Market Overview
The GCC poultry meat market encompasses the full supply chain from production and processing to distribution and retail across Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain. In 2025, the market is valued at approximately $7.73 billion, with projections reaching $7.85 billion in 2026 and continuing toward $8.46 billion by 2031. The broader GCC meat sector, which includes poultry, beef, and lamb, is expected to grow from roughly 3 million tonnes in 2024 to 3.8 million tonnes by 2032.
- •Market valued at $7.73 billion in 2025, growing toward $8.46 billion by 2031
- •Broader GCC meat segment expanding at a compound rate reflecting protein demand growth
- •Import dependency remains high as domestic supply struggles to meet regional consumption
Growth Drivers
Population growth and rising disposable incomes across GCC states continue to expand per-capita poultry consumption, particularly in urban centers. The shift toward modern lifestyles has increased demand for convenient, ready-to-cook and ready-to-eat poultry products, driving value growth beyond volume increases. Government initiatives focused on food security and domestic production investment are gradually expanding local capacity, though imports remain a significant supply source.
- •Urbanization and higher disposable incomes boosting demand for value-added poultry products
- •Population growth across GCC states sustaining long-term volume and revenue expansion
- •Food security strategies and government investment in domestic production infrastructure
Segmentation and Regional Analysis
The market is segmented between fresh/chilled poultry and processed/frozen products, with processed varieties gaining particular momentum due to convenience and longer shelf life. Saudi Arabia represents the largest market within the GCC due to its population size and consumption volume, followed by the UAE as a hub for premium and specialty products. Across the wider Middle East and Africa animal feed sector, which underpins poultry production costs, the market is expected to grow at approximately 3.4% CAGR through 2030.
- •Processed and frozen poultry segments outpacing fresh categories in value growth
- •Saudi Arabia leads by volume, with UAE driving premium and convenience product segments
- •Regional feed market expansion at roughly 3.4% CAGR supporting broader protein sector growth
Trends and Outlook
What are the recent trends and outlook?
The shift toward processed and ready-to-eat poultry products is expected to continue as consumer preferences evolve and retail infrastructure modernizes. Digital commerce and modern retail formats are reshaping distribution channels, while sustainability and animal welfare certifications are beginning to influence purchasing decisions. Over the forecast horizon, modest but steady growth is anticipated as the market transitions from volume-driven expansion toward higher-value product segments.
- •Growing consumer preference for convenience-oriented processed and ready-to-eat poultry
- •E-commerce and modern retail channels gaining share in product distribution
- •Sustainability and welfare certifications emerging as differentiators in premium segments
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Connect to an analyst →Market size and forecast are Claight Analysis, informed by public research and industry data. Historical years before 2025 and all forecast years are Claight estimates at the stated CAGR. Retrieved 2026.