Published: August 25, 2026
UAE export news remains positive as the country’s non-oil foreign trade reached approximately AED 1.937 trillion in H1 2026. Non-oil exports reached a record AED 452.8 billion, while trade with countries covered by in-force Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs) reached approximately AED 304.3 billion.
For exporters of fresh produce, rice, spices, and other food products, the current environment presents clear opportunities. However, success in the UAE market depends on verified buyers, accurate documentation, controlled logistics, product-specific pricing, and reliable distribution.
The latest Al Aweer market updates also show the importance of monitoring daily arrivals, product grade, packaging, and market negotiation before confirming a shipment.
UAE Export News: Non-Oil Trade Reaches Record Levels
The UAE recorded approximately AED 1.937 trillion in non-oil foreign trade during the first half of 2026, representing growth of about 13.1% compared with H1 2025.
Non-oil exports reached approximately AED 452.8 billion, a record level for a six-month period. Exports accounted for about 23.4% of total non-oil foreign trade, compared with 21.3% during the same period in 2025.
The figures demonstrate the UAE’s expanding role as a global trading, re-export, logistics, and distribution hub. This creates opportunities for exporters seeking access to supermarkets, restaurants, retailers, and wholesale distributors across the UAE and wider Gulf region.
CEPA Network Expands Market Access
The UAE has concluded 38 CEPAs since 2021. Trade with countries where CEPAs are in force reached approximately AED 304.3 billion in H1 2026, including around AED 66.1 billion in non-oil exports to those partners.
This network supports more efficient trade corridors, improved market access, and stronger commercial links for agricultural and food products. Exporters still need to confirm the specific tariff treatment, rules of origin, product requirements, and documentation applicable to each shipment.
UAE–India Trade Supports Agri-Food Corridors
UAE–India bilateral merchandise trade exceeded US$101.25 billion during FY2025–26. Both countries are targeting bilateral trade of US$200 billion by 2032.
The India–UAE corridor is strategically relevant to fresh produce, premium rice, and spices. Indian onions, bananas, ginger, garlic, okra, chilli, turmeric, and other products already serve established UAE wholesale demand.
For exporters, the growing corridor reinforces the need for:
- Consistent product specifications.
- Reliable shipment scheduling.
- Correct origin and health documentation.
- UAE buyer verification.
- Professional distribution after arrival.
Regulatory and Trade Updates Affecting Food Exporters
UAE–Russia TISIA Is Now in Force
The UAE–Russia Trade in Services and Investment Agreement (TISIA) came into effect on August 23, 2026.
TISIA covers services and investment, including areas such as fintech, healthcare, logistics, transportation, and other business services. It does not directly govern tariffs or market access for physical food products.
Goods and food trade between the UAE and the Eurasian Economic Union are addressed separately under the UAE–EAEU Economic Partnership Agreement. Therefore, TISIA does not create a direct change to Al Aweer food import pricing on August 25.
The agreement may still support food trade indirectly by improving access to logistics, finance, distribution, and related commercial services. Exporters should continue to assess food products under the correct goods-trade framework and confirm current customs requirements before shipment.
UAE–Iran Trade Suspension Requires Enhanced Screening
On August 19, 2026, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the suspension of trade, commercial exchange, and financial transactions with Iran until further notice.
Exporters and importers should review every transaction involving potentially connected supply chains. Key control areas include:
- Country-of-origin declarations.
- Supplier and beneficiary identity.
- Shipping and transshipment routes.
- Commercial invoices and packing lists.
- Certificates of origin.
- Payment channels and banks.
- Consignee and counterparty screening.
- Product eligibility and customs treatment.
Using a third-country route does not automatically resolve origin or compliance concerns. Businesses should obtain specialist trade-compliance advice where a shipment, supplier, payment party, or route creates uncertainty.
eDAS 2.0 Supports Digital Trade Facilitation
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that approximately 1.45 million commercial invoice and certificate-of-origin attestations were processed during the first five months of 2026.
The upgraded eDAS 2.0 platform is the digital channel for applicable document attestations. Exporters should confirm whether their commercial invoices and certificates of origin require attestation, complete the process within the required period, and retain digital records with the shipment file.
Accurate documentation supports faster clearance, reduces administrative delays, and protects the integrity of the supply chain.

Al Aweer Market Updates: August 24 Indicative Price References
The following references are based on the approved daily market listing dated August 24, 2026, published by My Veg Market.
| Product | Origin | Pack | Indicative market price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Onion | India | 1kg | AED 2.00 |
| Ginger | India | 3kg | AED 7.00 |
| Pomegranate | India | 2kg | AED 13.00 |
| Small onion | India | 3kg | AED 14.00 |
| Garlic | India | 3kg | AED 16.00 |
| YB banana | India | 4kg | AED 16.00 |
| Cluster beans | India | 3kg | AED 17.00 |
| Ivy gourd | India | 3kg | AED 18.00 |
| RK banana | India | 4kg | AED 20.00 |
| Banana leaf | India | 4kg | AED 24.00 |
| Suran | India | 9kg | AED 24.00 |
| Amla | India | 3.5kg | AED 24.00 |
| Green chilli | India | 4.5kg | AED 26.00 |
| Drumstick | India | 3kg | AED 28.00 |
| Okra | India | 3kg | AED 32.00 |
| G9 banana green | India | 13kg | AED 37.00 |
| Fresh turmeric | India | 3kg | AED 38.00 |
| G9 banana yellow | India | 13kg | AED 45.00 |
| Dry coconut | India | 13kg | AED 48.00 |
These figures are indicative market references, not fixed offers. Final pricing depends on grade, size, variety, pack format, volume, arrival condition, available stock, demand, freight, wastage risk, and same-day negotiation.
