The UAE consolidates its position as a global hub for supply chains and supports food security regionally and internationally

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Abu Dhabi, 7 February / WAM / The UAE has established its position as a global hub for food supply chains, at a time when the global food system is witnessing increasing challenges, based on its strategic geographical location that connects the continents of the world, and an advanced infrastructure that includes ports, airports, and modern land transport networks that are classified among the best in the world, in addition to its adoption of smart solutions that enhance the efficiency of logistical operations, and contribute to supporting food security at the regional and international levels.

Experts in the logistics sector confirmed that the UAE, with its diverse capabilities, benefits from the current and future capabilities of logistical services for the regional and global food sector.

The size of the food logistics services market in the Middle East, according to a report by Mordor Intelligence, is estimated at approximately $67.14 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach $100.59 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate of 8.42% until 2030.

The UAE ranks first regionally and third globally in the “Agility Logistics Index for Emerging Markets” after China and India.

The “Emirates Food Cluster Economy” initiative, launched by the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, constitutes a qualitative leap in enabling the private sector to lead development in the areas of legislation, initiatives and projects.

This initiative works to integrate all stakeholders into an integrated system that includes farms, factories, supply chains, and retail trade, so that challenges are dealt with with a “win-win” mentality to ensure that all parties benefit and support the country’s competitiveness.

The country’s ports play a major role in consolidating the UAE’s leadership and enhancing its logistical position in the regional and global food sector. For example, Jebel Ali Port handles about 73% of the UAE’s food and beverage trade in terms of value, and connects companies to more than 150 ports around the world, ensuring smooth and safe food trade at the international level.

The Dubai Food District, whose technical and design details were recently revealed by Dubai World Group, strengthens the position of Dubai and the Emirates in the world of food chains, as it will be developed in several stages, with the first stage starting in 2027.

The region will provide an integrated system for the food sector, including advanced facilities for cold storage and temperature-controlled warehouses, primary and secondary processing centers, digital solutions for managing operations, in addition to wholesale and retail facilities, and a hall dedicated to luxury foods to serve the business and consumer sectors alike.

Muhammad Nasser, an expert at Halal Approval Global, said that the geographical location of the UAE is considered one of the strategic locations globally, as it links the Middle East, Asia and Africa, and makes the country a meeting point.

He explained that the UAE has become like a “small world” in which nationalities, legislation and orientations meet, especially those related to the global food system and the halal food system, pointing out that what greatly distinguishes the country and increases the efficiency and importance of the location is the integrated infrastructure that it possesses.

He pointed out that advanced ports, airports and road networks have contributed to preparing the UAE to be a major hub for global food distribution chains, stressing that the strength of infrastructure forms the basis on which the efficiency of supply chains is built, just as any production system needs its basic tools to work efficiently.

For his part, Mohamed Badr al-Din, director of warehouses at Al Sharqi Logistics Services Company, said that the geographical location of the UAE, in addition to its renaissance and progress in the logistical field, made it one of the most important countries and locations for managing the huge quantities of goods flowing between the countries of the world.

He explained that the port system in the UAE serves most of the world’s ports, and plays a pivotal role in linking trade movement between Asia, Europe and Africa, supported by an advanced network of roads and airports spread throughout all the emirates of the country.

He pointed out that the UAE has begun operating the train network to transport goods, and will be extended to transport passengers in the future, which will enhance the efficiency of delivery operations and increase the competitiveness of the national logistics sector.

Regarding the global challenges in supply chains, Badr al-Din pointed out that they include insurance challenges, price fluctuations, and stability, stressing that the UAE provides a safe and sound environment for transporting goods through its various ports, in accordance with the highest health and environmental standards, and in a way that ensures protection from various risks.