The United Arab Emirates continues to strengthen its position in the global sugar market, leading in white sugar production through Gulf Sugar, the largest independent sugar refinery in the world, with an output projected to reach approximately 1.5 million tons by 2025. This is noteworthy given that local consumption is only about 250 thousand tons annually, according to Jamal Al-Ghurair, the company’s managing director and primary shareholder.
Al-Ghurair stated in a press conference during the 10th Dubai Sugar Conference 2026 that white sugar prices in the UAE and global markets have decreased by around 20% in 2025. He highlighted that Gulf Sugar currently operates at a production capacity between 60% and 70%, depending on demand, while some production lines are functioning at lower capacities ranging from 30% to 40%.
He noted that both local and global sugar markets are experiencing relative stability despite challenges facing the industry, notably protectionist measures imposed by some countries worldwide. In contrast, the UAE maintains an open trade policy, welcoming imports from various nations without restrictions.
Al-Ghurair explained that the company is dealing with external protectionist policies flexibly, adapting to the conditions of each market and the level of tariffs imposed. He identified India as the largest supplier of sugar to the UAE without any customs duties.
30 Markets
Currently, Gulf Sugar products are available in approximately 30 markets globally, relying on the strong reputation and high quality of the UAE’s sugar industry. The company aims to expand its export reach throughout 2026.
Regarding foreign investments, Al-Ghurair ruled out any new investments outside the country for the time being. He mentioned that the Canal Sugar project in Egypt, in which Gulf Sugar participates, is progressing according to the planned timeline, providing beet sugar to the Egyptian market for about two years now.
Shipping and Global Prices
Discussing shipping costs, Al-Ghurair clarified that the company’s exports have not been significantly impacted by shipping prices, though they are more sensitive to fluctuations in global sugar prices and protectionist policies in some foreign markets.
The Dubai Sugar Conference 2026 witnessed participation from over 1,000 delegates representing 75 countries to discuss the future opportunities and challenges in the sugar industry. This includes issues related to diminishing global surpluses, escalating geopolitical uncertainties, increasing climate risks, and rapid transformations driven by artificial intelligence in global value chains.
This international attendance underscores the UAE and Dubai’s position as a global hub for trade and logistics, serving as a pivotal point for the flow of goods between East and West.
Artificial Intelligence
This year’s conference was themed “Artificial Intelligence – An Innovative Vision for Shaping the Future of Sugar.” Participants emphasized that AI has become a vital tool for enhancing operational efficiency, improving forecasting accuracy, and supporting sustainability amid climate complexities and shifting trade policies.
The conference also focused on global market forecasts, predicting a decrease in surplus during the 2026/2027 season due to declining prices, production, and stock levels, along with a review of crop conditions in major producing countries such as Brazil, India, and Thailand. The growing role of sugar refineries in the Middle East and North Africa was also highlighted in balancing global trade flows.