Members of the vegetable and fruit traders working group, under the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, have confirmed that the abundant variety of food products available in the emirate’s markets—including fresh and perishable goods—highlights Dubai’s competitive advantages. This is particularly evident in the strength of its infrastructure, the efficiency of its logistics network connecting the emirate to global markets, and proactive government initiatives. The coordinated efforts between the public and private sectors ensure consumer demand is met and maintain a steady supply flow despite the challenges posed by global events impacting international shipping.
They pointed out that Dubai has bolstered the capacity of various sectors, including the fruit and vegetable trade, to diversify their supply sources, activate alternative shipping routes, and enhance transport and storage efficiency. Additionally, intensive coordination with all relevant authorities, especially through the Dubai Chamber’s business groups, has helped mitigate operational challenges and expedited collaborative efforts to support the efficiency of the logistics framework and sustain the flow of goods in local markets.
Rida Al Mansouri, Chairman of the Vegetable and Fruit Traders Working Group and CEO of Fresh Fruits, emphasized that Dubai’s ability to ensure the continuous flow of fresh products under current circumstances reflects the robustness of its economic model, which is backed by clear government vision, world-class infrastructure, and effective integration between the public and private sectors.
He noted that the strategic network of ports and logistics centers in the UAE has provided reliable and flexible alternatives in response to challenges faced by certain maritime routes. This system has been activated proficiently to guarantee a steady supply chain, and the advanced cold chain systems have enhanced storage capabilities, ensuring efficient handling and distribution of perishable goods.
He added: “Government bodies have played a proactive role through implementing facilitative measures, in collaboration with entities like Dubai Customs and DP World, contributing to streamlined shipping operations through alternative routes to Jebel Ali Port and the free zones.”
Al Mansouri explained that the vegetable and fruit trade itself has shown a high level of resilience, leveraging the diversity of global supply sources and expertise in managing supply chain disruptions. This capability enabled traders to quickly adapt and maintain market stability. Continuous coordination between the public and private sectors, particularly through the Dubai Chamber business groups, has been a supportive factor in addressing challenges effectively and swiftly, enhancing Dubai’s reputation as a reliable global hub for fresh produce trading.
He highlighted that current supply levels are stable according to market indicators, with a strong capacity within the sector to meet local demand without interruption, supported by a strategy to diversify import sources, mitigating dependence on specific markets.
Furthermore, he reported: “In the short term, the sector has successfully adapted to global changes by embracing flexible shipping routes, utilizing alternative entry points, and enhancing coordination with logistics partners, which has preserved the stability of product availability in terms of quantity, quality, and price. Looking ahead to the medium and long terms, the outlook remains positive due to a robust infrastructure, effective supply chain management, and ongoing government support. The accumulated experience within the trading community also contributes to proactive planning and rapid responses to any potential challenges.”
In general, the UAE market maintains stable supplies with a high capacity to ensure continuous provision and deliver competitive prices to meet consumer needs.
The CEO of Fresh Fruits emphasized that the Dubai government has played a crucial role in mitigating the effects of several key challenges that could impact fresh produce supply chains. Notably, these challenges include ensuring the continuity of shipping flows despite disruptions in some maritime routes. Relevant authorities, including Dubai Customs and DP World, initiated facilitative measures that allowed for smooth transit to Jebel Ali Port and the free zones, accelerating clearance processes and reducing operational challenges.
Moreover, the efficiency of land transport has been enhanced, according to Al Mansouri, through measures adopted by the Roads and Transport Authority to facilitate the movement of food distribution trucks, ensuring timely delivery of perishable goods to distribution centers and retail outlets. He noted that the Dubai Chamber plays a pivotal role in enhancing coordination between the public and private sectors, facilitating effective communication channels that contribute to the immediate addressing of challenges.
He continued: “The efforts of government entities in price monitoring and maintaining market stability have reinforced consumer confidence and ensured the availability of high-quality fresh products at reasonable prices. Overall, a combination of proactive policies, operational flexibility, and effective institutional coordination has been fundamental in enhancing supply chain resilience during this period.”
Collaborative Efforts
Mohammed Nassar Al Rifai, Chairman of the NRTC Group, affirmed that Dubai continues to solidify its position as a global model for resilience and crisis management. He pointed out that government efforts have enhanced supply chain efficiency and expedited shipping and receipt processes, while praising the flexibility of government agencies in adapting to regulations that benefit the sector. He emphasized the importance of continuous monitoring of supply and demand balance and supporting market stability, along with enhancing communication and coordination levels among various stakeholders, reaffirming the group’s commitment to ongoing collaborative efforts within this comprehensive system to navigate through this crisis safely.
