Falling to a series low
UAE Fish & Seafood Production per Capita moved from 28.34 Kilogram in 2015 to 23.11 Kilogram in 2023 (−18.5%), an average of −2.5% a year. The series high was 28.34 Kilogram in 2015 and the low 23.11 Kilogram in 2023.
What UAE Fish & Seafood Production per Capita shows
UAE Fish & Seafood Production per Capita was 23.11 Kilogram in 2023, down 3.7% on 2022. United Arab Emirates fish and seafood production per Capita from 2015 to 2023 reflects the country’s seafood consumption patterns, marine resource utilization, and ongoing efforts to strengthen domestic fisheries and aquaculture production.
A 18.5% peak-to-trough swing
The gap between the series high (2015) and low (2023) is 5.23 Kilogram. The sharpest single-year move was −4.6% in 2016.
Ranks 16 of 33 countries covered
Among the 33 countries in this dataset, UAE ranks 16 for 2023, behind South Korea (52.82 Kilogram) and Malaysia (51.03 Kilogram). The global figure for 2023 is 19.93 Kilogram, so UAE is above it.
Full series
UAE Fish & Seafood Production per Capita by year
Complete annual series with year-on-year change. Values are reported in Kilogram.
Scroll the table sideways to see all columns.
| Year | Kilogram | Change vs prior year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 Trough | 23.11 | −3.7% |
| 2022 | 24.01 | −4.4% |
| 2021 | 25.12 | −3.5% |
| 2020 | 26.03 | −0.7% |
| 2019 | 26.22 | −3.7% |
| 2018 | 27.22 | +0.2% |
| 2017 | 27.17 | +0.4% |
| 2016 | 27.05 | −4.6% |
| 2015Peak | 28.34 | — |
Regional context
How UAE compares in Asia
Fish & Seafood Production per Capita by country, 2023, Kilogram. UAE is highlighted.
1South Korea52.82
2Malaysia51.03
3China41.68
4Indonesia40.42
5Vietnam40.06
6Taiwan30.40
7Thailand28.62
10UAE23.11
Data definition
Inclusions and exclusions
Fish & Seafood Production per Capita — Fish and seafood availability per capita refers to the estimated amount of fish and seafood available for consumption by an average person in a country during a year, measured in kilograms per person per year. The indicator represents food availability based on national food supply calculations, including domestic production, imports, exports, and changes in stocks. In Our World in Data, this metric is presented as a country-level time series, allowing comparison of fish and seafood availability trends across different years. The data is measured in kilograms per person per year and reflects the quantity of fish and seafood available within the food system rather than actual individual consumption.
The data includes fish and seafood products available for human consumption, covering a broad range of aquatic food categories such as marine fish, freshwater fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and other seafood products. The indicator incorporates supply-side factors including domestic fisheries production, aquaculture output, imports, exports, and stock adjustments to estimate annual food availability. The dataset is compiled from international food balance statistics and provides country-wise estimates for the selected time period. Values are calculated on a per capita basis by dividing total available fish and seafood supply by the population of each country.
The data does not represent actual individual consumption, dietary intake, or household-level seafood purchasing behavior. It does not measure nutritional quality, protein content, food waste, or differences in consumption patterns among population groups. The indicator excludes non-food uses of fish and seafood products, such as industrial applications, animal feed, and other commercial uses. It also does not directly measure fisheries sustainability, environmental impacts, or the economic value of the seafood industry. Differences may occur due to variations in statistical reporting methods, population estimates, trade data accuracy, and food supply accounting systems used across countries.
About this indicator
Fish & Seafood Production per Capita — Fish and seafood availability per capita refers to the estimated amount of fish and seafood available for consumption by an average person in a country during a year, measured in kilograms per person per year. The indicator represents food availability based on national food supply calculations, including domestic production, imports, exports, and changes in stocks. In Our World in Data, this metric is presented as a country-level time series, allowing comparison of fish and seafood availability trends across different years. The data is measured in kilograms per person per year and reflects the quantity of fish and seafood available within the food system rather than actual individual consumption.
With a long coastline along the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, the UAE has developed a seafood sector supported by traditional fishing activities, commercial fisheries, and modern aquaculture initiatives. Fish and seafood availability showed a gradual decline during the period, decreasing from 28.34 kilograms per person in 2015 to 23.11 kilograms in 2023.
