Dairy Industry in the United Arab Emirates

Dairy Cattle and Milk Production

The United Arab Emirates faces a challenging climate that limits the number of dairy cattle to approximately 75,000. These cattle contribute to an annual milk production volume of around 283,000 liters. To enhance milk yields, the UAE employs advanced farming techniques and frequently relies on imports to supplement livestock needs.

Milk Processing and Cheese Production

The UAE's dairy industry processes both locally sourced and imported milk to produce a wide range of dairy products. Urbanization and changing dietary preferences have driven cheese production to an estimated 60,000 tons per year, reflecting the evolving tastes of the UAE population.

Milk Powder and Whey Production

Given its strategic trade position, the UAE emphasizes milk powder and whey production, strengthening its domestic dairy sector and positioning itself as a potential exporter to neighboring regions.

Key Dairy Plants and Farms

Prominent dairy enterprises in the UAE include Al Ain Dairy, Al Rawabi Dairy Company, and The National Dairy Company. These key players significantly contribute to the sector's growth and evolution.

Significant Market Events

A major development in the UAE's dairy industry was the establishment of the Pure Ice Cream facility in Dubai Industrial City, which represents an AED 80 million investment in local production and innovative products. Another notable initiative is the Al Qou’a Dairy Plant, underscoring the UAE's commitment to sustainability within its dairy sector.

Export and Import of Dairy Products

The UAE is a key importer of dairy products, including milk, cheese, and butter, importing 17,000 tons of whole fresh milk in 2024. The recent launch of initiatives like the Pure Ice Cream facility has bolstered export capabilities, exemplified by the export of 90 tons of butter to Russia in November 2024.

Upcoming Events and Developments

• The Dairy Olympics 2025: Scheduled from April 7-11, 2025, in Al Ain, this event will focus on dairy innovation globally.
• Al Wathba Livestock Festival: Running until January 28, it accompanies the Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Agricultural Excellence Award.
• Free Trade Agreement: Strengthening economic relations and trade with New Zealand.
• Gulfood Trade Show: Hosted in Dubai, this event will highlight halal export standards for British dairy products.

Market Leaders

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

Consumer Insights

Insights shared by Andrey Dvoychenkov at the 2025 Dairy Olympics highlighted consumer trends in the Middle East and North Africa. Meanwhile, Ahmed Eltigani Elmansouri of Al Rawabi Dairy outlined a vision for a smart AI-powered farm. Notably, Russian dairy exports to the UAE have surged 7.7 times, showcasing strengthened trade relations.

While the UAE is often compared to Saudi Arabia as a regional business hub, a subtle yet palpable sense of competition exists between the two, with both striving to be recognized as the regional leader in business and trade.

Modified: 2025/05/18

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