As of September 18, 2026, UAE food trade continues to expand through new international partnerships, diversified agricultural sourcing, and stronger distribution activity. This edition of UAE export news reviews the APEDA–Gulfood 2027 partnership, Sharjah’s engagement with Zimbabwe, current Al Aweer market updates, UAE trade growth, and the compliance requirements exporters must manage before shipping food to Dubai.
For international exporters, the UAE market offers multiple routes to market. Mayil Global supports exporters through a transparent 3 percent commission distributor UAE model and immediate cash-and-carry container purchases. For local supermarkets, restaurants, retailers, and wholesale distributors, the company provides dependable access to fresh produce and premium food products.
UAE Export News: Major Trade Developments
APEDA and InD Events sign MoU for Gulfood 2027
On September 17, 2026, India’s Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with InD Events Dubai, the organiser of Gulfood.
The partnership is designed to strengthen global market access for Indian agricultural and processed food exporters by using Dubai as a commercial hub for the GCC, the wider Middle East, and Africa. India will participate as the Official Partner Country at Gulfood 2027, scheduled to take place in Dubai from March 15 to 19, 2027.
The agreement places particular emphasis on:
- Indian agricultural and processed food products.
- Micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises.
- Farmer Producer Organisations.
- Startups and emerging exporters.
- Curated B2B meetings and product showcases.
- Stronger India–UAE trade engagement under the CEPA framework.
The development is significant for exporters of rice, spices, fruits, vegetables, pulses, ready-to-eat products, and other food categories. Gulfood provides a direct platform for connecting with importers, distributors, supermarkets, hospitality groups, and institutional buyers.
The APEDA announcement confirms the strategic role of Dubai in connecting Indian suppliers with international food markets.
Sharjah explores Zimbabwean agricultural supply
On September 17, the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry met with the Embassy of Zimbabwe in the UAE to discuss expanding bilateral trade.
The discussions included opportunities to facilitate the import and distribution of Zimbabwean products into Sharjah and regional markets. Agricultural products, including fruits, flowers, and timber, were identified as areas with commercial potential.
This engagement signals the possible entry of new origin supply into the UAE. Zimbabwean producers and exporters may gain access to established distribution channels serving Sharjah, Dubai, and other regional markets.
For buyers, diversified sourcing can improve continuity of supply. For exporters, entering through an established UAE distribution partner can reduce the operational complexity associated with buyer discovery, import documentation, warehousing, and onward sales.
UAE strengthens wider international trade links
The UAE and Canada advanced a US$50 billion investment framework on September 16, 2026. Bilateral non-oil trade reached approximately US$2.03 billion in the first half of 2026, representing 19 percent year-on-year growth. The two countries also concluded CEPA negotiations in July 2026.
Separately, the Abu Dhabi Chamber led an emirate delegation to the Republic of Korea to strengthen commercial cooperation.
These developments reflect a broader national trade strategy. UAE non-oil exports reached a record AED 452.8 billion in H1 2026, increasing 23.9 percent year-on-year. Total non-oil foreign trade reached approximately AED 1.94 trillion, up 13.1 percent. The UAE CEPA programme now spans 38 agreements, with up to seven additional agreements expected by the end of 2026.
For food exporters, the practical implication is clear: the UAE is continuing to build the trade infrastructure, market relationships, and logistics connectivity required for high-volume international distribution.
Al Aweer Market Updates: Indicative Wholesale Rates
The latest published Al Aweer rates are dated September 15, 2026. The market publishes a daily list that can be downloaded in PDF or CSV format. Prices are normalised to AED per kilogram, allowing buyers to compare different pack sizes, origins, and transport modes.
These are indicative wholesale rates. Actual traded prices vary according to quality, grade, quantity, packaging, availability, logistics costs, and negotiation.
Selected vegetable rates
Examples from the September 15 list include:
- White Onion from Iran, 9kg mesh bag: AED 1.33/kg
- Red Onion Shirazi 65mm+ from Iran: AED 1.70/kg
- New Crop Onion from India, 18kg: AED 3.80/kg
- Potato from Lebanon: AED 2.75/kg
- White Potato from Pakistan, 2.8kg: AED 1.43/kg
- Ground Tomato from Iran, 9kg crate: AED 1.44/kg
- Tomato from Jordan, 7kg wooden crate: AED 2.57/kg
- UAE Local Cucumber, 20kg: AED 2.50/kg
- Green Capsicum from Iran: AED 3.43/kg
- Okra from India, air freight, 4kg: AED 8.75/kg
- UAE Local Okra, 10kg: AED 5.00/kg
- Indian Ginger: AED 6.57/kg
- Indian Garlic: AED 7.27/kg
- Broccoli from Iran: AED 10.71/kg
- UAE Local Zucchini: AED 1.50/kg
Selected fruit rates
- Red Apple from Iran: AED 3.90/kg
- Ecuadorian Banana, Al Bakrawe brand: AED 6.54/kg
- Indian G9 Cavendish Banana: AED 3.85/kg
- Valencia Orange from Egypt: AED 3.47/kg
- Lemon from South Africa: AED 4.33/kg
- White Seedless Grapes from Egypt: AED 6.86/kg
- Red Seedless Grapes from Egypt: AED 7.43/kg
- Kent Mango from Egypt: AED 7.14/kg
- Watermelon from Iran: AED 2.00/kg
- Hass Avocado from Mexico, air freight: AED 24.50/kg
- Hass Avocado from Kenya, air freight: AED 11.75/kg
- Strawberry from Egypt: AED 22.80/kg
- Rambutan from Indonesia, air freight: AED 32.00/kg
- Mangosteen from Indonesia, air freight: AED 37.00/kg
The Al Aweer daily market list provides the complete price data and downloadable files.
