The sesame seed market in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is experiencing steady growth, driven by a combination of traditional culinary uses, modern health trends, and a growing demand for high-quality, nutritious foods. As a nation with a rich history of trade and cultural exchange, the UAE has long been familiar with sesame seeds, incorporating them into traditional dishes like hummus, falafel, and baklava. These seeds have been a key part of Middle Eastern cuisine for centuries and continue to be widely used in both home cooking and the hospitality industry. As a hub for international trade and a global marketplace, the UAE serves as an important transit point for sesame seeds sourced from regions like Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Despite a relatively low domestic production of sesame seeds, the UAE imports a significant amount to meet its demand. The diverse demographic of the country, including both locals and expatriates, fuels a dynamic and expanding market for sesame-based products.

UAE residents are increasingly embracing plant-based and nutritious foods, making sesame seeds a sought-after ingredient due to their high protein content, essential fatty acids, and minerals like calcium and magnesium. The market is also benefitting from UAE’s growing food processing industry, where sesame is used in the production of health snacks, energy bars, dressings, and cosmetic products. The cosmetic industry, in particular, has seen increased interest in sesame oil, prized for its moisturizing and anti-aging properties. According to the research report "UAE Sesame Seed Market Research Report, 2030," published by Actual Market Research, the UAE sesame seed market is anticipated to grow at more than 4.70% CAGR from 2025 to 2030. The UAE’s health conscious population is one of the primary drivers of sesame seed consumption. As more consumers shift toward plant-based diets, sesame seeds, with their high nutritional profile, are increasingly being recognized as a valuable addition to vegan, vegetarian, and flexitarian diets.

Rich in protein, fiber, and unsaturated fats, sesame seeds are considered a superfood by many, leading to their use in a variety of energy bars, protein shakes, and smoothies. In line with global trends, there has been a growing demand for organic and sustainably sourced sesame products. UAE consumers, particularly the younger, urban demographic, are showing a marked preference for foods that are free from artificial chemicals, preservatives, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The UAE’s tourism industry further supports this trend, as international visitors seek out familiar yet healthier alternatives in their meals. The UAE’s role as a regional trading hub facilitates the importation of sesame seeds from global markets, ensuring the consistent availability of sesame products. The UAE's strong logistics infrastructure, including its ports and distribution networks, makes it an attractive market for international sesame suppliers.

This allows the country to meet its domestic needs while exporting sesame-based products to neighboring Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. White sesame seeds remain the most widely used variety in the country. These are favored for their mild, nutty flavor and are commonly hulled to improve texture and appearance in foods. They are a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine, used extensively in tahini, baklava, simit, and bread toppings, making them a ubiquitous presence in both homes and foodservice establishments. The UAE’s baking and snack industries rely heavily on white sesame due to its versatility and consumer familiarity. Black sesame seeds, although less common, are growing in popularity, especially among health-conscious and gourmet consumers.

These seeds are valued for their richer taste, higher oil content, and antioxidant properties. They are frequently featured in fusion cuisine, organic snacks, and premium tahini blends, appealing to consumers seeking superfoods and functional nutrition. The brown and red sesame seeds, along with other niche regional types, are also gaining attention. These specialty seeds offer distinctive nutrient profiles, color appeal, and earthy flavors, making them suitable for artisan cooking, high-end restaurants, and wellness products. They are typically sold through specialty retailers and organic stores, reflecting their premium positioning in the market. In the food sector, sesame seeds are foundational to Middle Eastern cuisine and continue to be used in both traditional recipes and modern health foods.

Popular products include tahini, halva, sesame-encrusted bread, and gourmet dips. Sesame’s growing use in plant-based products, such as vegan spreads, energy bites, and protein bars, also reflects its rising status as a functional food ingredient. In the pharmaceutical and wellness sector, sesame oil is appreciated for its medicinal properties, particularly in Ayurvedic and traditional medicine systems. Known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and digestive benefits, sesame oil is used in massage oils, herbal remedies, and oral supplements. With an increasing number of UAE consumers turning to natural health products, sesame oil-based nutraceuticals are seeing steady growth. Its omega-6 fatty acids, lignans, and vitamin E content support its use in formulations targeting heart health, skin conditions, and immunity enhancement.

