Dairy Industry in the United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has carved out a significant presence in the global dairy industry, overcoming challenges posed by its arid climate. With a herd of approximately 75,000 dairy cattle, the country achieves an annual milk production of about 283,000 liters. This production level caters to local demands and fuels a vibrant dairy processing sector.

Milk Processing and Cheese Production

Urbanization and changing consumer preferences have driven substantial growth in the UAE's dairy processing sector. Cheese production is a notable segment, with an annual output of approximately 60,000 tons, reflecting the increasing demand for dairy products in the region.

Milk Powder and Whey Production

The UAE leverages its strategic location as a trade hub to enhance its milk powder and whey production sectors, opening up export opportunities to neighboring regions and beyond.

Key Dairy Plants and Farms

Prominent companies such as Al Ain Dairy, Al Rawabi Dairy Company, and The National Dairy Company are pivotal to the UAE dairy industry, focusing on growth, innovation, and sustainability.

Significant Market Events

Important developments include the establishment of the Pure Ice Cream facility in Dubai Industrial City, supported by an AED 80 million investment. This facility aims to foster local production and innovation. The Al Qou’a Dairy Plant further underscores the UAE's commitment to sustainable practices.

Export and Import of Dairy Products

The UAE is a major importer of dairy products, with plans to import 17,000 tons of whole fresh milk in 2024. On the export front, the country is set to export 90 tons of butter to Russia in November 2024, showcasing its active participation in international dairy trade.

Upcoming Events and Developments

Noteworthy upcoming events include The Dairy Olympics 2025 in Al Ain, focusing on global dairy innovation, and the Al Wathba Livestock Festival. The UAE is also strengthening its economic ties with New Zealand through a Free Trade Agreement.

Market Leaders

Al Rawabi Dairy and Hayatna, part of the Emirates Food Industry group, are recognized as market leaders, significantly influencing the UAE's dairy industry for over two decades.

Consumer Insights

Industry experts such as Andrey Dvoychenkov and Ahmed Eltigani Elmansouri provide valuable insights into consumer trends across the Middle East and North Africa. Elmansouri's vision of a smart AI-powered farm indicates a shift towards technological advancements in the sector.

Innovative Collaborations

The UAE's largest national provider of protein and beverages, Al Ain Farms Group, has partnered with Finnish food-tech company FoodIQ to implement Multi-Layer Cooker (MLC) technology on an industrial scale. Investments in biotechnology, such as camel cloning, aim to enhance food security and preserve cultural heritage.

Recycling Initiatives

Tetra Pak has established two strategic partnerships to advance the recycling value chain of liquid packaging cartons in the UAE, collaborating with Veolia through their RECAPP solution and with TERRAX, a Dubai-based recycler.

Food Security and Safety Initiatives

The UAE hosts Al Ain Farms and the MENA Dairy Congress 2026, supporting the UAE's long-term Food Security Strategy 2051. New food safety standards, including a Digital Traceability System and the Nutri-Mark labeling system, are being implemented to enhance food safety and promote healthier eating habits. Sharjah has opened the Mleiha Dairy Farm, inaugurating a state-of-the-art dairy production complex to boost the emirate's food security and public health.

Gulfood Exhibition

The Gulfood exhibition in Dubai brought together over 8,500 exhibitors from 195 countries, including 12 Ukrainian companies producing dairy products. The MENA Dairy Congress will take place in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates, scheduled for 5–6 November 2026.

The UAE imports approximately 80–90% of its total food consumption. The UAE produces roughly 250–300 thousand tonnes of fresh milk annually, primarily through industrial-scale operations. However, it still relies heavily on imported feed, breeding genetics, veterinary inputs, machinery, and specialized dairy ingredients. The UAE is the largest buyer of Pakistani fodder. In the fiscal year ending in June, the United Arab Emirates accounted for $33.2 million of Pakistan's fodder exports.

Modified: 2026/03/05