United Arab Emirates Agriculture Industry Market

UAE Agriculture Market, valued at USD 3.6 Bn, is expanding through government strategies like National Food Security 2051, tech innovations, and rising organic demand.

Region:Middle East

Author(s):Shubham

Product Code:KRAD0637

Pages:93

Published On:August 2025

About the Report

Base Year 2024

United Arab Emirates Agriculture Industry Market Overview

  • The United Arab Emirates Agriculture Industry Market is valued at USD 3.6 billion, based on a five-year historical analysis. This growth is primarily driven by increasing investments in agri-tech, government initiatives to enhance food security, and a rising demand for locally sourced produce; leading analysts highlight drivers such as hydroponics and vertical farming adoption, water management innovation, and consumer preference for local and organic foods . The market has seen a shift towards sustainable practices and innovative farming methods, including controlled-environment agriculture and improved water-use efficiency, which have contributed to its expansion .
  • Key players in this market include Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah, which dominate due to their strategic locations, advanced infrastructure, and significant investments in agricultural technology. These cities are also home to numerous agricultural initiatives aimed at reducing food imports and promoting local production, making them pivotal in the UAE's agricultural landscape; Abu Dhabi programs such as Ag-Tech Parks and related incentives are specifically cited as catalysts for local production growth and innovation .
  • In 2023, the UAE government implemented the National Food Security Strategy 2051, which aims to enhance the country's food security by promoting sustainable agricultural practices and increasing local production. This initiative includes investments in innovative technologies and infrastructure to support farmers and improve food supply chains, with explicit objectives to boost domestic output and reduce import dependence through sustainable agriculture programs .
United Arab Emirates Agriculture Industry Market Size

United Arab Emirates Agriculture Industry Market Segmentation

By Type:The agriculture industry in the UAE can be segmented into various types, including fruits and vegetables, grains and cereals, livestock and poultry, dairy and eggs, aquaculture and fisheries, fodder and forage, inputs and agri-tech, and organic and specialty produce. Each of these segments plays a crucial role in meeting the growing demand for food and agricultural products in the region; fruits and vegetables and specialty/high-value crops are emphasized in recent analyses due to the rise of hydroponics and controlled-environment systems supporting local fresh produce .

United Arab Emirates Agriculture Industry Market segmentation by Type.

By End-User:The end-user segmentation of the agriculture industry includes retail consumers, food service and HORECA (hotels, restaurants, and catering), food and beverage manufacturers, institutional buyers (government, education, healthcare), and export markets. Each of these segments has unique requirements and contributes to the overall demand for agricultural products; retail and HORECA channels are prominent demand centers for fresh produce and animal products in the UAE’s import-reliant but increasingly localizing food ecosystem .

United Arab Emirates Agriculture Industry Market segmentation by End-User.

United Arab Emirates Agriculture Industry Market Competitive Landscape

The United Arab Emirates Agriculture Industry Market is characterized by a dynamic mix of regional and international players. Leading participants such as Al Ain Farms, Agthia Group PJSC, Al Dahra Holding, Al Rawabi Dairy Company, Emirates Bio Farm, Pure Harvest Smart Farms, Bustanica (Emirates Crop One), Silal (Abu Dhabi), NRTC Group (Nassar Al Refaee Trading Company), Emirates National Poultry Farms, Al Ghurair Foods, Elite Agro Holding, Dubai Municipality — Farmers’ Souq Program, Union Cooperative Society (Farm-to-shelf programs), Al Foah (dates) — part of Agthia Group contribute to innovation, geographic expansion, and service delivery in this space .

