Dairy Industry in the United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has developed a robust dairy industry, marked by impressive achievements in milk production despite the region's arid climate. With approximately 75,000 dairy cattle, the UAE produces about 283,000 liters of milk annually. This production supports a thriving processing sector that serves both local and international markets.

Milk Processing and Cheese Production

The UAE's dairy processing sector has experienced significant growth, driven by urbanization and changing consumer dietary preferences. Cheese production is a key focus, with an annual output of approximately 60,000 tons, indicating a rising demand for dairy products.

Milk Powder and Whey Production

Capitalizing on its strategic location as a trade hub, the UAE has bolstered its milk powder and whey production sectors, enhancing export opportunities to neighboring regions.

Key Dairy Plants and Farms

Prominent companies such as Al Ain Dairy, Al Rawabi Dairy Company, and The National Dairy Company play pivotal roles in the UAE dairy industry. These companies prioritize growth and innovation, with a strong emphasis on 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 aimed at fostering local production and innovation. The Al Qou’a Dairy Plant further highlights 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.

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 envisions the development of a smart AI-powered farm, indicating 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.

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 UAE and has developed and standardized camel dairy practices, including breeding, milking systems, nutrition, welfare, and sustainable management.

The UAE’s focus on food security and local production provides significant momentum for the sector. 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 necessary infrastructure to support growth, with public-private partnerships and access to funding aiding innovation and scaling.

The MENA Dairy Congress will take place on 30–31 March 2026 in Al Ain, UAE. The Congress is positioned as a key international industry platform for the development of the dairy sector in the Middle East and North Africa. Demand for British cheese, particularly Cheddar, has seen a steady increase, with the UAE being part of the Gulf Cooperation Council, the second-largest export market for UK dairy products outside Europe. The country is associated with multiple participants in the MENA Congress, and UAE is represented by speakers such as Habiba Al Mar’ashi, Sergei Kiselev, Yashica Hikel, Milana Boskovic, Ikita Sharma, Mallak Abdelqader, and Abdul Raziq Kakar.

Shoppers remain highly value-driven, despite low inflation. Private label is gaining strong momentum as retailers expand their dairy ranges—now competing on quality and health benefits, not just price.

UAE was a source of breeding animal imports to Kazakhstan.

Part of the increase in import of breeding animals.

Modified: 2026/02/13