Dairy Industry in the United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has established itself as a notable player in the global dairy industry, characterized by its advanced production capabilities and innovative approaches. Despite the challenges posed by its arid climate, the UAE maintains a dairy cattle herd of approximately 75,000, producing an annual milk output of about 283,000 liters. This production not only satisfies local demand but also supports a dynamic dairy processing sector.

Milk Processing and Cheese Production

Urbanization and shifting consumer preferences have been pivotal in driving the UAE's burgeoning dairy processing industry. Cheese production has reached an impressive annual output of around 60,000 tons, underscoring the growing 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 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 play crucial roles in the UAE's dairy industry, focusing on growth, innovation, and 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. The Al Qou’a Dairy Plant further demonstrates the UAE's commitment to sustainable practices.

Export and Import of Dairy Products

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

Upcoming Events and Developments

Events of interest include The Dairy Olympics 2025 in Al Ain and the Al Wathba Livestock Festival. Additionally, the UAE is enhancing 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 leaders that significantly influence the UAE's dairy industry landscape.

Innovative Collaborations

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 advances the recycling value chain of liquid packaging cartons in the UAE through collaborations with Veolia and TERRAX, a Dubai-based recycler.

Food Security and Safety Initiatives

The UAE hosts Al Ain Farms and the MENA Dairy Congress 2026, reinforcing the country'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.

Gulfood Exhibition

The Gulfood exhibition in Dubai attracted over 8,500 exhibitors from 195 countries, including 12 Ukrainian companies producing dairy products. The MENA Dairy Congress is scheduled for November 5-6, 2026, in Al Ain.

International Trade and Imports

The UAE imports approximately 80-90% of its total food consumption, producing about 250-300 thousand tonnes of fresh milk annually through industrial-scale operations. The country relies heavily on imported feed, breeding genetics, veterinary inputs, machinery, and specialized dairy ingredients.

Unique Product Innovations

Plaquette's Emirate Flag butter, combining four flavors into the shape of the UAE flag, was recognized at the Gulfood Innovation Awards.

Expansion Opportunities

Sudha Dairy targets the UAE as part of its expansion into GCC countries, while Three Robins secures its first export listing through 300 Carrefour stores in Dubai. Camel-based dairy operations in the UAE exemplify locally adapted systems.

Principal Buyer of Saudi Dairy Exports

In 2024, the UAE accounted for 50.5% of Saudi Arabia's drinking-milk export shipments.

Part of Abu Dhabi's Healthy Living Strategy

The UAE focuses on reducing added sugars in dairy products as part of Abu Dhabi's Healthy Living Strategy, promoting healthier food choices to combat non-communicable diseases.

Camelicious and Research Innovations

Camelicious, a UAE-based brand, manages over 6,000 camels using advanced production systems, starting research in 2003.

Notable Increase in US Dairy Exports

The UAE has seen smaller but notable increases in US dairy exports.

Industry Goals and Initiatives

The UAE aims to increase the food industry’s GDP contribution from AED 30 billion to AED 40 billion by 2028. The country plans to increase food trade from AED 25 billion to AED 40 billion, create approximately 20,000 jobs, support up to 200 food companies, and replace AED 2 billion worth of imports with locally manufactured products annually.

Strategic Initiatives

Manish Bandlish oversees strategic initiatives in the UAE, aiming to expand the domestic food industry. By 2028, the UAE plans to increase the food and beverage sector’s GDP contribution from AED 30 billion to AED 40 billion, expand food trade from AED 25 billion to AED 40 billion, create around 20,000 jobs, replace AED 2 billion worth of food imports annually through local production, and support nearly 200 food factories.

Locations for Upcoming Events

Private Label Middle East 2026 will take place at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The 2nd MENA Dairy Congress will take place in Al Ain, UAE, on January 25-26, 2027.

The UAE's dairy market was valued at about $2.53bn in 2025 and is expected to reach $3.28bn by 2031. Dubai represents about 40% of the market. Milk is the largest category, accounting for about 40% of sales, while cheese ranks second. The National Food Security Strategy 2051 supports local production.