Dairy Industry in the United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) emerges as a notable force in the global dairy market, achieving remarkable feats in milk production despite the region's challenging climate. The country manages a herd of approximately 75,000 dairy cattle, contributing to an annual milk production of about 283,000 liters. This capacity supports a dynamic processing sector that caters to both local and international markets.

Milk Processing and Cheese Production

The UAE's dairy processing sector has flourished due to urbanization and evolving consumer dietary preferences. The country places substantial emphasis on cheese production, with an annual output of around 60,000 tons, reflecting the growing demand for dairy products.

Milk Powder and Whey Production

The UAE leverages its strategic location as a trade hub to bolster its milk powder and whey production sectors, enhancing the domestic dairy industry and expanding export opportunities to neighboring regions.

Key Dairy Plants and Farms

Leading companies such as Al Ain Dairy, Al Rawabi Dairy Company, and The National Dairy Company are pivotal players in the UAE dairy industry. These companies drive growth and innovation, with a strong focus on sustainability.

Significant Market Events

Recent developments include the establishment of the Pure Ice Cream facility in Dubai Industrial City, backed by an AED 80 million investment 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, planning to import 17,000 tons of whole fresh milk in 2024. The country's export potential is highlighted by the export of 90 tons of butter to Russia in November 2024.

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. Additionally, the UAE is strengthening 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 as market leaders, having influenced the UAE's dairy industry for over two decades.

Consumer Insights

Industry experts like Andrey Dvoychenkov and Ahmed Eltigani Elmansouri provide insights into consumer trends in the Middle East and North Africa. Elmansouri envisions the development of a smart AI-powered farm, indicating a shift towards technological advancements in the sector. The UAE's trade relations with Russia have strengthened, showcased by a 7.7-fold increase in Russian dairy exports to the UAE.

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 formalized 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 are being implemented as part of the National Food Safety Strategy, including a Digital Traceability System and the Nutri-Mark labeling system 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 aiming to boost the emirate's food security and public health.

Parag has established a subsidiary in Dubai, targeting markets in the Gulf and East Africa, enhancing growth prospects over the next 18 months.

Al Ain Farms for Livestock Production, the world’s first commercial camel dairy enterprise, is located in the United Arab Emirates and has developed and standardized camel dairy practices, including breeding, milking systems, nutrition, welfare, and sustainable management.

The UAE’s strong focus on food security and local production gives the sector real momentum. Government support for increasing domestic production and reducing import dependence creates a stable environment for investment and long-term planning. The UAE is also building the right infrastructure to support growth, with public-private partnerships and access to funding aiding innovation and scaling.

Modified: 2026/01/22

---