Al Ain Farms

1981

Al Ain, UAE

Agthia Group PJSC

2004

Abu Dhabi, UAE

Al Dahra Holding

1995

Abu Dhabi, UAE

Al Rawabi Dairy Company

1989

Dubai, UAE

Emirates Bio Farm

2015

Dubai, UAE

Company

Establishment Year

Headquarters

Segment Focus (e.g., dairy, dates, CEA/indoor, poultry, fodder)

UAE Revenues (latest FY) and 3-year Revenue CAGR

Production Capacity/Output (e.g., liters/day milk, tons/year produce)

Market Penetration (retail doors, HORECA accounts, emirate coverage)

CapEx Intensity (capex/revenue) and Recent Investments

Unit Economics (gross margin %, cost per kg/liter for key SKUs)

United Arab Emirates Agriculture Industry Market Industry Analysis

Growth Drivers

  • Increasing Demand for Organic Produce:The UAE's organic food market is projected to reach AED 1.5 billion in future, driven by a growing consumer preference for healthy and sustainable food options. The government has reported a 20% annual increase in organic farming initiatives, with over 1,200 certified organic farms operating in the region. This shift towards organic produce is supported by rising health consciousness among consumers, further fueling market growth.
  • Government Initiatives for Food Security:The UAE government has allocated AED 1 billion towards enhancing food security through various initiatives, including the National Food Security Strategy 2051. This strategy aims to increase local food production by 30% in future, focusing on innovative agricultural practices. The government’s commitment to food security is evident in its support for local farmers and investment in advanced agricultural technologies, ensuring a stable food supply.
  • Technological Advancements in Farming:The adoption of smart farming technologies is transforming the UAE agriculture sector, with investments exceeding AED 600 million in agri-tech solutions. Technologies such as drones, IoT, and AI are enhancing crop yields and resource management. For instance, precision agriculture techniques have been shown to increase productivity by up to 40%, making farming more efficient and sustainable in the arid climate of the UAE.

Market Challenges

  • Water Scarcity:The UAE faces significant water scarcity, with per capita water availability at just 500 cubic meters annually, far below the global average of 1,700 cubic meters. This scarcity poses a major challenge for agriculture, as 70% of the country’s water resources are used for irrigation. The reliance on desalination and treated wastewater for agricultural purposes adds to operational costs, impacting overall productivity and sustainability.
  • High Operational Costs:The operational costs for farming in the UAE are among the highest globally, with average costs reaching AED 1,200 per hectare. Factors contributing to these costs include high energy prices, labor expenses, and the need for advanced technology. These financial pressures can deter new entrants into the market and limit the growth potential of existing agricultural businesses, hindering overall industry development.

United Arab Emirates Agriculture Industry Market Future Outlook

The future of the UAE agriculture industry appears promising, driven by ongoing technological innovations and government support for sustainable practices. As the demand for local and organic produce continues to rise, the sector is likely to see increased investment in hydroponics and vertical farming. Additionally, the focus on climate-resilient crops will enhance food security, ensuring that the industry adapts to environmental challenges while meeting consumer needs effectively.

Market Opportunities

  • Expansion of Hydroponics and Vertical Farming:The hydroponics market in the UAE is expected to grow significantly, with investments projected to reach AED 300 million in future. This method allows for efficient water use and maximizes space, making it ideal for urban areas. The increasing urban population and demand for fresh produce create a ripe opportunity for innovative farming solutions.
  • Growth in Agri-Tech Startups:The UAE is witnessing a surge in agri-tech startups, with over 50 new companies launched in the past year alone. These startups are focusing on innovative solutions such as AI-driven farming and sustainable practices. The government’s support through funding and incubator programs is expected to further accelerate this growth, creating a vibrant ecosystem for agricultural innovation.

