• Home
• Importers
• United Arab Emirates

UAE United Arab Emirates food importers

UAE United Arab Emirates market could be of interest for manufacturers and exporters of canned food.You are able to find here a list of food importers in the United Arab Emirates. The UAE imports about 90% of its food and finished foods. Therefore, they represent a particularly interesting country for food companies in the sector, which have the advantage of being able to offer products of which the local market recognizes and appreciates the high quality level.
The United Arab Emirates is the first market for Italy for food companies in the entire Arab world. Italy ranks seventh overall among the country’s suppliers and third among European partners (after Germany and the United Kingdom).

Food imports are destined to grow due to a number of factors, including the increase in the resident population and the strong demand for imported food products from foreigners living in the country, the significant expansion of the tourism sector and the high number of new hotels and resorts open in the UAE in recent years.

Food importers in the UAE and producers sell directly to retail stores, however major retailers also act as importers for a number of products and sell directly to other retailers. Most retailers are vertically integrated. In addition to retail food, many also import and distribute food to their own stores as well as to competing chains. Some companies also offer catering and shipment management services and may be affiliated with local food processing companies.

If you’re considering exporting preserved food to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), there are several important factors to keep in mind. Let’s delve into the details:
Halal Certification: Religious aspects play a significant role in the UAE. If your preserved food contains any amount of meat, it must have halal certification. Ensure that the halal certification body you use is recognized by the UAE Emirates Authority for Standards and Metrology (ESMA) to avoid import and compliance.
Product Labeling:Your product packaging should include:
Ingredients listed in Arabic: Even if you use a sticker for this purpose.
Manufacture date and expiry date in indelible ink (no more confusing UK “best before” dates).
Nutritional table translated into Arabic: This requirement is set to take effect later this year
Routes to Entry:Consolidators: Many UAE retailers purchase imported goods through intermediaries like consolidators. These consolidators can export small quantities initially to test the market. They handle country of origin stock, labeling, and transportation.
Distributors: Consider working with distributors who can provide local marketing, sales, and distribution support. Choose between large-scale distributors with a wide portfolio or smaller, more focused distributors based on your strategy.

Remember that the UAE is an attractive destination due to its growing expatriate population and status as a fast-growing tourist hotspot. Proper preparation and adherence to local requirements will pave the way for successful food exports to the UAE! 🌴🌮🇦🇪

Dubai is a regional hub and commercial capital for the Middle East, North Africa and beyond. The UAE is a major entry route into other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and an important market for re-export into other countries. Its liberal trade regime attracts capital from across the region.

When exporting preserved food to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), proper labeling is crucial to comply with local regulations. Here are the key requirements for food labels in the UAE:
Commercial Name / Brand Name:The label should include a specific and non-generic description of the food product.
It must accurately reflect the true nature of the foodstuff.
Ingredients List:The ingredients should be listed in descending order based on weight or volume.
Ensure that the list is clearly visible on the packaging.
Bilingual Labels:Given that the UAE serves as a major transshipment point for the Arabic-speaking region, consider using bilingual labels (Arabic/English).

If your canned food product contains any meat or animal-derived ingredients, ensure it has halal certification recognized by the UAE Emirates Authority for Standards and Metrology (ESMA).

Capital city: Abu Dhabi
Main town: Dubai
Surface (km²): 83 600
Population: 7,9 millions (2011); 9,9 millions (2025)
GPD Gross Domestic Product: 360 billion $
GDP/per capita: 67.008 $
Economic sectors: oil and gas; manufacturing activities; tertiary sector (trade, air transport, tourism and financial activities)
Religion: Islam (ufficial religion)
Ufficial language: arab
Currency: dirham, AED
Time zona: 4 hours ahead before the greenwich meridian.

Useful links

Camera di Commercio Italiana negli Emirati Arabi Uniti
Youtube Facebook

Dubai Chamber Dubai Business Women Council.
Established in 2002, under the umbrella of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Dubai Business Women Council is the UAE’s leading platform for the personal and professional development of businesswomen in the Emirate of Dubai.

Dubai Chamber
They are a non-profit public organization whose mission is to represent, support and protect the interests of the business community in Dubai. It does so by creating a favourable environment; promoting Dubai as an international business hub and by supporting the development of business.

Shuraa Tax & Accounting Services L.L.C
Shuraa Tax & Accounting Services L.L.C – they are a group of knowledgeable and qualified accountants, auditors and tax advisories in Dubai, UAE. At Shuraa Tax & Accounting Services L.L.C also referred as Shuraa Tax Consultants and Accountants they offer comprehensive UAE VAT, tax management as well as accounting services in Dubai and various other Emirates.

😥 Any bug here?
❗ Any mistake in this page devoted to the UAE food importers? Do your Company importing canned food in the UAE has been not yet added here? Please inform us by email or whatsapp. Thanks you.

Back to Top