From 2015 to 2018, fish and seafood availability remained relatively stable, declining slightly from 28.34 kilograms to 27.22 kilograms per capita. This period reflected consistent seafood demand supported by local fishing activities and imports that contribute to maintaining the country’s food supply. However, from 2019 onwards, availability began to decrease gradually, reaching 26.22 kilograms in 2019 and 26.03 kilograms in 2020.
The decline continued between 2021 and 2023, with fish and seafood availability reducing from 25.12 kilograms in 2021 to 24.01 kilograms in 2022 and 23.11 kilograms in 2023. The downward trend reflects changes in domestic fisheries production, resource availability, consumer demand patterns, and market conditions influencing seafood supply. Despite this decline, seafood remains an important part of the UAE’s food culture and retail food sector.
The UAE fish and seafood industry includes marine capture fisheries, aquaculture farming, seafood trading, and processing activities. The country has been investing in sustainable aquaculture technologies, fish farming projects, and marine conservation programs to improve domestic production capacity. Species such as grouper, tuna, shrimp, and other coastal fish contribute significantly to seafood consumption.
Overall, the 2015–2023 trend indicates a moderate reduction in fish and seafood availability, while the sector continues to play an important role in food security and economic development. Future growth will depend on expanding aquaculture production, improving fisheries management, and adopting sustainable practices to ensure a reliable seafood supply in the UAE.
- Indicator
- Fish & Seafood Production per Capita
- Country
- UAE
- Region
- Asia
- Unit
- Kilogram
- Coverage
- 2015–2023, annual
- Category
- Retail & Consumer
- Last updated
- August 2026
- Source
- Our World in Data
Cite this dataset
Using this data in a report, paper or presentation? Copy a formatted citation.
Copied
Frequently asked questions
What is UAE Fish & Seafood Production per Capita?
Fish and seafood availability per capita refers to the estimated amount of fish and seafood available for consumption by an average person in a country during a year, measured in kilograms per person per year. The indicator represents food availability based on national food supply calculations, including domestic production, imports, exports, and changes in stocks. In Our World in Data, this metric is presented as a country-level time series, allowing comparison of fish and seafood availability trends across different years. The data is measured in kilograms per person per year and reflects the quantity of fish and seafood available within the food system rather than actual individual consumption.
What was UAE Fish & Seafood Production per Capita in 2023?
UAE Fish & Seafood Production per Capita was 23.11 Kilogram in 2023, down 3.7% on 2022.
How has UAE Fish & Seafood Production per Capita changed between 2015 and 2023?
UAE Fish & Seafood Production per Capita moved from 28.34 Kilogram in 2015 to 23.11 Kilogram in 2023 (−18.5%), an average of −2.5% a year. The series high was 28.34 Kilogram in 2015 and the low 23.11 Kilogram in 2023.
Which year had the highest and lowest UAE Fish & Seafood Production per Capita?
The highest value was 28.34 Kilogram in 2015 and the lowest was 23.11 Kilogram in 2023.
What does the UAE Fish & Seafood Production per Capita data include and exclude?
Included: The data includes fish and seafood products available for human consumption, covering a broad range of aquatic food categories such as marine fish, freshwater fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and other seafood products. The indicator incorporates supply-side factors including domestic fisheries production, aquaculture output, imports, exports, and stock adjustments to estimate annual food availability. The dataset is compiled from international food balance statistics and provides country-wise estimates for the selected time period. Values are calculated on a per capita basis by dividing total available fish and seafood supply by the population of each country. Excluded: The data does not represent actual individual consumption, dietary intake, or household-level seafood purchasing behavior. It does not measure nutritional quality, protein content, food waste, or differences in consumption patterns among population groups. The indicator excludes non-food uses of fish and seafood products, such as industrial applications, animal feed, and other commercial uses. It also does not directly measure fisheries sustainability, environmental impacts, or the economic value of the seafood industry. Differences may occur due to variations in statistical reporting methods, population estimates, trade data accuracy, and food supply accounting systems used across countries.
Where does the UAE Fish & Seafood Production per Capita data come from?
The series is sourced from Our World in Data (https://ourworldindata.org/explorers/global-food?tab=table&time=2015..2023&country=USA~DEU~FRA~GBR~BRA~ZAF%3BhideControls&Food=Fish+and+seafood&Metric=Food+available+for+consumption&Per+capita=true&Unit=Kilograms+per+year). It covers 2015–2023 and is reported in Kilogram.
Need more data?
Get in touch with our research team
Need a longer historical series, a custom country set, additional dimensions, or a tailored dataset? Send us your requirement.