UAE Dairy Products Market, By Type, By Distribution Channel, By Region, Competition Forecast & Opportunities, 2026

UAE Dairy Products Market, By Type (Dairy Milk, Ghee & Butter, Ice Cream & Milk Cream, Cheese & Spread, Yogurt, Others), By Distribution Channel (Supermarket/Hypermarket, Grocery Stores, Online & Others), By Region, Competition Forecast & Opportunities, 2026

The UAE dairy products market stood at USD1.66 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach USD2.47 billion at a CAGR of 6.89% by 2026 due to the increasing young population, rising health-conscious consumers and strong per capita personal income. Moreover, increasing demand for flavored and organic dairy products among the UAE population, especially through modern grocery and supermarket channels and changing consumption patterns of consumers are other factors that are fueling the UAE dairy products market. Rising awareness of the benefits of consuming pasteurized milk over raw milk and changing consumer buying behavior are driving the growth in the UAE dairy products market. Furthermore, the growing popularity of low-fat dairy products is generating demand for these products from various population segments, and opening new avenues for companies in the UAE dairy products market.

The buying patterns for dairy products have changed and people are slowly adapting to change in food habits and with this the demand for the value-added dairy products such as, cheese, butter and other products etc. has increased. The increasing demand for dairy products among young population looking to lead an active and healthy lifestyle is expected to play a significant role in driving the UAE dairy products market. With increasing number of lifestyle diseases, the young population is demanding dairy products on a daily basis, as these products are free from adulterants and chemicals and are high in nutritional value. The younger generation is also preferring dairy products due to the fact that they do not contain a high concentration of chemicals and pesticides. The younger generation believes that the lifestyle diseases could be controlled by switching to the healthy dairy products. Due to rising health problems, this has given immense opportunities to manufacturers to cater to this market. The dairy products that were once popular with the older generations and menials are now being considered largely by the younger generations.

Although dairy products are believed to be essential items, the strict COVID-19 lockdown imposed in the UAE slightly affected retail store sales.However, the online channel reported higher sales of dairy products during the lockdown period, as it was the only safe and available option for the consumers.

Koita Foods, a dairy and plant-based drinks company, saw a 350% rise in online sales last year as consumers working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic embraced e-commerce and healthier diets.

UAE dairy products market is divided into the following segments including type, distribution channel, region, and company.In terms of type, the UAE dairy products market is divided into dairy milk, ghee & butter, ice cream & milk cream, cheese & spread, yogurt and others.

Among them, dairy milk dominated the UAE dairy products market with a market share of around 30% in 2020.However, year-on-year trends for dairy milk are declining in the UAE due to increasing consumer preference towards value-added products like organic milk, soy milk, especially among young generations.

The ghee & butter segment is the fastest-growing segment in the forecast period due to longer shelf life and growing demand from the food industry.

Based on distribution channel segment, the UAE dairy products market is segmented into supermarket/hypermarket, grocery stores, online & others. Among them, supermarket/hypermarket segment is dominating the UAE dairy products market due to the availability of all variety of dairy products in supermarkets.
Based on region, the UAE dairy products market is segmented into Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and rest of UAE. Among which, Dubai accounted for the majority of market share in the UAE dairy products market on account of increasing population and rising gross domestic income, and per capita personal income.
Some of the major players operating in the UAE dairy products market are Almarai Company, Al Rawabi Dairy Co Llc, Al Ain Farms, Gulf & Safa Dairies Co LLC, Marmum Dairy Farm LLC and Others.

Years considered for this report:

Historical Years: 2016-2019
Base Year: 2020
Estimated Year: 2021E
Forecast Period: 2022F-2026F

Objective of the Study:

• To analyze the historical growth in the market size of the UAE dairy products market from 2016 to 2020.
• To estimate and forecast the market size of UAE dairy products market from 2021 to 2026 and growth rate until 2026.
• To define, classify and forecast the UAE dairy products market based on type, distribution channel, region, and company.
• To analyze and forecast the UAE dairy products market size with respect to type (dairy milk, ghee & butter, ice cream & milk cream, cheese & spread, yogurt and others)
• To analyze and forecast the UAE dairy products market size with respect to distribution channel.
• To scrutinize the detailed market segmentation and forecast the market size based on four regions, namely – Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Rest of UAE.
• To examine competitive developments such as expansions, new product launches, government policy and investments and new entrants in the UAE dairy products market.
• To strategically profile leading players operating in the UAE dairy products market.
The analyst performed both primary as well as exhaustive secondary research for this study.Initially, the analyst sourced a list of leading dairy products companies across the UAE.

Subsequently, the analyst conducted primary research surveys with the identified companies.While interviewing, the company personnel were also enquired about their key products, prices of products and competitors.

Through this technique, the analyst was able to include the manufacturers which could not be identified due to the limitations of secondary research. The analyst examined the type, distribution channel, and regional presence of all major dairy products companies across the country.
The analyst calculated the UAE dairy products market size using a top-down approach, where manufacturers’ value share data for type, distribution channel was recorded and forecast for the future years. The analyst sourced these values from industry experts and company representatives and externally validated through analyzing historical sales data of respective segments to arrive at the overall market size.

Various secondary sources such as company annual reports, World Bank, International Trade Centre, press releases, industry magazines, industry reports, news dailies, credible paid databases and proprietary databases were also studied by the analyst.

Key Target Audience:

• Dairy products manufacturers/importers, suppliers, distributors, and other stakeholders.
• Trade associations, organizations, forums, and alliances related to dairy products market.
• Government bodies such as regulating authorities and policy makers.
• Market research and consulting firms.
The study is useful in providing answers to several critical questions that are important for industry stakeholders, such as dairy products manufacturers, distributors and dealers. The study would also help them in deciding which market segments should be targeted over the coming years to strategize investments and capitalize on growth of the market.

Report Scope:

In this report, UAE dairy products market has been segmented into the following categories in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:
• UAE Dairy Products Market, By Type:
o Dairy Milk
o Ghee & Butter
o Ice Cream & Milk Cream
o Cheese & Spread
o Yogurt
o Others
• UAE Dairy Products Market, By Distribution Channel:
o Supermarket /Hypermarket
o Grocery stores
o Online
o Others
• UAE Dairy Products Market, By Region:
o Dubai
o Abu Dhabi
o Sharjah
o Rest of UAE

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies operating in the UAE dairy products market.

Available Customizations:

With the given market data, we offers customizations according to a company’s specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:
Channel Partner Analysis
• Detailed list of distributors and dealers across all major regions.

Company Information

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).