MENA Dairy Congress. Dairy Vision 2050: Traditions and Innovations
The countries of the MENA region represent one of the most dynamically developing areas in the world. According to UN projections, by 2025 the population of the region is expected to increase by 33%, reaching 652 million people. In addition, tourism continues to expand in many MENA nations, with governments investing in various types of tourism—including traditional, business, and investment sectors—while developing major logistics hubs that attract passengers from airlines across the globe.
This rapid development directly impacts the growth of the food industry, particularly agriculture and the dairy sector.
On the other hand, the desert climate, extreme temperatures, and scarcity of freshwater create harsh conditions for traditional agriculture and dairy production. High costs for cooling, artificial irrigation (including desalination), and imported feed (such as alfalfa and soy) result in elevated production costs for local dairy products. For instance, over 80% of the feed base in Saudi Arabia—including alfalfa, grains, and protein concentrates—is imported from the U.S., Argentina, Australia, and other countries. Since 2018, the Saudi government has banned the commercial cultivation of alfalfa domestically to preserve water resources, further exacerbating import dependence. Some MENA governments are actively closing outdated, inefficient farms and supporting the development of high-tech “smart” dairy complexes designed to minimize water usage.
More than 90% of the region’s food supply relies on imports, making it highly vulnerable to global disruptions—whether due to geopolitics or economic crises. The issue of sustainable agricultural development is also pressing, along with environmental preservation and the creation of zero-waste food production and consumption models. Countries such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar generate substantial volumes of food waste, resulting in financial losses, increased methane emissions, and deeper dependence on imports.
These factors strongly influence the decision by many regional governments to invest in modern milk and dairy production technologies.
Governments across the region are already implementing large-scale programs aimed at strengthening local agriculture, enhancing food quality controls, and improving food safety—with a particular emphasis on dairy, given its higher risk profile in the food sector.
For example, in the UAE, new food safety standards are being rolled out as part of the UAE National Food Safety Strategy (2022–2025). The country is actively implementing a Digital Traceability System, enabling real-time tracking of food and dairy products from origin to consumer using electronic platforms, mobile apps, QR codes, blockchain, and other digital tools. Additionally, the Nutri-Mark labeling system is being deployed to inform consumers about the nutritional value of food, promote healthier eating habits, and support national strategies to combat obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. All these efforts are part of the Food Security Strategy 2051.
Saudi Arabia’s progress is already evident in the impressive growth of its dairy production. The Kingdom is not only the largest supplier of drinking milk within the GCC but is also entering new export markets globally.
The MENA Dairy Congress aims to bring together dairy industry leaders from across the region to develop strategic approaches for dairy industry growth, identify key consumer patterns, introduce cutting-edge technologies, and adapt them to local traditions and values.
An added value for participants is the event’s location—Al Ain, the dairy capital of the United Arab Emirates.
The congress, now a recurring event, welcomes global dairy experts, leading scientists, industry professionals, and marketers from both MENA and international markets.
