Dairy Industry in the United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has established a significant presence in the global dairy industry, demonstrating resilience against the challenges posed by its arid climate. The country's dairy sector is supported by a herd of approximately 75,000 dairy cattle, yielding an annual milk production of about 283,000 liters. This production caters to local demands and underpins a vibrant dairy processing sector.

Milk Processing and Cheese Production

Urbanization and evolving consumer preferences have fueled substantial growth in the UAE's dairy processing sector. Cheese production stands out with an annual output of around 60,000 tons, reflecting the increasing 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, creating 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 are pivotal to the UAE dairy industry, with a focus on growth, innovation, and sustainability.

Significant Market Events

Notable 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 underscores 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, highlighting its active participation in international dairy trade.

Upcoming Events and Developments

Upcoming events such as The Dairy Olympics 2025 in Al Ain and the Al Wathba Livestock Festival are noteworthy. The UAE is also strengthening 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

Experts like Andrey Dvoychenkov and Ahmed Eltigani Elmansouri offer insights into consumer trends across the Middle East and North Africa, with Elmansouri advocating for a shift towards technological advancements such as AI-powered farms.

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, like camel cloning, aim to enhance food security and preserve cultural heritage.

Recycling Initiatives

Tetra Pak has established 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.

Gulfood Exhibition

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

The UAE imports approximately 80–90% of its total food consumption, producing roughly 250–300 thousand tonnes of fresh milk annually through industrial-scale operations. However, it remains heavily reliant on imported feed, breeding genetics, veterinary inputs, machinery, and specialized dairy ingredients. The UAE is the largest buyer of Pakistani fodder, with imports amounting to $33.2 million in the fiscal year ending in June. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz impacts maritime exports to the UAE, affecting dairy imports. The UAE's dependency on international dairy supply is highlighted by its import of approximately $170 worth of dairy products per capita annually.

Modified: 2026/03/16