCC Red Meat Market’s dynamics, providing a detailed market forecast to help businesses make informed decisions.

Market Report Coverage:

The “Gcc Red Meat 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

The study assumes that the red meat market in the GCC region will continue to grow at a steady pace, influenced by factors such as rising disposable incomes, population growth, and the evolving dietary habits of consumers, especially with the increasing demand for beef and mutton. The market size projections are based on historical data, consumer trends, and economic factors specific to each GCC country.

The definitions within the study are as follows:

• Red Meat refers to any meat derived from mammals, including beef, lamb, pork, goat, veal, and mutton. This category excludes poultry meat and other specialty meats such as camel or horse.
• Beef includes various cuts of meat from cattle, including sirloin, ribeye, and brisket, which are commonly consumed in the region.
• Mutton refers to meat from adult sheep and is the most consumed red meat in certain GCC countries, especially Bahrain, Qatar, and Kuwait, due to religious preferences.
• Processed Meat refers to meat that has been preserved or altered through methods like salting, smoking, or canning.
• Distribution Channels include both Off-Trade (supermarkets, convenience stores, and online channels) and On-Trade (foodservice outlets such as restaurants and hotels).

Market Scope

The market scope of the GCC Red Meat Market focuses on the analysis of red meat consumption, production, and distribution across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. The study covers key segments, including types of meat (beef, mutton, other meats), product forms (fresh, frozen, canned, processed), and distribution channels (off-trade such as supermarkets, hypermarkets, convenience stores, and online channels, as well as on-trade like foodservice outlets).

The scope includes market size estimations, growth trends, and forecasts from 2025 to 2030, highlighting factors like population growth, rising disposable incomes, shifting dietary preferences, and the increasing demand for both high-end foodservice and processed meat products. The study also assesses regional dynamics, including the influence of religious and cultural preferences on red meat consumption, especially mutton, and the growing popularity of beef and alternative meats. It further examines export-import dynamics, regulatory landscapes, and the role of consumer trends in shaping the future of the red meat market in the GCC region.

MARKET OUTLOOK

Executive Summary

The GCC Red Meat Market is witnessing significant growth, driven by increasing demand for high-quality meat products, particularly beef and mutton. The region’s cultural and religious preferences significantly shape meat consumption patterns, with mutton being the dominant type due to Islamic dietary practices. In countries like Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar, mutton consumption per capita is among the highest in the world, while beef ranks as the second most popular meat, with Bahrain showing the highest per capita beef consumption in the region.

The market is segmented by meat type, form, distribution channel, and country. Key meat types include beef, mutton, and other specialty meats like camel and horse, while the forms include canned, frozen, fresh/chilled, and processed meat. Distribution channels are divided into off-trade and on-trade segments, with supermarkets, hypermarkets, convenience stores, and online platforms being dominant for off-trade, and restaurants, hotels, and catering services for on-trade.

Growth drivers include rising disposable incomes, the increasing expatriate population, and a growing preference for diverse meat products. Additionally, the development of foodservice industries, especially in countries focusing on boosting tourism, contributes to higher demand. However, challenges like health concerns related to red meat consumption, fluctuating prices, and the ongoing impact of diseases like African Swine Fever and Acute Hepatopancreatic Necrosis Disease on meat production and availability remain significant hurdles.

The market is poised for growth, with projections indicating a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.62% from 2025 to 2030. Key countries such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar are expected to be major contributors to market expansion, with increasing investments in the foodservice sector and enhanced meat production systems.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

The GCC Red Meat Market is moderately fragmented, with regional and multinational players competing fiercely for market share.

Key Market Players

• Al Islami Foods
• Al Khaleej Meat Factory
• Al Noor Farms
• Al Watania Poultry
• Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA)
• Nabil Foods
• Shawarma King
• Saudi Arabian Oil Group (Saudi Aramco)
• Al Madina Group
• Al Ain Farms

Market Share Analysis

The GCC Red Meat Market is characterized by a competitive landscape with various players holding significant market shares in different segments. As of recent analysis, mutton is the most consumed red meat, particularly in countries like Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar, driven by religious dietary preferences and increased disposable incomes. Bahrain has the highest per capita consumption of mutton, with rising demand attributed to a growing ex-pat population and changing dietary habits.

In terms of beef, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain are major consumers, with beef imports primarily from New Zealand, Pakistan, and the UAE. The beef segment is anticipated to grow, especially in high-end foodservice and tourism-related sectors in Saudi Arabia.

The market is also witnessing an increasing presence of pork consumption, primarily due to the rising Christian population in countries like the UAE and other parts of the Middle East, where pork consumption is traditionally low. Pork is expected to grow at a high CAGR between 2025 and 2030.

