<p>This paper identifies the determinants of live animal imports by the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. The methodology includes a qualitative analysis of available economic statistics and a review of relevant theoretical and empirical studies to uncover the drivers of live animal imports. The findings reveal a persistent food trade imbalance with food imports exceeding exports across the Gulf countries. In 2023, the United Arab Emirates had the highest per capita meat demand (US$100), while Oman and Saudi Arabia had the lowest (US$23). Brazil is the dominant exporter of live animals, taking about 24 percent of live animal export market in the United Arab Emirates, 20 percent in Saudi Arabia, 18 percent in Qatar and just over 15 percent in Kuwait. The assessment indicates that Islamic cultural practices related to meat production and consumption are indispensable and safeguarded. Ecological conditions, rising incomes, trade reforms, and logistics are fundamental to determining live animal imports. Culture will continue to shape consumer behaviour related to dietary protein intake. Given that the live animal trade will continue to shape food demand in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, some policy implications exist. The supply-side stakeholders ought to implement the best animal husbandry practices. At the same time, the supply chain networks should ensure the halal authenticity of animal meat as part of Islamic dietary requirements. While aridity constrains commercial-scale animal production, rising incomes are a promising impetus for increased investment towards research and diversification on high-yielding small ruminant species as part of adaptive capacity in the aridity context.</p>