Diversified origins support supply continuity
The September 15 market data show active supply from Iran, India, Egypt, Oman, Pakistan, Yemen, Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, South Africa, Ecuador, China, Vietnam, Indonesia, and UAE local farms.
This origin diversity helps buyers manage seasonal availability, freight conditions, quality requirements, and price variation. It also creates opportunities for exporters with consistent specifications and reliable shipment planning.
Regulatory Updates: Food Import Requirements for Dubai
Understanding how to export food to Dubai requires more than arranging freight and identifying a buyer. Documentation, product registration, labelling, and import approvals must be completed before the shipment reaches the port.
Practical compliance checklist
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Register the importer and food products through FIRS
Dubai Municipality requires food products to be registered through the Food Import and Re-export System before port clearance and sale. There is no category exemption under the stated process. Shipments may be held until FIRS approval is confirmed.
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Complete ZAD registration where applicable
Federal ZAD registration supports national food safety recognition. Exporters and importers should confirm whether the product category requires registration through ZAD in addition to Dubai Municipality procedures.
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Secure MOCCAE approval for first-time or controlled imports
Certain products, particularly animal-origin and other controlled food categories, may require approval from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment. A per-shipment import permit should be obtained before the goods arrive.
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Prepare accurate documents
Export files should generally include:
- Commercial invoice.
- Packing list.
- Bill of lading or airway bill.
- Certificate of origin.
- Phytosanitary or health certificate where required.
- Certificate of Analysis.
- Product specifications.
- Arabic and English labels.
- Halal documentation where applicable.
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Maintain the cold chain
Perishable goods require controlled handling from farm or packhouse to port, warehouse, and final buyer. Temperature management, hygienic packaging, suitable pallets, and correct ventilation protect product quality and reduce avoidable margin loss.
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Allow time for inspection and laboratory testing
After the FIRS import notification, Dubai Municipality may sample and test goods at the Jebel Ali laboratory. Testing may take approximately two to five working days, depending on the product and required analysis.
Documentation discipline protects margins. A shipment delayed by incomplete registration, inconsistent labelling, or missing permits can create demurrage, storage costs, quality deterioration, and rejected inventory.
Mayil Global: Verified Buyer for Exporters UAE
Mayil Global operates as a verified buyer for exporters UAE market participants can approach for structured wholesale distribution. The company sources fresh fruits, vegetables, premium spices, rice, and farm-fresh eggs from trusted farms and global suppliers.
The operating model is based on:
- Farm-direct sourcing.
- Inspection and quality control at every stage.
- Hygienic handling and packaging.
- Proper storage from farm to market.
- Organised logistics and timely delivery.
- Distribution to supermarkets, restaurants, retailers, and wholesale distributors.
- A global supply network supporting steady availability.
Transparent 3 percent commission distribution
For international and local exporters, the Mayil Global 3 percent commission distributor UAE model provides a transparent route to market. The flat commission structure gives exporters access to local distribution capability without the higher cost and uncertainty often associated with multiple brokerage layers.
The model is supported by:
- Clear commercial terms.
- Access to UAE B2B buyers.
- Product inspection and market coordination.
- Transparent communication on specifications and pricing.
- Immediate cash-and-carry container purchase opportunities, subject to product approval and commercial agreement.
Immediate cash-and-carry purchasing can improve exporter liquidity by reducing exposure to extended receivable cycles. It also enables Mayil Global to coordinate bulk supply for buyers requiring dependable stock and regular replenishment.
UAE buyers can review the Mayil Global product range, while exporters can learn more about sourcing and logistics services.
Market Outlook for Exporters and UAE Buyers
The current trade environment supports three practical conclusions:
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Dubai remains a strategic gateway. New APEDA, Sharjah, Canada, Korea, and CEPA-related activity is strengthening the UAE’s international distribution role.
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Origin diversification is commercially important. Al Aweer rates show active participation from multiple producing countries and UAE local farms.
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Compliance and buyer verification are essential. Exporters must complete FIRS, ZAD, MOCCAE, labelling, health certification, and cold-chain requirements before shipment arrival.
Mayil Global continues to focus on the same operating priorities: dependable supply, consistent quality, strict safety standards, and efficient distribution. These priorities support long-term relationships with exporters and UAE B2B buyers.
Contact Mayil Global
International exporters seeking a 3 percent commission distributor UAE route, immediate cash-and-carry container purchases, or a verified buyer for exporters UAE can contact the Mayil Global trade desk.
Supermarkets, restaurants, retailers, and wholesale distributors requiring fresh produce or premium food products can also request current availability, specifications, and delivery information.
Contact Mayil Global to discuss your next shipment or wholesale requirement.