Frozen and chilled forms dominate the market, particularly in retail distribution channels like supermarkets and hypermarkets. The distribution channels are diverse, with a growing emphasis on online channels and off-trade retail outlets.

Key market players such as Al Islami Foods and Al Watania Poultry contribute substantially to the market’s dominance, capitalizing on the demand for high-quality, processed, and value-added meat products.

MARKET DYNAMICS

Market Drivers and Key Innovations

1. Rising Disposable Incomes: The GCC region has seen a rise in disposable incomes, particularly in countries like Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. As consumers’ purchasing power increases, there is a growing demand for higher-quality red meats such as beef and mutton, especially in premium foodservice sectors.
2. Population Growth and Urbanization: The GCC countries, particularly Bahrain and Qatar, are experiencing steady population growth, driven by both natural population increases and a rise in the ex-pat community. This demographic shift is creating greater demand for a diverse range of meat products.
3. Tourism Industry Growth: Countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE are focusing on developing their tourism sectors, leading to an increased demand for red meat, especially in restaurants, hotels, and catering services. This trend is driving innovation and growth in the foodservice segment.
4. Religious and Cultural Preferences: Mutton is the most consumed red meat in the GCC, owing to religious and cultural practices. This consumption pattern is expected to continue growing, particularly in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar, which have high per capita consumption of mutton.
5. Increasing Demand for Processed and Packaged Meat: Convenience and time-saving preferences among consumers are driving the demand for processed and packaged meat, such as frozen, canned, and ready-to-eat options.

Key Innovations:

1. Meat Substitutes: The rise in plant-based diets and dietary preferences for alternatives is fostering innovations in meat substitutes, such as Quorn and seitan, in the GCC market.
2. Packaging and Preservation Technologies: Innovations like retort packaging and vacuum sealing are helping preserve the freshness and shelf-life of meat products, ensuring greater convenience and reducing food waste.
3. Traceability and Quality Assurance: Advanced technologies for meat traceability, such as blockchain, are being implemented to ensure product quality and safety, addressing growing consumer concerns regarding food authenticity.

Market Challenges

1. Supply Chain Disruptions: The GCC red meat market faces challenges from supply chain disruptions due to geopolitical tensions, trade restrictions, and import dependencies, which can lead to price volatility and inconsistent product availability.
2. High Import Dependency: Most GCC countries rely heavily on imported red meat, which exposes the market to fluctuations in global meat prices, changing trade regulations, and logistical hurdles.
3. Religious and Cultural Barriers: While mutton consumption is high in the region, other meats such as pork face limited demand due to cultural and religious restrictions, which can limit market diversification.
4. Health and Dietary Concerns: Growing concerns about the health impacts of excessive red meat consumption, including links to cardiovascular diseases and cancer, may lead to reduced consumption and increased demand for plant-based alternatives.
5. Rising Costs of Production: The cost of producing high-quality meat, particularly grass-fed and grain-fed varieties, is rising due to factors such as feed costs, labor shortages, and increased regulatory compliance, impacting the profitability of producers.
6. Environmental Impact: The environmental footprint of meat production, including greenhouse gas emissions and water usage, is a growing concern, prompting some consumers to move toward sustainable and plant-based meat alternatives.
7. Price Sensitivity in Lower Income Segments: Despite rising incomes in certain regions, large sections of the population remain price-sensitive, making it challenging for premium meat products to reach a broader audience.

Market Opportunities

1. Rising Disposable Incomes: With growing disposable incomes in GCC countries, especially in Bahrain, Qatar, and the UAE, there is an increasing demand for high-quality red meat products, offering opportunities for premium beef and lamb markets.
2. Expansion of Tourism and Hospitality Sectors: The expansion of tourism and the growth of the hospitality sector, particularly in countries like Saudi Arabia, presents a significant opportunity for premium red meat offerings in high-end restaurants, hotels, and catering services.
3. Increasing Demand for Processed and Packaged Meat: As consumers demand convenience, there is an opportunity for growth in the processed and packaged meat segment, including ready-to-eat (RTE) and ready-to-cook (RTC) products.
4. Health-Conscious Consumer Trends: The rise of health-conscious consumers creates opportunities for healthier red meat options, such as grass-fed and hormone-free beef, and alternative meat products, catering to a growing segment seeking leaner, more nutritious meat choices.
5. Export Potential to Neighboring Regions: GCC countries’ strategic location provides opportunities for exporting red meat products to neighboring regions, including the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), which also have growing demand for premium meats.
6. Technological Innovations in Meat Production: Innovations such as lab-grown meat and sustainable meat production methods (e.g., plant-based alternatives) present opportunities to meet consumer demand for more sustainable and ethical food options.
7. Cultural Shifts Toward Diverse Meats: The increasing expat population and shifts in dietary preferences in the GCC market provide opportunities for introducing diverse meat varieties, including pork and exotic meats, expanding beyond traditional offerings.

