40% growth in the dates trade between 2020 and 2024

One date is shortened by a long journey through global supply chains, which Dubai mediates as a head axis, as the dates trade in the UAE is an integral part of its cultural and civilizational history, where dates are one of the most prominent components of the local food basket that tells the story of the Arab desert, and the life of its people in a unique harmony between man and nature.

According to the Dubai Ports World data, the shipping operations for the trading of dates through the port during the past five years witnessed steady growth, as it increased by more than 40% between 2020 and 2024, and at a significant annual growth rate.

Dates trade

The data confirmed that the “Port of Jebel Ali” has become the main axis of the dates trade, as it provides a strategic link with the main markets, including the major importers in North Africa and South Asia.

“Dubai Ports World” told “Emirates Today” that “the demand for dates is witnessing a remarkable increase in North Africa, Europe and Asia, while the global dates market, which amounted to $ 31 billion, will grow in 2024, to reach 49 billion dollars by 2032, at a time when the Middle East and Africa region leads this trade, with a share of 85%, while the United States is witnessing rapid growth Driven by increasing trends towards healthy food options. ”

She added: “Behind this growth lies in large investments in the areas of treatment, packaging and logistical services, especially in the Middle East, where this industry has broad government support.”

And she continued: «On the global level, consumer preferences change; The demand in Western markets is increasing in natural organic products with sustainable and responsible sources, while loose shipments still dominate the Asia markets, while in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, the luxurious dates produced according to traditional methods remain the preferred option.

Dates exports

“Dubai Ports World” indicated that in the midst of these transformations, the UAE’s main role in this sector has emerged, as the “Port of Jebel Ali” acquires more than 60% of the dates trade there, revealing that the UAE issued in 2023 dates worth 324 million US dollars, which made it the second largest global exporter for dates.

She stated that seasonal factors also play a major role in the activity of trade movement, as December exports increased by more than nine times compared to July exports, and sizes remained high in the months before Ramadan.

An integrated system

Dubai Ports World stressed that Dubai’s leadership in this trade does not depend on the advantages of the infrastructure of Jebel Ali Port, but also includes an integrated system that guarantees efficiency and speed of achievement, as the transfer of fast -damaged products requires accuracy in planning, and here the importance of “Port of Jebel Ali” is highlighted, thanks to the advanced refrigerated storage facilities and soft customs procedures, which ensures fresh dates reaching global markets, especially during Peak periods.

She explained that on the other hand, the free zone of Jabal Ali, “Jafza”, is a major center that includes the largest companies in this field, which provides a strategic base for processing, packaging and export operations, noting that these companies benefit from the flexible regulatory regulations in “Jafza”, as well as direct access to one of the most advanced logistical infrastructure in the region.

And she continued: «With the increase in global demand, Dubai is heading towards enhancing innovation and sustainability as two main pillars in the future of the dates trade, while it is expected to enter automation in handling operations, in addition to increasing investments in the refrigerated stores, and the adoption of friendly packaging to the environment, to achieve global environmental sustainability goals and enhance the efficiency of commercial operations.

She pointed out that in light of this accelerated growth, Dubai continues to establish its position as a central link between producers and consumers around the world. Thanks to its advanced infrastructure, Jabal Ali and Javza port facilitates the access of dates to breakfast tables around the world, in order to preserve the legacy of this ancient trade, and is consistent with the aspirations towards the future.

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Assembling dates in “Jabal Ali”

Dubai Ports World Group confirmed that the integrated land and maritime transport solutions provided by the group contributed to enhancing the efficiency of supply chains by 20%, as the company’s logistical arm transported large quantities of dates within six months, from last September until the beginning of the current month of Ramadan 2025.

She added, “More than 10 major exports depend on the Jabal Ali region to collect dates coming from the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and the Levant, in preparation for re -exporting them to Asian and East Africa markets.”

. The Middle East and Africa region leads the dates trade globally with a share of 85%.