UAE Agriculture - Industry - Market, Share and Trends 2023-2028

Summary of Agriculture

The agriculture industry in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) operates within a challenging environment characterized by limited arable land, scarce water resources, and high temperatures. Despite these constraints, the UAE has been striving to enhance its agricultural productivity through innovative practices such as: hydroponics, vertical farming and controlled environment agriculture.

The government’s initiatives aim to achieve food security and sustainability by promoting local production, reducing dependency on imports and optimizing resource utilization. It currently accounts for over 2.50% of the worlds agricultural industry.

According to our estimates – we can say that the agricultural industry in United Arab Emirates is forecasted to be a $6.55 Billion industry in 2029 from $5.08 Billion in 2023 with a CAGR of 4.34%.

The agriculture sector in the United Arab Emirates is expected to make a substantial contribution to the country’s economy. By 2025, it is projected to contribute 5.36 billion dollars to the UAE’s GDP, showing a significant increase from the 4.24 billion dollars contributed in 2021. This growth reflects a healthy increase over the specified period.

The UAE government has been actively encouraging private sector investment in agriculture, both domestically and internationally. Companies from Abu Dhabi have been expanding their agricultural activities to regions like Africa, Asia, and Europe to secure food supplies for the UAE. Initiatives such as issuing “Agri-Tech” licenses and promoting technology-based agriculture are part of the efforts to transition farmers from traditional methods to more innovative and sustainable practices.

Recent Trends and Insights

In recent years, the UAE’s agriculture industry has witnessed a shift towards sustainable and technology-driven farming methods to overcome environmental challenges. Vertical farming and rooftop gardening initiatives are gaining popularity in urban areas, addressing space constraints and promoting local food production.

Additionally— there’s growing interest in organic farming and hydroponic systems, driven by consumer demand for healthier and environmentally friendly produce. The use of smart technologies including— IoT sensors and data analytics, is enhancing crop monitoring and resource management.

The UAE produces a variety of crops that includes—fruits, vegetables and dates. The country’s agricultural landscape showcases a blend of traditional crops and modern farming practices to meet domestic demand and support export activities.

Agriculture in the UAE faces challenges such as: water scarcity, limited arable land and harsh climatic conditions. However— innovative solutions like vertical farming, hydroponics and sustainable irrigation methods present opportunities for overcoming these challenges and enhancing agricultural productivity.

Product Insights

The UAE’s agricultural production primarily focuses on high-value crops such as: fruits, vegetables, and herbs, suited to its climate and market demand. Date palm cultivation remains significant, with the country being one of the leading producers of dates globally.

Additionally— there’s a growing emphasis on greenhouse cultivation of tomatoes, cucumbers, and leafy greens to ensure year-round supply and quality. Livestock farming, particularly camel and dairy production, also contributes to the agricultural sector.

The country’s high per capita food consumption makes it a promising market in the GCC region. Despite being moderately self-sufficient in cereal production, the UAE still relies on imports for cereals. The production of fruits and vegetables has shown positive growth trends, driven by factors like government support, increasing demand for organic products and the adoption of technologies like hydroponics.

Key Companies

Some major players within this vast domain of industry are:

• Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO)
• Al Dahra Holding
• Emirates Agriculture & Livestock Company (Emirates Bio Farm)
• Pure Harvest Smart Farms
• Agthia Group
• International Fish Farming Holding Co. (Asmak)
• Al Rawabi Dairy Company
• Tanmiah Food Group
• Elite Agro
• The Sustainable City

Country Analysis

Different regions within the UAE exhibit varying degrees of agricultural activity and specialization. The northern emirates, including Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah, have favorable conditions for date palm cultivation and traditional farming.

Abu Dhabi and Dubai, the country’s economic hubs, are leading the way in adopting advanced agricultural technologies and vertical farming initiatives. The Al Ain region, known as the “Garden City” of the UAE, has a strong focus on crop production and research, supported by innovative farming practices and research institutions.

In alignment with its goals for economic diversification and food security—the UAE aims to enhance the contribution of the food and agriculture sector by $10 billion over the next five years and plan on creating 20,000 jobs in the process.

This ambitious strategy involves seven key pillars— focusing on local innovation, regulatory standards, farmer support, funding facilitation, research and development, market diversification and nurturing future farmers. These initiatives aim to position the UAE as a global leader in agricultural technology and sustainability while addressing challenges related to food security and economic growth.

Market segmentation

By Type:

• Crop farming
• Livestock farming
• Mixed farming (combination of crop and livestock)
• Aquaculture (farming of fish and other aquatic organisms)
• Horticulture (cultivation of fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants)
• Forestry (management and cultivation of forests)

By End User:

• Commercial farmers
• Small-scale farmers
• Agribusinesses and cooperatives
• Government and research organizations
• Retailers and distributors of agricultural products

By Sub-Sector:

• Arable farming (crops like wheat, corn, rice, etc.)
• Dairy farming (production of milk and dairy products)
• Poultry farming (raising chickens, ducks, and other birds)
• Viticulture (cultivation of grapes for wine production)
• Floriculture (cultivation of flowers)
• Specialty crops (such as herbs, spices, and niche products)

Our Methodology

We have offered a well-founded review of UAE’s agriculture market along with ongoing trends and upcoming projections to highlight proximate investment opportunities in this report. Moreover, an extensive analysis of any prospects, challenges, competitors, or navigating aspects is also provided. A methodical detailed regional examination is presented.

Primary Research  

Our multi-pronged research approach includes interviews with industry leaders and a global survey of advanced manufacturing professionals to gain qualitative insights. We utilize our proprietary databases encompassing key performance indicators worldwide in order to collate relevant data points. A multivariate forecasting framework considering historical performance, current dynamics and qualitative factors are utilized to develop market sizing and growth projections through 2029.

We supplement our primary research with a careful examination of secondary materials such as– case studies, news stories and references from other sources. Organizations can benefit from the strategic advice and conclusions offered because they will be better equipped to respond to the dynamic nature of this industry and seize emerging possibilities.

We employ a comprehensive and iterative research methodology focused on minimizing deviation to provide the most accurate market estimates. Our research utilizes a combination of bottom-up and top-down approaches across segments and utilizes databases, primary research insights and industry experts for analysis.

Raw data is obtained from multiple sources and thoroughly filtered to ensure only authenticated and validated sources are considered. We collect data from raw material suppliers, industry associations, technology providers, and buyers to gain a holistic perspective.

Quantitative Analysis

Our market estimates are derived through statistical models, beginning with collection of historical data and analysis of macro- and micro-economic factors influencing the market. Gathered information on market dynamics, technology and pricing trends are utilised to build the models.

Econometric and technological models are applied to project short- and long-term market potential respectively. A bottom-up approach is preferred to minimize errors. Key parameters considered include market drivers and restraints, material pricing trends, regulatory scenarios, and capacity additions.

Weights are assigned to these parameters based on impact analysis and market forecasting is performed via statistical tools and techniques. We believe this methodology results in an accurate and realistic market picture.