EXPORT OPPORTUNITIES IN

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a country in Western Asia of around 9.6 million inhabitants. It is part of the larger regional organisation, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), along with Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. The whole region comprises of 65 million inhabitants.

Revenue from the food and beverage industry is expected to reach USD194 million in 2020. Food consumption is estimated to reach 59.2 million tonnes by 2021. In 2018, total imports amounted to USD6.9 billion, the major trading partners being Brazil, the United States and the United Kingdom.

High growth categories in the UAE are: Savory Snacks, Sweet spreads, Baby food, Processed meat and seafood, Sauces, dressings and condiments, Breakfast cereals, Rice, pasta and noodles, Baked goods, Ready meals. In the Health category, consumers are looking more and more for alternatives such as organic, vegan and gluten-free options. 

If you are a brand within these categories, then doing business in the UAE might bring you great opportunities. Always be mindful of local tastes, preferences and regulations, meaning you will need to conduct thorough R&D to adapt to consumers’ needs.

Below are some of the current export opportunities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), this page is continuously updated so please check back.

If you would like your opportunity listing on our website, please get in touch via the relevant contact forms listed at the bottom of this page

Energy Gels

A pharmacy chain is looking for a range of energy gels to exclusively import. The brand should not currently be available in the market and have an assortment of at least 5-6 SKU’s

Protein shakes

A long-standing distributor is seeking RTD high protein shakes that have a minimum 12 month shelf life and are not avaialble in the UAE at present but wanting to enter and willing to make the packaging UAE market compliant

Pet food/pet care items

A well established distributor is looking to source a range of pet food, treats or pet care items which are not currently available in the UAE market

Feminine hygiene

A distributor is looking for an innovative eco-friendly range of feminine hygiene products to bring into the UAE grocery retail market. Should not be available in the market already.

Fertility supplements

In sachets, minimum 5000 packs to begin with of both female and male developed formulations

Bulk capsules and tablets

A distributor supplying the wider MENA region is looking for a GMP accredited or ISO22000 facility who are able to provide high volumes of halal friendly bulk capsules and tablets.

Liposomal Supplements

A beauty focused distributor is seeking a range of liposomal supplements to add to their present portfolio and customer base of high end retailers, pharmacy chains and department stores. Ideally a brand not currently present in the UAE

Marine collagen protein bars

A retailer is seeking a marine collagen layered protein bar manufacturer to support their growing range of private label snack brands

Carbonated Preworkout RTD in a can

A retailer is seeking a low MOQ manufacturer who can produce this kind of soft beverages

Kids biscuits for lunchboxes

A retailer is looking for mini portion size snacks, biscuits and more for children’s school lunchboxes. Must be allergen free and ideally not already available in the UAE.

British brands/produce

A distributor already importing and specialising in traditional British produce is looking to expand their retail offerings with more British brands ready to enter the UAE and work exclusively

Product Application Form

If you would like to submit your product/s for consideration for any of the above opportunities, please complete the form below.

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    Past Opportunities

    Organic Konjac Noodles

    An organic retailer is seeking organic konjac noodles for their stores and ideally to offer in their own private label

    Keto Carbonated Drink

    A large health and nutrition retailer is looking for a private label supplier who can manufacture a Keto Coca-Cola style drink with added MCT oil, electrolytes and amino acids.

    Vegan Pies

    A UAE distributor focusing on plant-based and healthy products is looking  for a manufacturer of vegan savoury pies

    Chilled Halal Certified Pizzas

    A UAE retailer is seeking chilled halal certified meat pizzas for their shoppers.

    The pizzas should have the longest possible shelf life and have halal certification that is in line with the ESMA requirements from the UAE.

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    Opportunities are listed free of charge. Contact details are NOT displayed and all product applications are verified before sending to you.