The Middle East’s meat industry plays a healthy role in the region’s economy, reflecting its diverse culinary traditions and rich cultural heritages. From street food to religious feasts, meat holds a particularly prominent place in Middle Eastern cultures.
Market overview
As of 2024, the Middle Eastern meat market was valued at $29.93 billion in total, with analysts predicting that by 2029, its value will exceed $33.2 billion. The fastest growing meat category overall is beef—a reflection of changing consumer preferences tied to economic growth. Meanwhile, lamb and mutton play a much more prominent role in Middle Eastern cuisines than in the United States. Because pork is forbidden by Islamic dietary laws, it therefore claims a much smaller share of the meat industry across the region. Despite the growing popularity of red meat, poultry is still the most commonly consumed meat in most Middle Eastern countries.
Trends influencing the meat industry
Recent developments in the Middle East’s meat industry highlight its innovation in responding to shifts in consumer preferences and global trends. For example, as sustainable sourcing practices gain prominence, several key players in the regional industry have adopted approaches to meat production that are ethical and environmentally conscious.
In addition, technological advancements such as innovative processing methods and precision farming are further enhancing product quality and efficiency. The rise of e-commerce across the Middle East has transformed distribution channels, providing consumers with access to a diverse range of meat products. A challenge for regional distributors is maintaining product freshness and quality. Long transportation distances combined with the region’s hot climate demand efficient packaging solutions and cold chain infrastructure to ensure product safety and prevent spoilage.
Demographic and economic changes are also changing meat consumption patterns. As economies grow and the middle class expands, many Middle Eastern nations are seeing increased spending on red meat. This preference also reflects the growing influence of Western diets, the rising presence of international restaurants and cuisines, and a considerable ex-pat population. Simultaneously, urbanization is leading many across the region to live busier lives, increasing demand for convenient food options.
In Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, the population is rapidly expanding, creating a substantial increase in demand for meat. Simultaneously, countries are seeking to reduce dependence on foreign imports of meat, boost domestic production, and achieve greater self-sufficiency.
In terms of national markets for meat, Saudi Arabia is the largest, claiming a little over 21% of the regional value share. Oman is the fastest-growing market, with a projected 2.07% CAGR from 2024-2029. In both countries, regulatory bodies and governments are encouraging local production of meat. For example, the Oman Investment Authority has supported meat production initiatives in the country to increase self-sufficiency and improve food security. In terms of market value, Bahrain stands out. From 2019 to 2022, Bahrain reported an impressive 13.24% increase in sales value due to greater per-capita consumption.
The growing market for red meat
With an estimated value of $14.11 billion in 2024, the Middle Eastern red meat market is on course to top $18.5 billion by 2034, demonstrating a robust 3% CAGR throughout the next decade. Beef is the most popular red meat across the Middle East today, representing more than 56% of the red meat market. Fresh and chilled beef categories offering a higher market penetration, since they are both readily available and regarded as better in quality, particularly grass-fed options. Spending on premium beef is high in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. The two countries are among Australia’s top 20 most valuable markets for meat, despite their relatively small populations.
Industry experts suggest that stakeholders navigating this complicated market should invest in research, getting to grips with consumer trends, compliance with regulatory standards, and regional nuances. As the Middle Eastern red meat industry continues to expand, data analytics and strategic insights can better inform the decision for key players.
Poultry’s domination
Despite the strength of the region’s red meat market, it is eclipsed by the poultry market, which is on par to reach $16.1 billion in 2024 and top $17.63 billion by 2034. Poultry also claims more than 50% of the value of the regional meat market. Characterized by high demand and steady growth, poultry meats such as chicken are a staple of many Middle Eastern cuisines.
The market for poultry here is influenced by various factors, including urbanization, population growth, and changing dietary preferences. As in many other parts of the world, poultry is favored by Middle Eastern customers for its affordability, versatility, and perceived health benefits. Compared with red meat, poultry remains a comparatively affordable source of protein across the Middle East.
Religious and cultural considerations also affect the regional poultry market. For example, halal poultry meat is in high demand due to the Middle East’s predominantly Muslim population. This market segment presents opportunities for both local and international poultry producers able to meet the consumer preference for high-quality, halal-certified products. In response, major players are increasingly investing in poultry production facilities and distribution networks to meet rising demand for poultry products across the Middle East. Overall, the Middle Eastern poultry market presents lucrative growth and innovation opportunities within the region’s food and agriculture industries. While imported frozen chicken is cheaper, consumers show a marked preference for chilled, locally sourced poultry products.