Report Overview

UAE Halal Food Market – Industry Trends & Forecast Report, 2031

UAE Halal Food Market size was estimated at USD 92.62 Billion in 2024. During the forecast period between 2025 and 2031, UAE Halal Food Market size is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.5% reaching a value of USD 143.93 Billion by 2031. Prominent drivers of the market include the UAE’s strategic initiatives to position itself as a global hub for halal food by implementing internationally recognized certification standards and promoting re-exports through its trading centers. The launch of the 'Halal National Mark' aims to standardize certification across all halal products, services, and production systems, reinforcing consumer trust and regulatory clarity. The country is also enhancing global trade ties through agreements with food-exporting nations to build a robust halal trade network. With annual halal food imports valued at approximately USD 20 billion—primarily consisting of unpackaged meat from countries like Brazil, the U.S., and Australia—the UAE’s market benefits from strong demand across both retail and food service sectors. Despite its relatively smaller population, the GCC’s halal food trade exceeds USD 50 billion, fueled by significant poultry and beef imports. However, the lack of universally accepted halal standards continues to be a challenge, driving global efforts led by organizations such as the International Halal Integrity Alliance to establish a unified and transparent certification framework.

Halal Food – Overview

Halal food refers to food and beverages that are permissible for consumption under Islamic law as defined in the Quran. The term "halal" means "lawful" or "permitted." To be considered halal, food must meet specific criteria, including the humane slaughter of animals by a sane adult Muslim while invoking the name of Allah. Pork and its by-products, alcohol, and animals not slaughtered according to Islamic guidelines are strictly prohibited (haram). Halal certification ensures that food is prepared, processed, and stored using utensils and equipment free from contamination by non-halal substances, ensuring it aligns with religious dietary requirements.

UAE Halal Food Market                                                   

Growth Drivers

Government’s Increasing Support and Stringent Regulations

The UAE Government’s supportive initiatives and stringent regulatory frameworks have significantly contributed to the growth of UAE Halal Food Market. The Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology (ESMA) plays a crucial role in overseeing halal certification, ensuring that food products comply with Islamic laws regarding sourcing, processing, and packaging. These regulations not only enhance consumer trust within the UAE but also boost the global credibility of halal-certified products. In line with international standards, accredited bodies like RACS and others ensure compliance with national and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) requirements. Their certification is recognized by authorities such as the Emirates International Accreditation Centre (EIAC), Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO), and the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA). This robust regulatory backing strengthens the UAE’s position as a global hub for halal products, reinforcing its commitment to quality, cultural inclusiveness, and international market expansion.

Challenges

High Certification and Compliance Costs

High certification and compliance costs pose a significant restraint to the growth of the UAE halal food market. Obtaining halal certification involves rigorous procedures, regular audits, and adherence to strict guidelines set by regulatory authorities, which can be costly for manufacturers, especially small and medium enterprises. Additionally, fees associated with accreditation, documentation, and ongoing compliance with both national and GCC standards increase operational expenses. These financial burdens may discourage new entrants and limit product innovation. As a result, while halal certification ensures consumer trust and global acceptance, the high costs involved can hinder market expansion and affect overall competitiveness.

Impact of Escalating Geopolitical Tensions on UAE Halal Food Market

Escalating geopolitical tensions could significantly impact the growth of UAE Halal Food Market by disrupting global supply chains, increasing import costs, and causing delays in the sourcing of raw materials and halal-certified ingredients. As the UAE relies heavily on food imports, conflicts in key exporting countries can lead to shortages and price volatility. Additionally, tensions may hinder international trade agreements and create regulatory uncertainties, affecting the smooth flow of halal goods. Such instability can challenge the UAE’s position as a global halal hub, reduce investor confidence, and strain the efforts of regulatory bodies working to maintain consistent halal compliance across borders.