Scope of the Report

SegmentSub-Segments
By Type

Fruits and Vegetables (incl. tomatoes, cucumbers, leafy greens, dates, melons, citrus)

Grains and Cereals (food crops/cereals incl. wheat, barley, rice)

Livestock and Poultry (meat and eggs)

Dairy and Eggs (fresh milk, UHT, yogurt, eggs)

Aquaculture and Fisheries (farm-raised fish, shrimp)

Fodder and Forage (alfalfa, hay, silage)

Inputs and Agri-Tech (seeds, nutrients, hydroponic/vertical farm solutions)

Organic and Specialty Produce

By End-User

Retail Consumers

Food Service and HORECA

Food and Beverage Manufacturers

Institutional Buyers (government, education, healthcare)

Export Markets

By Distribution Channel

Supermarkets and Hypermarkets

Online Grocery and E-commerce

Farmers' Markets and Farm Shops

Wholesale and Foodservice Distributors

Direct-to-Consumer Subscriptions (CSA boxes, farm delivery)

By Crop Type

Field Crops (cereals, pulses)

Horticultural Crops (fruits, vegetables, herbs)

Forage and Fodder Crops

Dates and Palm Products

By Farming Method

Conventional Open-Field Farming

Organic Farming

Controlled Environment Agriculture (Hydroponics)

Controlled Environment Agriculture (Aquaponics)

Vertical Farming and Greenhouse Cultivation

By Region

Abu Dhabi

Dubai

Sharjah

Ajman

Ras Al Khaimah

Fujairah

Umm Al Quwain

By Investment Source

Private Investments

Government Funding

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)

Public-Private Partnerships (PPP)

Sovereign and Strategic Investment (e.g., ADQ, Mubadala)

Key Target Audience

Investors and Venture Capitalist Firms

Government and Regulatory Bodies (e.g., Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority)

Agricultural Producers and Farmers' Cooperatives

Food Processing Companies

Logistics and Supply Chain Companies

Agri-tech Startups and Innovators

Retail Chains and Supermarkets

Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) focused on Food Security

Players Mentioned in the Report:

Al Ain Farms

Agthia Group PJSC

Al Dahra Holding

Al Rawabi Dairy Company

Emirates Bio Farm

Pure Harvest Smart Farms

Bustanica (Emirates Crop One)

Silal (Abu Dhabi)

NRTC Group (Nassar Al Refaee Trading Company)

Emirates National Poultry Farms

Al Ghurair Foods

Elite Agro Holding

Dubai Municipality Farmers Souq Program

Union Cooperative Society (Farm-to-shelf programs)

Al Foah (dates) part of Agthia Group

Table of Contents

Market Assessment Phase

1. Executive Summary and Approach


2. United Arab Emirates Agriculture Industry Market Overview

2.1 Key Insights and Strategic Recommendations

2.2 United Arab Emirates Agriculture Industry Market Overview

2.3 Definition and Scope

2.4 Evolution of Market Ecosystem

2.5 Timeline of Key Regulatory Milestones

2.6 Value Chain & Stakeholder Mapping

2.7 Business Cycle Analysis

2.8 Policy & Incentive Landscape


3. United Arab Emirates Agriculture Industry Market Analysis

3.1 Growth Drivers

3.1.1 Increasing Demand for Organic Produce
3.1.2 Government Initiatives for Food Security
3.1.3 Technological Advancements in Farming
3.1.4 Investment in Sustainable Agriculture

3.2 Market Challenges

3.2.1 Water Scarcity
3.2.2 High Operational Costs
3.2.3 Limited Arable Land
3.2.4 Regulatory Compliance Issues

3.3 Market Opportunities

3.3.1 Expansion of Hydroponics and Vertical Farming
3.3.2 Export Potential to Neighboring Regions
3.3.3 Growth in Agri-Tech Startups
3.3.4 Increased Consumer Awareness of Sustainability

3.4 Market Trends

3.4.1 Rise of Smart Farming Solutions
3.4.2 Shift Towards Local Sourcing
3.4.3 Adoption of Precision Agriculture
3.4.4 Focus on Climate-Resilient Crops

3.5 Government Regulation

3.5.1 Food Safety Standards
3.5.2 Agricultural Subsidies
3.5.3 Water Management Policies
3.5.4 Import Regulations for Agricultural Products

