What Makes Dubai the Region’s Gateway for F&B Companies?
With global food demand soaring and the GCC depending on imports for 80% of its food, the pressure is on to ensure food security – and here, Dubai is leading the way.
75% of the UAE’s F&B imports come through Dubai, and with a growing population – expected to reach 7.8 million by 2040, self-sufficiency in food trade is at the top of its agenda.
Beyond its local infrastructure, Dubai’s strategic location and trade agreements further solidify its position as a global F&B hub.
The UAE has signed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs) with over 24 countries. These agreements open access to duty-free trade with more than 25% of the world’s population, ensuring that Dubai remains a key player in global food trade.
The Emirate’s infrastructure is also central to its role as a trade hub. It offers a seamless logistical network and strategic location that connects the region to international markets. It is home to Jebel Ali Port, the Middle East’s largest port, which handles 73% of the UAE’s F&B trade by value and connects businesses to over 150 ports worldwide, ensuring seamless food trade across the globe.
Dubai’s commitment to innovation and sustainable growth is also reflected in government-backed initiatives, like the National Food Security Strategy 2051, which aims to triple the country’s food production by 2030 and reduce its reliance on imports.
At the heart of this trade ecosystem lies Jafza, home to over 760 food and beverage companies and a key driver of Dubai’s expanding food trade sector, which has experienced 12% annual growth over the last five years. In the last year, Jafza has signed landmark agreements for cold chain facilities critical for the perishables industry that underpins global food security. On the sidelines of this year’s Gulfood, Jafza welcomed multiple multinational F&B brands to set up operations in Dubai, offering infrastructure for agro-commodities, snacks & beverages, and spices – driving forward food security and reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global hub for F&B manufacturing, sourcing, processing, and packaging.
Dubai is also set to welcome the largest logistics hub in the world for foodstuffs, fruits, and vegetables, being developed by DP World. It will cater to each segment of the food value chain, including cold chain and category-specific infrastructure tailored to the needs of food producers, processors, wholesalers, and distributors worldwide.
Another major milestone will be the 100,000 sqm agri-terminals facility at Jebel Ali Port which is set to become the city’s largest multi-tenant facility for agricultural processing and storage and expected to generate over AED 1.2 billion in new international trade for the UAE.
As trade shifts toward sustainability and efficiency, is your business ready to tap into Dubai’s potential? Now is the time to explore new opportunities in the region.