UAE Halal Food Market

Segmental Coverage

UAE Halal Food Market – By Product Type

Based on product type, UAE Halal Food Market is divided into Meat & Poultry, Dairy Products, Grain Products, Beverages, Confectionery & Snacks, Processed & Packaging Foods, and other product types segments. The meat & poultry segment holds the highest share in UAE Halal Food Market by product type. The segment’s market dominance stems from the religious and cultural significance of halal meat in Islamic dietary practices, which emphasize cleanliness, ethical treatment of animals, and specific slaughtering methods. In the UAE, halal certification is mandatory for meat and poultry products, regulated by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT). Strict compliance standards enhance trust and quality, attracting both Muslim and non-Muslim consumers. Despite variations in halal regulations across GCC countries, meat remains the most consumed and regulated category, reinforcing its leading position in the halal food market.

UAE Halal Food Market – By Distribution Channel

By distribution channel, UAE Halal Food Market is divided into Supermarkets & Hypermarkets, Specialty Stores, Online Retail, and Convenience Stores segments. The online retail segment is expected to hold the highest share in UAE Halal Food Market by distribution channel. The rapid digital transformation has significantly enhanced consumer access to halal-certified products, making online platforms a preferred choice. E-commerce websites, mobile apps, and social media have enabled greater convenience, transparency, and product variety, meeting the rising demand for authentic and clearly labeled halal items. These platforms offer detailed certification information, product origins, and user reviews, fostering informed purchasing decisions. Cross-border accessibility and seamless digital experiences have broadened consumer reach, allowing halal food producers to tap into wider markets, thereby fueling continued growth in this segment.

UAE Halal Food Market – By End User

On the basis of End User, UAE Halal Food Market is divided into Households, Foodservice Providers, and Institutions segments.

Competitive Landscape

Major players operating in UAE Halal Food Market include Al Islami Foods, Al Kabeer Group, American Halal Company, Inc. (Saffron Road), Nestlé Middle East FZE, BRF S.A. (Sadia), Midamar Corporation, Qatar Meat Production Co., and Almarai Company. To further enhance their market share, these companies employ various strategies, including mergers and acquisitions, partnerships, joint ventures, license agreements, and new product launches.

Recent Developments

• In September 2024 – The UAE New Zealand signed a new trade agreement to remove all tariffs on frozen beef and sheep meat from New Zealand, enhancing export opportunities. The UAE, a key halal market and New Zealand’s second-largest in the Gulf, generated NZD 47 Billion in red meat exports in 2023/24. Industry leaders emphasized the growing demand for high-quality, halal-certified, and sustainably produced meat. The agreement is expected to boost farmer incomes and align with the UAE’s focus on food security and environmental sustainability.

