With a multicultural population and over 25 million visitors per year, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has a growing demand for poultry and, in niche segments, pork. Chile’s Senate’s recent approval of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between Chile and the UAE paves the way for new opportunities for the domestic meat industry.
The treaty, signed in Abu Dhabi in July 2024 during President Gabriel Boric’s visit, will provide preferential tariffs for 97% of products exported from Chile and 99% of those imported from the UAE. This will strengthen Chile’s competitiveness and integration in a dynamic market that is heavily dependent on food imports.
Pork and chicken: proteins for a multicultural market
Although the country’s Muslim residents do not consume pork, demand for this protein remains high thanks to expatriates and tourists. It is available in specialty supermarkets, hotels, and high-end restaurants.
Chicken is the most widely consumed meat in the UAE, with a strong presence in the retail and food service industries, which makes it a product with great potential for Chilean exporters.
Currently, Chile’s dynamic meat industry exports 56% of its pork and 28% of its chicken, which could increase with the opening of the Emirati market. To capitalize on these opportunities, a robust cold chain and traceability are essential, and the Chilean industry has developed strong capabilities in both areas.
“Opening up the Emirati market to Chilean pork is great news and speaks to the joint efforts of the public and private sectors—led by the Undersecretariat of International Economic Affairs, SAG, and the industry—to diversify our export destinations,” said Juan Carlos Domínguez, president of ChileCarne. He added that the UAE receives more than 25 million tourists annually, and 89% of its population consists of expatriates. This generates significant demand for pork in specialty supermarkets, restaurants, and international cuisine.
For his part, the CEO of ProChile, Ignacio Fernández, pointed out: “This opening is a great chance for our country to enter a market where we didn’t have a presence with this type of product. Last year, we exported more than $63 million USD worth of food to the UAE, including baby food, nuts, raisins, salmon, deep-sea cod, and fresh kiwis. Pork will now expand our product range and reinforce Chile’s reputation as a provider of safe, healthy food.”
A strategic market for Chilean meat in the Middle East
The United Arab Emirates has a GDP per capita of over $47,000 USD, with a service-based economy that relies on trade and luxury tourism. Its population and significant number of international visitors generate a sophisticated demand for imported animal proteins, with a preference for high-quality, safe, and traceable products.
The signing of the CEPA ensures competitive tariffs and streamlined processes, positioning Chile as a reliable supplier for a strategic commercial hub in the Middle East. From Dubai, Chilean products could supply not only the UAE, but also other Gulf markets, such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Qatar, which have high levels of consumption and purchasing power.
Chilean exports meet high standards of safety, traceability, and international certifications, making them a reliable option for a demanding market such as the UAE.
Therefore, Chile gains access not only to a promising market, but also strengthens its foothold in the Middle East.