Regarding the key factors that supported the continuity of business flow, Al Rifai identified accumulated experience in operations management, especially during crises, long-term stable relationships with suppliers, and diversified supply sources that enhance flexibility and mitigate risks.
He asserted that the vegetable and fruit market is characterized by stability and resilience, noting that the availability of multiple alternatives for supply chains and ports in the UAE ensures ongoing supplies.
Developing Market
In a related note, Abdul Ghani Abdullah, General Manager of IFCO Group, stated that the key factors that have supported the resilience of the vegetable and fruit trade in Dubai include robust logistics infrastructure, swift customs procedures, effective integration of various transportation modes, along with efficient coordination between government entities and the private sector, as well as Dubai’s role as a regional re-export hub. He indicated that Dubai’s status as a regional and global center for re-export and food trade, supported by a developed market for fruits and vegetables and a wide-ranging supply network, has significantly contributed to the smooth flow of trade and mitigated the impact of any external disruptions. Moreover, regulatory oversight and food safety systems play an important role in enhancing trust and sustainability of supply.
Abdullah explained that current market supply levels are generally stable and adequate, asserting that the sector possesses a substantial capacity to meet local market needs at present. He noted that this capacity will remain strong going forward, given the continued diversification of import sources, flexible supply chains, and leveraging advanced storage and distribution infrastructures along with prompt handling. He highlighted the importance of ongoing monitoring, especially regarding fluctuations in global shipping movements, agricultural seasons, and transport costs, to ensure balance in product availability, price stability, and quality.
The General Manager of IFCO commended the effectiveness of government efforts in supporting the ability to confront current challenges, as they play a pivotal role in addressing any potential bottlenecks in the flow and trading of goods while dealing with seasonal pressures and increased demand, and challenges associated with fast clearance and distribution, in addition to food safety and oversight requirements. He pointed out that the government has contributed by providing a flexible regulatory environment, direct communication with the private sector, facilitating procedures, and supporting the efficiency of the logistics and regulatory framework, thus minimizing the impact of these challenges and reinforcing the continuity of supply to the local market.
International Partnerships
Amar Bakri, CEO of Al-Bakri Holding Group, elaborated that the continuous flow of fruit and vegetable trade in Dubai is supported by several factors, primarily including advanced logistics infrastructure and the efficiency of ports and airports, which ensures rapid and effective movement of goods. He emphasized that diversifying supply sources has helped reduce dependence on a single market, thereby enhancing supply resilience, while flexible government policies and rapid crisis response play a crucial role in facilitating trade and preventing disruptions. He added, “From our side at Al-Bakri, we have supported logistics services by relying on land transport using our own fleet of trucks to secure supplies of essential goods such as onions, tomatoes, cucumbers, and potatoes.”
Bakri noted that current supply levels are stable and sufficient to meet local market needs, amidst significant variety in products and their sources, and he anticipates that stability will continue in the near future, supported by proactive government strategies, international partnerships, and ongoing investments in the food security system, boosting the sector’s ability to meet increasing demand efficiently.
The CEO of Al-Bakri Holding Group remarked that the Dubai government has successfully mitigated the impact of several challenges, particularly rising shipping costs and delays in global supply chains, by facilitating customs procedures and expediting clearance processes. Additionally, it has contributed to market stability through regulatory mechanisms and price controls while providing a flexible business environment that enabled traders to operate efficiently and continuously.
Proactive Approach
Ali Arjumandi, CEO of Marhaba MTA Trading, emphasized that Dubai’s status as a regional center for fresh produce trading is not coincidental; rather, it is based on a comprehensive framework including a highly efficient logistics network, a diverse global supply source base, and an advanced level of coordination and integration between government agencies and the private sector.
He noted that these combined factors enabled the market to respond swiftly to changes while maintaining stable and reliable supply flows. Arjumandi pointed out that all indicators confirm that current supply levels exceed local market needs, supported by high flexibility among traders to manage sourcing based on product availability and costs. Looking ahead, he stated that expectations remain positive due to the depth of the supply network and the sector’s adaptability to changes, ensuring continual efficient fulfillment of demand.
He clarified that government authorities in Dubai have played a pivotal role in ensuring operational continuity by maintaining efficient customs procedures and uninterrupted logistical operations, alongside close coordination with various stakeholders. He affirmed that this proactive approach has prevented severe trade disruptions, bolstered consumer confidence, and supported supply stability in the market.