UAE Aquaculture Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2025 - 2030)

UAE Aquaculture Market Analysis

The United Arab Emirates Fisheries and Aquaculture Market size is estimated at USD 22.93 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 29.41 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 5.1% during the forecast period (2025-2030).

The United Arab Emirates' fisheries and aquaculture sector is undergoing significant transformation driven by the government's strategic focus on food security and self-sufficiency. The UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment reports that while annual seafood production reaches approximately 226,000 tons, domestic production from natural fish stocks in the Gulf accounts for only 70,000 tons, highlighting the significant opportunity for aquaculture development. The government has responded by implementing comprehensive policies to boost domestic production, including the establishment of advanced marine research centers and the introduction of sustainable aquaculture guidelines. These initiatives are particularly crucial given the country's growing population and increasing protein demands.

Technological innovation and sustainable aquaculture practices are reshaping the UAE's aquaculture landscape, with several groundbreaking projects demonstrating the sector's evolution. The Environment Agency Abu Dhabi (EAD) reported that aquaculture production in Abu Dhabi reached 810 metric tons of aquatic organisms in 2023, valued at approximately USD 5.06 million, representing a significant increase in production capacity. Notable developments include the establishment of desert-based salmon farming facilities and advanced sturgeon breeding programs for caviar production, showcasing the country's capability to adapt traditional aquaculture methods to local conditions.

The retail landscape for fisheries and aquaculture products is experiencing notable transformation, driven by changing consumer preferences and modernizing distribution channels. Major hypermarket chains are expanding their fresh seafood sections and implementing sophisticated cold chain management systems to ensure product quality. The sector has witnessed increased consumer demand for premium seafood products, particularly among urban consumers, with salmon becoming the second most consumed fish species after hamour in the UAE market. This shift in consumer behavior has prompted retailers to diversify their product offerings and enhance their seafood handling capabilities.

Environmental sustainability and resource management have become central to the UAE's fisheries and aquaculture development strategy. The country has implemented strict regulations on fishing practices and seasons to protect marine resources, while simultaneously investing in research and development for sustainable aquaculture technologies. The Environment Agency Abu Dhabi has launched several initiatives to address depleted fish stocks, including the release of commercially important species into local waters and the development of breeding programs for endangered species. These conservation efforts are balanced with commercial objectives through the implementation of advanced farming techniques and the adoption of circular economy principles in aquaculture operations.

UAE Aquaculture Market Trends

Rising Demand for Fish and Seafood Products

The United Arab Emirates has emerged as the leading consumer of fish and seafood production products among all GCC countries, driven by increasing health consciousness and changing dietary preferences among consumers. The growing awareness about the nutritional benefits of seafood, particularly its high protein content and low-fat characteristics, has led to a significant shift in consumption patterns. According to recent data, the UAE's consumer expenditure on fish and seafood products reached USD 179 in 2021, reflecting the strong consumer preference for these products. This trend is further supported by the country's large young population that increasingly prefers protein-rich diets, contributing to sustained demand growth in the sector.

The rising demand is also evidenced by the UAE's substantial annual seafood consumption, which exceeds 220,000 metric tons, placing the country's per capita consumption at 28.6 kilograms per year—significantly higher than the global average. This robust demand has attracted major international suppliers, with Norway emerging as one of the biggest suppliers of fresh fish to the UAE, contributing imports valued at USD 58.9 million in 2020. The market has also witnessed increased diversification in seafood production, with various species gaining popularity among consumers, including small pelagic fish like sardines and mackerel, as well as large pelagic fish such as tuna. Additionally, species like grouper, emperor, tilapia, and pomfret have gained considerable traction in the local market, reflecting the evolving consumer preferences and the growing sophistication of the UAE's seafood market.

Growing Health Consciousness and Dietary Shifts

The UAE's fisheries and aquaculture market is experiencing significant growth driven by increasing health consciousness among consumers and a notable shift towards healthier dietary choices. The rising awareness about the health benefits of fish and seafood products, particularly their rich content of omega-3 fatty acids, high-quality proteins, and essential nutrients, has led to their increased incorporation into daily diets. This trend is particularly evident among the urban population, where consumers are actively seeking out organic and premium seafood products, including organic salmon and other high-value species, demonstrating a growing preference for quality and nutritional value over price considerations.

The shift in dietary patterns is further reinforced by the increasing adoption of Mediterranean and Asian cuisines in the UAE, where seafood plays a prominent role. This cultural diversification in food preferences has led to a broader acceptance of various seafood species and preparation methods, expanding the market beyond traditional local preferences. The trend is particularly strong among the younger demographic and expatriate population, who are more experimental with their food choices and increasingly conscious about sustainable and healthy eating habits. This dietary transformation is also supported by the growing number of specialized seafood restaurants and retail outlets that offer a wide variety of fresh and processed seafood products, making these healthy protein options more accessible to consumers across different income segments.

The role of fish farming and marine biotechnology in supporting this growth cannot be overstated, as these sectors provide innovative solutions for sustainable aquaculture practices and enhance the quality of seafood production in the region. The integration of marine farming techniques further complements these efforts, ensuring the availability of diverse and high-quality seafood products to meet the evolving consumer demands.

Segment Analysis: By Type

Pelagic Fish Segment in UAE Fisheries and Aquaculture Market

The pelagic fish segment dominates the UAE fisheries and aquaculture market, accounting for approximately 65% of the total market share in 2024. This segment includes popular species like sardines, mackerel, tuna, and barracuda, which are widely consumed across the country. The segment's dominance can be attributed to the high nutritional value of pelagic fish, their widespread availability in UAE waters, and strong consumer preference, particularly for species like tuna and mackerel. The UAE government's focus on sustainable fishing practices and the implementation of advanced aquaculture technology have further strengthened this segment's position in the market. Additionally, the establishment of modern processing facilities and cold chain infrastructure has improved the distribution and availability of pelagic fish products throughout the emirates.

Shrimp Segment in UAE Fisheries and Aquaculture Market

The shrimp segment is emerging as the fastest-growing category in the UAE fisheries and aquaculture market, with robust growth projected for the period 2024-2029. This growth is primarily driven by increasing investments in shrimp fish farming infrastructure and the adoption of advanced aquaculture technologies. The UAE government's initiatives to promote sustainable aquaculture practices have particularly benefited shrimp farming, with several new farms being established across the emirates. The segment's growth is further supported by rising consumer demand for premium seafood products and the expanding hospitality sector. Modern farming techniques and improved disease management practices have significantly enhanced production efficiency, while the development of value-added shrimp products has opened new market opportunities.

Remaining Segments in UAE Fisheries and Aquaculture Market

The other segments in the UAE fisheries and aquaculture market include demersal fish (grouper, trevally, emperor, pomfret), freshwater fish (tilapia), scallop, lobsters, caviar, and salmon, each contributing significantly to the market's diversity. The demersal fish segment maintains a strong presence due to traditional fishing practices and local consumption patterns. The caviar segment represents the premium end of the market, while salmon has gained popularity due to increasing health consciousness among consumers. Freshwater fish farming, particularly tilapia, has shown promise in addressing food security concerns. The scallop and lobster segments cater primarily to the luxury dining sector, while each segment benefits from the UAE's advanced maritime infrastructure and strategic location for seafood trade. The integration of precision aquaculture and integrated aquaculture practices further enhances the efficiency and sustainability of these segments.