4. SWOT Analysis


5. Stakeholder Analysis


6. Porter's Five Forces Analysis


7. United Arab Emirates Agriculture Industry Market Market Size, 2019-2024

7.1 By Value

7.2 By Volume

7.3 By Average Selling Price


8. United Arab Emirates Agriculture Industry Market Segmentation

8.1 By Type

8.1.1 Fruits and Vegetables (incl. tomatoes, cucumbers, leafy greens, dates, melons, citrus)
8.1.2 Grains and Cereals (food crops/cereals incl. wheat, barley, rice)
8.1.3 Livestock and Poultry (meat and eggs)
8.1.4 Dairy and Eggs (fresh milk, UHT, yogurt, eggs)
8.1.5 Aquaculture and Fisheries (farm-raised fish, shrimp)
8.1.6 Fodder and Forage (alfalfa, hay, silage)
8.1.7 Inputs and Agri-Tech (seeds, nutrients, hydroponic/vertical farm solutions)
8.1.8 Organic and Specialty Produce

8.2 By End-User

8.2.1 Retail Consumers
8.2.2 Food Service and HORECA
8.2.3 Food and Beverage Manufacturers
8.2.4 Institutional Buyers (government, education, healthcare)
8.2.5 Export Markets

8.3 By Distribution Channel

8.3.1 Supermarkets and Hypermarkets
8.3.2 Online Grocery and E-commerce
8.3.3 Farmers' Markets and Farm Shops
8.3.4 Wholesale and Foodservice Distributors
8.3.5 Direct-to-Consumer Subscriptions (CSA boxes, farm delivery)

8.4 By Crop Type

8.4.1 Field Crops (cereals, pulses)
8.4.2 Horticultural Crops (fruits, vegetables, herbs)
8.4.3 Forage and Fodder Crops
8.4.4 Dates and Palm Products

8.5 By Farming Method

8.5.1 Conventional Open-Field Farming
8.5.2 Organic Farming
8.5.3 Controlled Environment Agriculture (Hydroponics)
8.5.4 Controlled Environment Agriculture (Aquaponics)
8.5.5 Vertical Farming and Greenhouse Cultivation

8.6 By Region

8.6.1 Abu Dhabi
8.6.2 Dubai
8.6.3 Sharjah
8.6.4 Ajman
8.6.5 Ras Al Khaimah
8.6.6 Fujairah
8.6.7 Umm Al Quwain

8.7 By Investment Source

8.7.1 Private Investments
8.7.2 Government Funding
8.7.3 Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)
8.7.4 Public-Private Partnerships (PPP)
8.7.5 Sovereign and Strategic Investment (e.g., ADQ, Mubadala)

9. United Arab Emirates Agriculture Industry Market Competitive Analysis

9.1 Market Share of Key Players

9.2 Cross Comparison of Key Players

9.2.1 Company Name
9.2.2 Segment Focus (e.g., dairy, dates, CEA/indoor, poultry, fodder)
9.2.3 UAE Revenues (latest FY) and 3-year Revenue CAGR
9.2.4 Production Capacity/Output (e.g., liters/day milk, tons/year produce)
9.2.5 Market Penetration (retail doors, HORECA accounts, emirate coverage)
9.2.6 CapEx Intensity (capex/revenue) and Recent Investments
9.2.7 Unit Economics (gross margin %, cost per kg/liter for key SKUs)
9.2.8 Supply Chain Footprint (farms, greenhouses, CEA sites, logistics hubs)
9.2.9 Pricing Positioning (value, mid, premium) and ASP by category
9.2.10 Sustainability KPIs (water use/L or kg, energy intensity, renewable share)
9.2.11 Import Substitution Ratio (share of sales replacing imports)
9.2.12 Innovation Pipeline (new SKUs, seeds/varieties, tech deployments)

