Dairy Industry in the United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) plays a pivotal role in the global dairy market, leveraging advanced farming techniques to manage approximately 75,000 dairy cattle. This commitment results in an annual milk production of around 283,000 liters, a noteworthy achievement given the region's challenging climate.

Milk Processing and Cheese Production

As urbanization increases and dietary preferences evolve, the UAE has developed a robust processing sector for both locally sourced and imported milk. This development has led to a cheese production volume of approximately 60,000 tons per year, reflecting the changing tastes of the population.

Milk Powder and Whey Production

Strategically positioned as a trade hub, the UAE emphasizes milk powder and whey production. This approach not only bolsters the domestic dairy sector but also positions the UAE as a potential exporter to neighboring regions.

Key Dairy Plants and Farms

Prominent players in the UAE dairy industry include Al Ain Dairy, Al Rawabi Dairy Company, and The National Dairy Company. These companies are instrumental in driving the sector's growth and innovation, with a strong focus on sustainability.

Significant Market Events

Recent market developments include the establishment of the Pure Ice Cream facility in Dubai Industrial City, with an AED 80 million investment directed at 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 remains a crucial importer of dairy products, with plans to import 17,000 tons of whole fresh milk in 2024. The country's export capabilities have also been enhanced, as evidenced by the export of 90 tons of butter to Russia in November 2024.

Upcoming Events and Developments

Key upcoming events include The Dairy Olympics 2025, scheduled for April 7-11, 2025, in Al Ain, focusing on global dairy innovation. Other significant developments include the Al Wathba Livestock Festival and the strengthening of economic relations with New Zealand through a Free Trade Agreement.

Market Leaders

Al Rawabi Dairy and Hayatna, part of the Emirates Food Industry group, are recognized market leaders with over two decades of influence in the UAE dairy sector.

Consumer Insights

Industry experts, such as Andrey Dvoychenkov, highlight consumer trends in the Middle East and North Africa. Ahmed Eltigani Elmansouri of Al Rawabi Dairy envisions a smart AI-powered farm, while Russian dairy exports to the UAE have surged 7.7 times, reflecting strengthened trade relations.

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 FoodIQ’s patented 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.

In June, H&N dispatched a trial batch of 700 kg of cream and ultra-pasteurized milk to the UAE, marking it as a target market for halal dairy exports. Ecuador's engagement in exporting rice to the UAE showcases a renewed focus on foreign trade to drive economic growth.

The UAE's active participation in the WorldFood Istanbul exhibition further highlights its engagement in the global food market.

Location of the Food Security SummitX 2025

The summit will be held in Dubai, UAE, on September 17–18, 2025. The UAE serves as a hub for Super Foods FZCO's laboratories and a strategic location for engaging with the MENA Dairy Congress. Super Foods FZCO operates laboratories in the UAE, conducting sensory, stability, and compliance testing. The MENA Dairy Congress presents a platform for dairy industry innovation and collaboration.

The UAE's trade agreements with India are influenced by dairy policies, with India's dairy protectionism posing challenges for trade agreements with the UAE.

Modified: 2025/10/27

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