Dairy Industry in the United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates is home to approximately 75,000 dairy cattle, producing around 283,000 liters of milk annually. Given the challenging climate conditions, the UAE employs advanced farming techniques and relies on imports to meet its livestock needs.

Milk Processing and Cheese Production

The UAE processes both locally sourced and imported milk to produce a diverse range of dairy products. With increasing urbanization and evolving dietary preferences, cheese production in the UAE has reached an estimated 60,000 tons per year, reflecting the changing tastes of the population.

Milk Powder and Whey Production

Due to its strategic trade position, the UAE places a significant emphasis on milk powder and whey production. This focus not only strengthens the domestic dairy sector but also positions the UAE as a potential exporter to neighboring regions.

Key Dairy Plants and Farms

Significant players in the UAE dairy industry include Al Ain Dairy, Al Rawabi Dairy Company, and The National Dairy Company. These companies are crucial to the growth and innovation within the sector, driving sustainability efforts.

Significant Market Events

Recent developments in the UAE dairy market include the establishment of the Pure Ice Cream facility in Dubai Industrial City, with an AED 80 million investment aimed at local production and innovation. Additionally, the Al Qou’a Dairy Plant demonstrates the UAE's commitment to sustainability.

Export and Import of Dairy Products

The UAE is a key importer of dairy products, including 17,000 tons of whole fresh milk in 2024. The country's export capabilities have been enhanced, exemplified by the export of 90 tons of butter to Russia in November 2024.

Upcoming Events and Developments

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

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

Insights from industry experts, such as Andrey Dvoychenkov at the 2025 Dairy Olympics, highlight consumer trends in the Middle East and North Africa. Ahmed Eltigani Elmansouri of Al Rawabi Dairy shares a vision for 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. Additionally, the UAE invests in biotechnology, such as camel cloning, to enhance food security and preserve cultural heritage.

In June, H&N successfully 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 is also engaged in exporting rice to the United Arab Emirates, showcasing a renewed focus on foreign trade to boost economic growth.

Wide participation from the UAE in the WorldFood Istanbul exhibition further highlights its active 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.

Modified: 2025/08/24

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