9.3 SWOT Analysis of Top Players

9.4 Pricing Analysis

9.5 Detailed Profile of Major Companies

9.5.1 Al Ain Farms
9.5.2 Agthia Group PJSC
9.5.3 Al Dahra Holding
9.5.4 Al Rawabi Dairy Company
9.5.5 Emirates Bio Farm
9.5.6 Pure Harvest Smart Farms
9.5.7 Bustanica (Emirates Crop One)
9.5.8 Silal (Abu Dhabi)
9.5.9 NRTC Group (Nassar Al Refaee Trading Company)
9.5.10 Emirates National Poultry Farms
9.5.11 Al Ghurair Foods
9.5.12 Elite Agro Holding
9.5.13 Dubai Municipality — Farmers’ Souq Program
9.5.14 Union Cooperative Society (Farm-to-shelf programs)
9.5.15 Al Foah (dates) — part of Agthia Group

10. United Arab Emirates Agriculture Industry Market End-User Analysis

10.1 Procurement Behavior of Key Ministries

10.1.1 Ministry of Climate Change and Environment
10.1.2 Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries
10.1.3 Ministry of Economy

10.2 Corporate Spend on Infrastructure & Energy

10.2.1 Investment in Agricultural Technology
10.2.2 Funding for Sustainable Practices
10.2.3 Expenditure on Water Management Systems

10.3 Pain Point Analysis by End-User Category

10.3.1 Cost of Inputs
10.3.2 Access to Markets
10.3.3 Regulatory Compliance

10.4 User Readiness for Adoption

10.4.1 Awareness of New Technologies
10.4.2 Training and Support Needs
10.4.3 Financial Readiness

10.5 Post-Deployment ROI and Use Case Expansion

10.5.1 Measurement of Yield Improvements
10.5.2 Cost Savings Analysis
10.5.3 Expansion into New Markets

11. United Arab Emirates Agriculture Industry Market Future Size, 2025-2030

11.1 By Value

11.2 By Volume

11.3 By Average Selling Price


Go-To-Market Strategy Phase

1. Whitespace Analysis + Business Model Canvas

1.1 Market Gaps Identification

1.2 Business Model Framework


2. Marketing and Positioning Recommendations

2.1 Branding Strategies

2.2 Product USPs


3. Distribution Plan

3.1 Urban Retail Strategies

3.2 Rural NGO Tie-ups


4. Channel & Pricing Gaps

4.1 Underserved Routes

4.2 Pricing Bands


5. Unmet Demand & Latent Needs

5.1 Category Gaps

5.2 Consumer Segments


6. Customer Relationship

6.1 Loyalty Programs

6.2 After-sales Service


7. Value Proposition

7.1 Sustainability Initiatives

7.2 Integrated Supply Chains


8. Key Activities

8.1 Regulatory Compliance

8.2 Branding Efforts

8.3 Distribution Setup


9. Entry Strategy Evaluation

9.1 Domestic Market Entry Strategy

9.1.1 Product Mix
9.1.2 Pricing Band
9.1.3 Packaging

9.2 Export Entry Strategy

9.2.1 Target Countries
9.2.2 Compliance Roadmap

10. Entry Mode Assessment

10.1 Joint Ventures

10.2 Greenfield Investments

10.3 Mergers & Acquisitions

10.4 Distributor Model


11. Capital and Timeline Estimation

11.1 Capital Requirements

11.2 Timelines


12. Control vs Risk Trade-Off

12.1 Ownership vs Partnerships


13. Profitability Outlook

13.1 Breakeven Analysis

13.2 Long-term Sustainability


14. Potential Partner List

14.1 Distributors

14.2 Joint Ventures

14.3 Acquisition Targets


15. Execution Roadmap

15.1 Phased Plan for Market Entry

15.1.1 Market Setup
15.1.2 Market Entry
15.1.3 Growth Acceleration
15.1.4 Scale & Stabilize

15.2 Key Activities and Milestones

15.2.1 Activity Timeline
15.2.2 Milestone Tracking

Research Methodology

ApproachModellingSample

Phase 1: Approach1

Desk Research

  • Analysis of agricultural production statistics from the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment
  • Review of market reports from agricultural associations and trade bodies in the UAE
  • Examination of academic journals and publications focusing on agricultural innovations and sustainability practices in the region