Exporters should avoid pricing a container solely against a public market reference. The commercial value of a shipment is determined by the full specification and its condition at arrival.
Market Insight: Product-Specific Matching Is Essential
Al Aweer’s wholesale market requires clear product segmentation. A buyer seeking Indian onions may not be suitable for premium pomegranates, G9 bananas, okra, fresh turmeric, or dry coconut.
The correct commercial question is whether there is a verified buyer of that particular product and specification.
Product-specific matching should consider:
- Origin and variety.
- Grade and size.
- Net weight and packaging.
- Shelf life and maturity.
- Expected arrival date.
- Buyer’s storage capacity.
- Retail, restaurant, or wholesale application.
- Acceptable quality tolerances.
This process improves price realization, reduces rejection risk, and supports dependable supply for UAE buyers.
Mayil Global: Verified Buyer for Exporters UAE
Mayil Global supports international and local exporters seeking a verified buyer for exporters UAE. The company connects suitable shipments with UAE supermarkets, restaurants, retailers, and wholesale distributors.
Mayil Global’s operating support includes:
- Buyer coordination.
- UAE wholesale market access.
- Product movement and distribution.
- Quality checks at each stage.
- Shipment and arrival coordination.
- Hygienic handling and packaging.
- Storage and delivery planning.
- Communication between exporters and local buyers.
The company sources from trusted farms and global suppliers. Its supply chain is supported by strict quality control, proper storage, hygienic handling, and organized logistics from farm to market.

The 3 Percent Commission Distributor UAE Model
Mayil Global offers a structured 3 percent commission distributor UAE model for approved exporters.
Under this model, the exporter retains ownership of the commercial shipment while Mayil Global supports UAE market distribution and buyer coordination for an agreed 3% commission.
The model can include:
- Identifying suitable wholesale customers.
- Coordinating product offers.
- Presenting specifications to buyers.
- Managing sales communication.
- Supporting quality verification.
- Coordinating local distribution.
- Reporting market feedback.
- Supporting shipment movement and delivery.
The 3% commission provides a defined distribution cost for exporters seeking market access without establishing a full UAE sales and logistics operation.
Immediate Cash-and-Carry Container Purchases
Approved exporters can also discuss immediate cash-and-carry container purchases. This structure is designed for suitable products, quantities, origins, and shipment conditions.
Before confirming a purchase, Mayil Global evaluates:
- Product and grade.
- Origin and compliance status.
- Quantity and pack format.
- Loading and arrival schedule.
- Documentation.
- Market demand.
- Quality condition.
- Delivery feasibility.
Immediate container purchases can provide faster liquidity, reduce receivables exposure, and support the exporter’s next production or shipment cycle. Transactions remain subject to buyer approval, inspection, documentation, and agreed commercial terms.
Exporter Checklist: How to Export Food to Dubai
Businesses researching how to export food to Dubai should complete the following steps before loading:
-
Define the product specification
State the exact product, variety, origin, grade, size, pack, quantity, and intended use. -
Confirm UAE buyer demand
Identify a verified buyer for the specific product rather than relying on general buyer interest. -
Review regulatory requirements
Confirm food-safety, agricultural, phytosanitary, labelling, origin, and certificate requirements. -
Calculate the complete landed cost
Include product cost, packaging, inland transport, freight, surcharges, insurance, customs, clearance, commission, delivery, and expected wastage. -
Select the commercial model
Agree whether the shipment will use the 3% commission distribution model or an immediate Cash & Carry purchase. -
Complete pre-shipment quality control
Record inspection results, weights, packaging condition, seals, loading photographs, and temperature requirements. -
Coordinate clearance and distribution
Prepare invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, health documents, and shipment details before arrival. -
Review commercial performance
Measure realized price, buyer acceptance, wastage, delivery timing, and repeat-order potential.
Mayil Global’s sourcing and logistics services are designed to support dependable supply, consistent quality, and efficient distribution across the UAE.
Conclusion
The latest UAE export news confirms strong non-oil trade growth and expanding international trade corridors. The UAE–India relationship continues to support fresh produce, rice, and spice opportunities, while the UAE–Russia TISIA strengthens services and investment cooperation without directly changing food import pricing.
The August 24 Al Aweer references show active demand across Indian onions, bananas, ginger, garlic, okra, chilli, turmeric, and other products. Final prices remain dependent on grade, packaging, volume, arrival condition, and negotiation.
Exporters require verified buyers, compliant documentation, quality control, and reliable distribution. Mayil Global provides these services through its 3% commission distributor UAE model and immediate Cash & Carry container purchases for approved products.
UAE supermarkets, restaurants, retailers, and wholesale distributors can review Mayil Global’s product range or contact the company to discuss current sourcing and wholesale supply requirements.
Sources
- UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism / UAE Media Office: H1 2026 non-oil foreign trade
- Arab News: UAE non-oil trade and exports in H1 2026
- India Embassy: Brief on India–UAE Commercial Relations
- UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs: UAE–Iran announcement
- UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs: eDAS 2.0
- Khaleej Times: UAE–Russia agreement enters into force
- My Veg Market: Al Aweer Prices, approved August 24, 2026
- Mayil Global: Sourcing and Logistics
- Mayil Global: Verified Buyer and Al Aweer Market Briefing

