Global Perspectives on Middle East Seafood Market Growth: 2025-2033 Insights

Key Insights

The Middle East seafood market, valued at $21.73 billion in 2025, is projected to experience robust growth, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.20% from 2025 to 2033. This expansion is driven by several key factors. Rising disposable incomes across the region are fueling increased demand for premium seafood products, particularly among the growing middle class. The increasing popularity of diverse cuisines, including Japanese, Korean, and Mediterranean, which heavily feature seafood, further contributes to market growth. Tourism's positive impact on seafood consumption in key markets like the UAE and Oman is also significant. Furthermore, government initiatives promoting sustainable fishing practices and aquaculture development are expected to positively influence the long-term supply and availability of seafood. While challenges exist, such as fluctuations in global seafood prices and potential supply chain disruptions, these are likely to be mitigated by the region's strong import networks and diversification strategies.

The market segmentation reveals valuable insights. The "off-trade" distribution channel (supermarkets, retailers) likely dominates, reflecting consumer preference for convenience. Frozen seafood likely holds a considerable market share due to its extended shelf life and ease of storage, while canned seafood caters to a price-sensitive segment. Among seafood types, fish and shrimp are major contributors, reflecting prevalent culinary habits and cultural preferences. Key players like Enhance Group Holding Company Limited, Almunajem Foods, and National Fishing Company K S C are driving innovation and expansion, investing in processing facilities, distribution networks, and sustainable sourcing. Geographical variations exist, with the UAE and Saudi Arabia anticipated to remain leading markets due to high population density, economic strength, and established seafood retail infrastructure. The continued expansion of the food service industry, including high-end restaurants and hotels, is predicted to fuel growth in the "on-trade" segment over the forecast period.

Middle East Seafood Market: A Comprehensive Report (2019-2033)

This in-depth report provides a comprehensive analysis of the Middle East seafood market, offering invaluable insights for industry stakeholders. With a study period spanning 2019-2033, a base year of 2025, and a forecast period of 2025-2033, this report leverages historical data (2019-2024) to predict future market trends and opportunities. The market is valued at xx Million in 2025 and is projected to reach xx Million by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of xx%. Key players like Enhance Group Holding Company Limited, Almunajem Foods, and National Fishing Company K S C are analyzed, along with segments including fish, shrimp, other seafood, and various distribution channels and forms.

Middle East Seafood Market Concentration & Dynamics

The Middle East seafood market exhibits a moderately concentrated landscape, with a few major players holding significant market share. Enhance Group Holding Company Limited and Almunajem Foods, for example, are estimated to collectively hold approximately xx% of the market share in 2025. However, the presence of numerous smaller, regional players fosters competition.

Market Dynamics:

• Innovation Ecosystems: The market is witnessing increasing investments in sustainable aquaculture and seafood processing technologies.
• Regulatory Frameworks: Government regulations focusing on food safety and traceability are shaping market practices.
• Substitute Products: Plant-based seafood alternatives are emerging, posing a mild competitive threat.
• End-User Trends: Growing health consciousness and demand for premium seafood are driving market growth.
• M&A Activities: The report identifies xx M&A deals in the period 2019-2024, indicating strategic consolidation within the sector.

Middle East Seafood Market Industry Insights & Trends

The Middle East seafood market is experiencing robust growth, fueled by several key factors. Rising disposable incomes, increasing urbanization, and a growing preference for seafood as a healthy and diverse protein source are driving demand. The market size is estimated at xx Million in 2025, reflecting a significant expansion from the previous years. Technological advancements in aquaculture, improved cold chain infrastructure, and the introduction of value-added seafood products contribute to the market's dynamism. Evolving consumer behaviors, particularly a preference for convenient and sustainably sourced seafood, are further shaping the market landscape. Furthermore, the increasing popularity of seafood in the food service industry (restaurants and hotels) also contributes to this growth.

Key Markets & Segments Leading Middle East Seafood Market

The frozen seafood segment holds a dominant position in the Middle East market, accounting for approximately xx% of the total market value in 2025, driven by its extended shelf life and convenience. The Off-Trade distribution channel (supermarkets, hypermarkets) commands the largest share, reflecting the growing preference for at-home consumption.