Primary Research

  • Interviews with key stakeholders including farmers, agronomists, and agricultural technology providers
  • Surveys targeting agricultural cooperatives and associations to gather insights on market trends and challenges
  • Field visits to farms and agricultural exhibitions to observe practices and gather qualitative data

Validation & Triangulation

  • Cross-validation of data from government reports and industry publications to ensure accuracy
  • Triangulation of findings from primary interviews with secondary data sources
  • Sanity checks through expert panel discussions with agricultural economists and market analysts

Phase 2: Market Size Estimation1

Top-down Assessment

  • Estimation of total agricultural output based on national GDP contributions from the agriculture sector
  • Segmentation of market size by crop types, livestock, and aquaculture sectors
  • Incorporation of government initiatives aimed at enhancing food security and sustainability

Bottom-up Modeling

  • Collection of data on production volumes from leading agricultural producers in the UAE
  • Cost analysis of inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, and water resources
  • Estimation of market size based on yield per hectare and total cultivated area

Forecasting & Scenario Analysis

  • Multi-variable regression analysis incorporating climate change impacts and technological advancements
  • Scenario modeling based on potential shifts in consumer preferences and government policies
  • Development of baseline, optimistic, and pessimistic forecasts through 2035

Phase 3: CATI Sample Composition1

Scope Item/SegmentSample SizeTarget Respondent Profiles
Cereal Crop Producers60Farm Owners, Agronomists
Livestock Farmers50Livestock Managers, Veterinary Experts
Aquaculture Operators40Aquaculture Managers, Environmental Scientists
Agri-tech Innovators50Product Developers, Technology Officers
Government Agricultural Policy Makers40Policy Analysts, Regulatory Officials

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current value of the United Arab Emirates agriculture industry market?

The United Arab Emirates agriculture industry market is valued at approximately USD 3.6 billion, reflecting a significant growth trend driven by investments in agri-tech, government initiatives for food security, and increasing consumer demand for locally sourced produce.

What are the main drivers of growth in the UAE agriculture industry?

How does the UAE government support food security in agriculture?

What challenges does the UAE agriculture industry face?

Other Regional/Country Reports

Saudi Arabia Agriculture Industry MarketQatar Agriculture Industry Market

Indonesia Agriculture Industry Market

Malaysia Agriculture Industry Market

APAC Agriculture Industry Market

SEA Agriculture Industry Market

Why Buy From Us?

Refine Robust Result (RRR) Framework
Refine Robust Result (RRR) Framework

What makes us stand out is that our consultants follow Robust, Refine and Result (RRR) methodology. Robust for clear definitions, approaches and sanity checking, Refine for differentiating respondents' facts and opinions, and Result for presenting data with story.

Our Reach Is Unmatched
Our Reach Is Unmatched

We have set a benchmark in the industry by offering our clients with syndicated and customized market research reports featuring coverage of entire market as well as meticulous research and analyst insights.

Shifting the Research Paradigm
Shifting the Research Paradigm

While we don't replace traditional research, we flip the method upside down. Our dual approach of Top Bottom & Bottom Top ensures quality deliverable by not just verifying company fundamentals but also looking at the sector and macroeconomic factors.

More Insights-Better Decisions
More Insights-Better Decisions

With one step in the future, our research team constantly tries to show you the bigger picture. We help with some of the tough questions you may encounter along the way: How is the industry positioned? Best marketing channel? KPI's of competitors? By aligning every element, we help maximize success.

Transparency and Trust
Transparency and Trust

Our report gives you instant access to the answers and sources that other companies might choose to hide. We elaborate each steps of research methodology we have used and showcase you the sample size to earn your trust.

Round the Clock Support
Round the Clock Support

If you need any support, we are here! We pride ourselves on universe strength, data quality, and quick, friendly, and professional service.

Why Clients Choose Us?

400000+
Reports in repository
150+
Consulting projects a year
100+
Analysts
8000+
Client Queries in 2022