RECENT STRATEGIES & DEVELOPMENTS IN THE MARKET

Expansion of High-Quality Meat Offerings:

• Data Point: Saudi Arabia and the UAE are increasingly importing high-quality beef, including from premium sources like Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. These imports cater to the rising demand for top-tier meats driven by higher disposable incomes and tourism growth.

Adoption of Processed and Packaged Meat Products:

• Data Point: The demand for processed red meat products, such as sausages, cold cuts, and ready-to-eat meals, has seen a substantial rise in the region, particularly due to busy lifestyles. A significant growth in packaged meat products is forecasted, with a high CAGR in the next 5 years.

Innovative Meat Substitutes and Plant-Based Products:

• Data Point: Brands like Impossible Foods and Beyond Meat are making inroads into the GCC market with plant-based meat alternatives. This is driven by the growing consumer interest in healthier, more sustainable diets. The plant-based protein market is projected to grow by over 10% in the region.

Focus on Traceability and Quality Assurance:

• Data Point: Companies are investing in technologies to ensure the traceability of meat products, with many introducing certifications and labels indicating organic, hormone-free, and grass-fed meat to cater to health-conscious consumers.

Growth in Online Meat Sales:

• Data Point: Online platforms for meat sales, such as Amazon UAE and regional players like Kibsons, have seen a 25% growth in sales. This increase is driven by the rising popularity of online shopping, especially for premium and specialty meats like Wagyu and grass-fed beef.

Strategic Acquisitions and Partnerships:

• Data Point: Leading regional distributors like Al Islami Foods and Al Ahram Group have formed strategic partnerships with international meat suppliers, enhancing their product offerings and expanding their market presence in the GCC.

Expansion of Cold Storage and Meat Processing Facilities:

• Data Point: Investments are being made in cold storage and processing infrastructure in countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia. For instance, a large-scale meat processing plant set up in the UAE aims to increase local production capacity by 15% over the next five years.

KEY BENEFITS FOR STAKEHOLDERS

Access to Growing Market Opportunities:

• Stakeholders, including investors, meat producers, and distributors, can capitalize on the growing demand for high-quality, processed, and specialty red meats in the GCC region. The market’s expansion due to rising disposable incomes, tourism, and diverse consumer preferences presents ample opportunities.

Increased Product Innovation and Diversification:

• Producers and foodservice businesses benefit from opportunities to innovate by diversifying their offerings, including introducing plant-based alternatives, processed meats, and organic products. This diversification helps meet evolving consumer demands and health-conscious trends.

Improved Profit Margins Through Premium Offerings:

• Stakeholders who invest in premium and high-quality meats such as Wagyu and grass-fed beef can benefit from higher profit margins. The growing demand for luxury food items, particularly in high-end restaurants and among affluent consumers, offers lucrative returns.

Strengthening Brand Loyalty and Consumer Trust:

• Retailers and meat suppliers that focus on product quality, transparency (e.g., certifications for organic, hormone-free), and traceability can enhance brand loyalty. This results in a stronger consumer base that values health-conscious and ethically sourced products.

Expanding Market Reach Through E-commerce Channels:

• E-commerce platforms offer retailers and suppliers an additional channel to reach a broader customer base, driving online sales of fresh, frozen, and packaged meat. The rapid shift toward online shopping presents significant growth potential for stakeholders.

Enhanced Market Positioning through Strategic Partnerships:

• Forming partnerships with international suppliers or local foodservice chains enables stakeholders to expand their market footprint, improve sourcing capabilities, and stay competitive in the GCC market.

Regulatory Compliance and Market Entry:

• Stakeholders can benefit from navigating the region’s regulatory framework to ensure compliance with food safety standards and certifications. This approach positions businesses as trusted suppliers within the market, fostering stronger relationships with distributors, retailers, and consumers.

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 Type:
    • Beef, Mutton, Other Meat
  • By Distribution Channel:
    • Off-Trade: Convenience Stores, Online Channel, Supermarkets & Hypermarkets, Others
    • On-Trade: (Hotels, Restaurants, Cafes)
  • By Region:
    • Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates 

• COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

• Recent Strategies (Key Strategic Moves)
• Market Share Analysis
• Company Profiles
  • Al Islami Foods
  • Al Khaleej Meat Factory
  • Al Noor Farms
  • Al Watania Poultry
  • Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA)
  • Nabil Foods
  • Shawarma King
  • Saudi Arabian Oil Group (Saudi Aramco)
  • Al Madina Group
  • Al Ain Farms
  • Fresh Poultry and Meat Co.
  • Atyab Group

• 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