The cosmetic and personal care industry in the UAE has also adopted sesame oil as a base ingredient in various skin and hair care products. Its ability to deeply moisturize, nourish, and protect the skin makes it ideal for facial serums, lotions, and hair oils. With increasing demand for natural and organic cosmetics, sesame oil’s appeal has broadened across luxury, mass-market, and wellness brands. Other uses include sesame’s incorporation into animal feed particularly sesame cake, a by-product of oil extraction, which is high in protein and beneficial for livestock. Sesame also finds industrial applications in lubricants, biofuels, and eco-friendly formulations, although these remain niche segments in the UAE.Organic sesame seeds, cultivated without synthetic chemicals or genetically modified inputs, are gaining popularity among health-conscious consumers, particularly in urban centers like Dubai and Abu Dhabi. These seeds are perceived as cleaner, safer, and more nutrient-rich, aligning well with the UAE’s growing demand for organic groceries, functional foods, and natural wellness products.

Organic sesame is typically available through premium retail outlets, organic grocery chains, and online platforms that specialize in natural and eco-friendly offerings. Many imported organic sesame seeds come from certified farms in India, Ethiopia, and Sudan, ensuring international quality standards. In the UAE, these seeds are especially favored by those following plant-based, gluten-free, or detox diets. Conventional sesame seeds still dominate the market due to their cost-effectiveness and widespread availability. These are typically used in mass-market food products, from bread rolls to sweet confections, and remain the choice of large-scale food processors and manufacturers. For everyday consumers, conventional sesame seeds offer a budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on flavor or versatility.Supermarkets and hypermarkets are the most dominant channels, offering a wide range of packaged sesame products, including tahini, whole seeds, sesame oil, and snack items.

Retail chains like Carrefour, Lulu Hypermarket, and Spinneys provide easy access to both domestic and imported brands, often featuring multiple sesame varieties such as hulled, unhulled, and organic. Convenience stores and corner shops, although limited in shelf space, play a vital role in distributing ready-to-eat sesame snacks and small sesame oil bottles for on-the-go consumption. The rise of online retail has significantly changed the sesame distribution landscape in the UAE. Platforms such as Amazon.ae, Noon, and local organic e-shops provide access to a broader array of sesame products, including premium, niche, and imported options not commonly available in physical stores. E-commerce appeals to tech-savvy, health-conscious consumers who value convenience, product variety, and home delivery. Online platforms also facilitate the direct-to-consumer sale of artisan tahini, specialty oils, and vegan-friendly sesame-based snacks, allowing small producers and wellness brands to reach new audiences.

The specialty health stores, pharmacies, and wholesale distributors, which serve both end consumers and institutional buyers. For example, sesame-based supplements and oils are sold through pharmacies and wellness stores, targeting those focused on functional health. At the same time, hotels, catering businesses, and restaurants often source bulk sesame through wholesalers or importers. Considered in this report• Historic Year: 2019• Base year: 2024• Estimated year: 2025• Forecast year: 2030Aspects covered in this report• Sesame Seeds Market with its value and forecast along with its segments• Various drivers and challenges• On-going trends and developments• Top profiled companies• Strategic recommendationBy Oil Type • Vegetable Oil • Essential Oils • Mineral Oils • Others (Exotic/Specialty Oils & Blended/Functional Oils) By Application • Skin Care• Hair Care • Body Care • Others By Distribution Channel • Online • Offline (retail stores, pharmacies) • Direct salesThe approach of the report:This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and listing out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual report of companies, analyzing the government generated reports and databases.

After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducted trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we have started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.Intended audienceThis report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to agriculture industry, government bodies and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry..