How to get Buyer Meetings in the UAE

How to Seal the Deal & Get those Crucial Buyer Meetings in the UAE

Planning to exhibit at Free From & Fine Food Dubai? Or exploring the UAE as a potential market? This webinar is your essential prep toolkit. Learn how to secure those all-important buyer meetings and maximise your time in-market.

In this session, you’ll discover:

A snapshot of the UAE retail and food service landscape
How to identify the right buyers, retailers, and distributors
Tools and strategies for effective outreach and introductions
Cultural insights to build long-term partnerships
How to use LinkedIn, WhatsApp, and your existing network for market access
Tips to prepare and stand out at Free From Dubai

Who Should Watch?

Brands planning to exhibit or attend Free From & Fine Food Dubai
Brands planning to exhibit or attend the Gulfood or Arab Health exhibition
Export-ready businesses eyeing the Middle East market
Marketing and export managers looking for practical strategies to generate leads in the UAE

Why consider the UAE for export?

The United Arab Emirates presents a unique and dynamic export opportunity, particularly for Free From and premium food and drink brands. With a population that is 90% expat, the country offers access to a highly diverse consumer base with wide-ranging tastes, preferences, and purchasing behaviours. This international mix is also supported by high levels of disposable income and a growing demand for health-conscious and wellness-focused products. As one of the world’s most visited destinations, the UAE’s booming tourism industry continues to drive demand across the HoReCa (Hotel, Restaurant, Café) sector.

However, succeeding in this market requires more than just a great product, it’s a region where business is built on personal relationships and trust. Understanding and embracing the cultural nuances of how business is done in the UAE is essential for creating lasting partnerships and achieving long-term export success.

Key Takeaways

Do Your Research and Define Your Route to Market
Understand where your product fits best, whether that’s grocery retail, pharmacies, foodservice, or specialty outlets—and decide whether to go direct or work with a distributor.
Start Outreach Early and Use the Right Tools
Identify key contacts before the event using LinkedIn, embassies, chambers, and your network. The earlier you begin, the better prepared you’ll be.
Build Relationships, Not Just Sales Leads
Business in the UAE is personal. Be open to sharing who you are, not just what your business does, and invest time in building trust and rapport.
Leverage WhatsApp for Faster Communication
WhatsApp is widely used in the Gulf and often far more effective than email for establishing and maintaining business conversations.
Be Clear, Persistent and Culturally Aware
Keep your outreach professional, friendly and tailored, demonstrate that you’ve done your homework and be ready to follow up more than once.
Maximise Your Time In-Market
Arrange meetings around the show, join activities like retail safaris, and get out to visit stores, don’t wait until you’re home to take action.

Related Resources

International Tradeshow Checklist

This free downloadable checklist walks you through every stage of preparation, from setting objectives and budgeting, to logistics, lead capture and final-week essentials. It’s the ultimate planning tool to help you stay organised, maximise your impact and make your international exhibition a success.

ACCESS HERE

Looking for Expert Support?

Ready to explore your export potential in the UAE? If you’d like tailored advice on how to prepare exhibitions in Dubai, connect with buyers, or understand your best route to market, we’d love to help. Book a free 15-minute intro call with the Bolst Global team using the form below.