Data from DP World indicates that retailers in the region are proactively planning to ensure food supply ahead of the upcoming Ramadan, with a notable increase in the import of essential food items through Jebel Ali port before the holy month begins.
Compared to regular trading volumes, an analysis of average trade levels from 2023 to 2025 reveals a 25% rise in rice imports, a 35% increase in onions and garlic, approximately a 15% boost in imported nuts such as walnuts, almonds, and pistachios, and a roughly 5% growth in beverages including juices and soft drinks.
During Ramadan, there is a brief yet intense demand cycle for consumer goods in the region. By building up stock early on, retailers can efficiently manage demand levels, avoiding potential strains on supply chains as the month approaches and ensuring that shelves are well-stocked for iftar, suhoor, and family gatherings while maintaining price stability.
This trend extends beyond food items, as imports of kitchen and tableware are also up about 10%, and small kitchen appliances see a 9% rise—demonstrating broader preparations at the household level. While part of this January increase can be attributed to routine restocking after the year-end, the ongoing pattern each year confirms that demand during Ramadan significantly influences this trend.
During this time, Jebel Ali port acts as a crucial entry and consolidation point for goods arriving from Asia, the Indian subcontinent, and Europe. The combination of maritime, air, and land connectivity facilitates the rapid delivery of products to markets in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and East Africa, despite the elevated trading activity that typically begins at the start of the year.
Logistics Services
Abdullah bin Damithan, CEO and Managing Director of DP World for the GCC region, stated, “Ramadan brings a swift increase in demand levels. We are seeing that stakeholders are planning increasingly in advance each year. Through the integration of port operations, logistics services, and transportation via Jebel Ali port, we can accelerate the movement of goods and ensure supply chain stability amidst rising demand across various markets in the region.”
Operations during this period are focused on handling a wide range of consumer goods, including canned foods and fresh, chilled, and frozen products. Extended working hours and improved coordination among supply chain elements have safeguarded temperature-sensitive shipments and enhanced operational efficiency by over 25% during peak season.
Notably, Jebel Ali port also plays a pivotal role in supporting export activities ahead of Ramadan, with date exports witnessing an increase of nearly 60% in January and February compared to typical months. This contributes to meeting demands in neighboring markets within the GCC and East Africa. Last year, India, Morocco, and Bangladesh were the primary destinations for date exports, collectively accounting for approximately 65% of the total export volumes via Jebel Ali port.
As Ramadan approaches, DP World remains focused on ensuring the smooth movement of essential goods and supporting the stability of supply chains in the region, enabling families and businesses to consistently rely on the availability of daily products during the peak season.