The United Arab Emirates (UAE) continues to be one of the most important export markets for the UK. Last year alone, exports totalled more than £8 billion, with a £3.6 billion trade surplus.
The country has a growing economy and a population of around 9.8 million, which is predicted to rise to 11.5 million by 2030. The large expatriate community means that demand for UK products is high, particularly for those from well-known British brands.
Why Target the UAE for UK Food Exports?
The UAE comprises seven emirates, with Dubai and Abu Dhabi the most populous. Although Arabic is the official language, English is widely spoken, making business in the country easier for UK companies. In fact, over 5,000 UK companies currently operate in this potentially lucrative market.
Regarding food export opportunities, the diverse expatriate community, which numbers over seven million people, offers brands a ready market for your products. In addition, the country’s strong economic growth means that there is an increasingly affluent population with a growing appetite for premium and luxury goods, including food and drink products.
What British Food Products are in Demand in the UAE?
There is strong demand for a wide range of UK food products in the UAE, with some of the most popular items being:
- Cheese
- Biscuits and crackers
- Chocolate and confectionery
- Canned goods
- Tea
- Coffee
- Condiments and sauces
- Processed meats
- Dairy products
- Nuts and dried fruits
These are just some of the British food products that are in demand in the UAE. If you’re considering exporting to the country, it’s worth conducting market research to identify other potential products that could be viable for your business.
Why Focus Your Food Exports on the Local Markets of Dubai and Abu Dhabi?
Dubai is the regional hub for the entire Middle East, with a population of over 3.3 million people. The emirate has a well-developed infrastructure and is home to a large number of international businesses.
Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, is the country’s second-largest city, with a population of around 1.5 million people. This emirate also has a strong economy and is yet another major hub for business and trade in the region.
Both Dubai and Abu Dhabi offer excellent opportunities for UK companies exporting food products. The cities are cosmopolitan, with a large expatriate population that provides a ready market for British goods. In addition, Dubai and Abu Dhabi have well-developed infrastructure and logistics networks, making importing and exporting more straightforward and efficient.
Partner With Leverbrook Export – The UK’s Experts in Food Exportation to the Middle East
At Leverbrook Export, we help both retailers based in the UAE and British brands looking to expand their horizons to enter the Middle Eastern food market. We are experts in exporting British food products to the UAE and other countries in the region and can help you navigate the challenges of entering this potentially lucrative market.
As one of the UK’s leading food export companies, we have an extensive network of contacts in the UAE and across the Middle East developed over our 50 years of operation. This company was founded on close connections to Bahrain, and we have since expanded our tight-knit relationships to include countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, and Oman.
If you’re interested in exporting food products to the UAE or any other Middle Eastern country, we can help. We offer a range of export services to support businesses of all sizes, from sourcing and supplying products to helping with logistics and regulatory compliance.
To find out more about how we can help you, contact us today on +44 (0) 151 645 3517 or via email at garyj@leverbrook-export.co.uk.