Key Segment Drivers:

• Fish Segment: High consumption of fish across various cuisines drives strong demand.
• Shrimp Segment: The popularity of shrimp in various culinary preparations boosts segment growth.
• Frozen Form: Convenience and extended shelf life contribute to its dominance.
• Off-Trade Channel: Wider availability and accessibility in retail outlets.

Regional Dominance: The UAE and Saudi Arabia are leading the market due to high per capita seafood consumption, robust economies, and developed retail infrastructure.

Middle East Seafood Market Product Developments

Recent product innovations include value-added seafood products like ready-to-eat meals and marinated seafood, catering to consumer demand for convenience. Technological advancements in packaging, preserving freshness and extending shelf life, are also gaining traction. Companies are focusing on sustainable sourcing practices and eco-friendly packaging to enhance their competitive edge and meet growing consumer demand for responsible seafood consumption.

Challenges in the Middle East Seafood Market Market

The Middle East seafood market faces challenges such as fluctuating seafood prices due to global supply chain disruptions, stringent regulatory requirements impacting import/export operations, and intense competition among numerous players. These factors collectively impact profitability and market growth. Import tariffs and quotas in certain regions also pose significant challenges.

Forces Driving Middle East Seafood Market Growth

Key growth drivers include rising disposable incomes in the region, increased health consciousness leading to higher seafood consumption, government initiatives promoting sustainable aquaculture, and modernization of cold chain infrastructure. Technological advancements in processing and preservation techniques also contribute significantly to market expansion.

Long-Term Growth Catalysts in the Middle East Seafood Market

Long-term growth is projected to be driven by increasing investments in sustainable aquaculture, expansion into new markets, strategic partnerships to enhance supply chain efficiency, and the introduction of innovative seafood products targeting specific dietary needs and preferences.

Emerging Opportunities in Middle East Seafood Market

Emerging opportunities include the growing demand for premium and organic seafood, increasing popularity of online seafood retail, expanding distribution networks into underserved regions, and the exploration of new seafood species to diversify the market offerings.

Leading Players in the Middle East Seafood Market Sector

• Enhance Group Holding Company Limited
• Almunajem Foods
• National Fishing Company K S C
• Oman Fisheries Co SAOG
• Thomsun Group
• Sea Pride LLC
• Albatha Group
• The Deep Seafood Company
• Blue Island PLC
• Yamama Al-Baida Gen Trading & Cont Est

Key Milestones in Middle East Seafood Market Industry

• May 2022: Gulf Japan Food Fund investment in Oman Fisheries Co SAOG, expanding its global reach.
• February 2022: Asmak's strategic distribution agreement with Fish Farm, expanding its market reach through wider distribution channels.

Strategic Outlook for Middle East Seafood Market Market

The Middle East seafood market holds significant growth potential, driven by favorable demographics, rising incomes, and increasing awareness of the health benefits of seafood. Strategic opportunities include investments in sustainable aquaculture, innovative product development, strengthening supply chain resilience, and focusing on market diversification. The focus on sustainability and traceability will be key for long-term success within this market.

Middle East Seafood Market Segmentation

• 1. Type
  • 1.1. Fish
  • 1.2. Shrimp
  • 1.3. Other Seafood
• 2. Form
  • 2.1. Canned
  • 2.2. Fresh / Chilled
  • 2.3. Frozen
  • 2.4. Processed
• 3. Distribution Channel
  • 3.1. Off-Trade
    • 3.1.1. Convenience Stores
    • 3.1.2. Online Channel
    • 3.1.3. Supermarkets and Hypermarkets
    • 3.1.4. Others
  • 3.2. On-Trade

Middle East Seafood Market Segmentation By Geography

• 1. Middle East
  • 1.1. Saudi Arabia
  • 1.2. United Arab Emirates
  • 1.3. Israel
  • 1.4. Qatar
  • 1.5. Kuwait
  • 1.6. Oman
  • 1.7. Bahrain
  • 1.8. Jordan
  • 1.9. Lebanon