Scope of the Report

By Product Type

• Meat & Poultry

• Dairy Products

• Grain Products

• Beverages

• Confectionery & Snacks

• Processed & Packaging Foods

• Others

By Distribution Channel

• Supermarkets & Hypermarkets

• Specialty Stores

• Online Retail

• Convenience Stores

By End User

• Households

• Foodservice Providers

• Institutions

1. Research Framework
   1. Research Objective
   2. Product Overview
   3. Market Segmentation
2. Executive Summary
3. UAE Halal Food Market Insights
   1. Industry Value Chain Analysis
   2. DROC Analysis
      1. Growth Drivers
         1. Growing Muslim Population & Religious Compliance
         2. Rising Health Awareness
         3. Government Support & Regulation
      2. Restraints
         1. High Certification & Compliance Costs
         2. Limited Awareness Among Foreign Manufacturers
      3. Opportunities
         1. Tourism and Hospitality Boom
         2. Innovations in Halal-Certified Products
      4. Challenges
         1. Intense Market Competition
         2. Maintaining Supply Chain Integrity
   3. Technological Advancements/Recent Developments
   4. Regulatory Framework
   5. Porter’s Five Forces Analysis
      1. Bargaining Power of Suppliers
      2. Bargaining Power of Buyers
      3. Threat of New Entrants
      4. Threat of Substitutes
      5. Intensity of Rivalry
4. UAE Halal Food Market: Marketing Strategies
5. UAE Halal Food Market: Pricing Analysis
6. UAE Halal Food Market Overview
   1. Market Size & Forecast, 2019–2031
      1. By Value (USD Billion)
   2. Market Share & Forecast
      1. By Product Type
         1. Meat & Poultry
         2. Dairy Products
         3. Grain Products
         4. Beverages
         5. Confectionery & Snacks
         6. Processed & Packaging Foods
         7. Others
      2. By Distribution Channel
         1. Supermarkets & Hypermarkets
         2. Specialty Stores
         3. Online Retail
         4. Convenience Stores
      3. By End User
         1. Households
         2. Foodservice Providers
         3. Institutions
7. Competitive Landscape
   1. List of Key Players and Their End Users
   2. UAE Halal Food Company Market Share Analysis, 2024
   3. Competitive Benchmarking, By Oping Parameters
   4. Key Strategic Development (Mergers, Acquisitions, Partnerships)
8. Impact of Escalating Geopolitical Tensions on UAE Halal Food Market
9. Company Profiles (Company Overview, Financial Matrix, Competitive landscape, Key Personnel, Key Competitors, Contact Address, Strategic Outlook, SWOT Analysis)
   1. Al Islami Foods
   2. Al Kabeer Group
   3. American Halal Company, Inc. (Saffron Road)
   4. Nestlé Middle East FZE
   5. BRF S.A. (Sadia)
   6. Midamar Corporation
   7. Qatar Meat Production Co.
   8. Almarai Company
   9. Other Prominent Players
10. Key Strategic Recommendations
11. Research Methodology
    1. Qualitative Research
       1. Primary & Secondary Research
    2. Quantitative Research
    3. Market Breakdown & Data Triangulation
       1. Secondary Research
       2. Primary Research
    4. Breakdown of Primary Research Respondents
    5. Assumption & Limitation

*Financial information of non-listed companies will be provided as per availability

**The segmentation and the companies are subjected to modifications based on in-depth secondary for the final deliverable

List of Figures

Figure 1   UAE Halal Food Market Segmentation

Figure 2   UAE Halal Food Market Value Chain Analysis

Figure 3   Company Market Share Analysis, 2024

Figure 4   UAE Halal Food Market Size, By Value (USD Billion), 2019–2031

Figure 5   UAE Halal Food Market Share, By Component, By Value (USD Billion) 2019–2031

Figure 6   UAE Halal Food Market Share, By Distribution Channel, By Value (USD Billion) 2019–2031

Figure 7   UAE Halal Food Market Share, By End User, By Value (USD Billion) 2019–2031

List of Tables

Table 1      UAE Halal Food Market Share, By Product Type, By Value (USD Billion) 2019–2031

Table 2      UAE Halal Food Market Share, By Distribution Channel, By Value (USD Billion) 2019–2031

Table 3      UAE Halal Food Market Share, By End User, By Value (USD Billion) 2019–2031

Table 4      Al Islami Foods Company Overview

Table 5      Al Islami Foods Financial Overview

Table 6      Al Kabeer Group Company Overview

Table 7      Al Kabeer Group Financial Overview

Table 8      American Halal Company, Inc. (Saffron Road) Company Overview

Table 9      American Halal Company, Inc. (Saffron Road) Financial Overview

Table 10    Nestlé Middle East FZE Company Overview

Table 11    Nestlé Middle East FZE Financial Overview

Table 12    BRF S.A. (Sadia) Company Overview

Table 13    BRF S.A. (Sadia) Financial Overview

Table 14    Midamar Corporation Company Overview

Table 15    Midamar Corporation Financial Overview

Table 16    Qatar Meat Production Co. Company Overview

Table 17    Qatar Meat Production Co. Financial Overview

Table 18    Almarai Company: Company Overview

Table 19    Almarai Company Financial Overview