This daily briefing covers the latest UAE export news, trade developments, food-safety information, and Al Aweer market updates for 23 August 2026. It also outlines current opportunities for international exporters, UAE supermarkets, restaurants, retailers, and wholesale distributors.
UAE-Russia Trade and Investment Agreement Takes Effect
The UAE-Russia Trade in Services and Investment Agreement officially came into effect on 23 August 2026. As reported by The National, the agreement targets high-growth sectors including:
- FinTech
- Healthcare
- Transport
- Logistics
- Professional services
The agreement establishes clearer rules for services trade and cross-border investment. It is intended to reduce market-entry barriers, facilitate the movement of professionals, and create a more predictable operating environment for companies in both markets.
For food exporters, the wider implication is important. The UAE continues to strengthen its position as a trade, logistics, and redistribution hub connecting suppliers with buyers across the Gulf, Central Asia, Africa, and wider international markets. Efficient logistics and transparent distribution structures remain essential for moving perishable products into the UAE wholesale channel.
H1 2026 Non-Oil Trade Reaches Record Levels
The UAE’s non-oil foreign trade reached approximately AED 1.937 trillion in H1 2026, representing annual growth of 13.1%. National non-oil exports reached a record AED 452.8 billion, increasing by 23.9% year on year.
The figures, published through official UAE government reporting and WAM coverage, demonstrate the scale and resilience of the country’s international trade infrastructure.
The UAE has also concluded 38 Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs) since the programme began. These agreements support market access, reduce trade barriers, and strengthen commercial relationships with international partners.
For exporters, the operating message is clear: the UAE market is supported by expanding trade relationships, established port infrastructure, structured customs processes, and strong demand from wholesale buyers.
UAE-Iran Trade Suspension Continues
The UAE’s suspension of trade, commercial exchanges, and financial transactions with Iran, announced on 19 August 2026, remains an active consideration for regional exporters and distributors.
The suspension is requiring businesses to review existing commercial arrangements, payment channels, transit routes, and product origins. Exporters that previously depended on UAE-linked re-export routes into Iran are assessing alternative channels and revised compliance procedures.
Potential alternative origins and supply sources under review include:
- India
- Egypt
- Jordan
- Oman
- Syria
- Local UAE production
The suitability of each origin depends on the product category, availability, documentation, phytosanitary requirements, freight cost, and final landed price. Buyers should confirm the origin, grade, shelf life, and regulatory status before committing to a shipment.
UAE Food Safety Update: GreenWise Berries Not Sold in UAE
The UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment confirmed on 22 August that GreenWise frozen berries recalled in the United States over potential E. coli concerns were not imported into or sold in UAE markets.
The ministry reached this conclusion after reviewing import records and local distribution data. The affected products include GreenWise organic frozen blueberries and mixed berries sold through Publix stores in the United States.
The update was reported by Khaleej Times and Gulf News.
This case reinforces the importance of:
- Import-record verification
- Supplier traceability
- Product and lot identification
- Regulatory coordination
- Local distribution monitoring
- Hygienic handling and quality control
Food safety is a non-negotiable requirement for the UAE supply chain. Wholesale buyers should continue to check product documentation, origin, packaging integrity, and recall status before accepting shipments.
Al Aweer Market Updates: India-Origin Produce Reference Prices
The following table is based on the latest approved daily reference from MyVegmarket, approved on 21 August 2026. These figures are planning references for India-origin produce and should not be treated as fixed quotations.
| Product | Pack | Indicative AED price |
|---|---|---|
| Onion | 1 kg | AED 2.00 |
| Ginger | 3 kg | AED 7.00 |
| Pomegranate | 2 kg | AED 13.00 |
| Small onion | 3 kg | AED 14.00 |
| Garlic | 3 kg | AED 16.00 |
| YB banana | 4 kg | AED 16.00 |
| Cluster beans | 3 kg | AED 17.00 |
| Ivy gourd | 3 kg | AED 18.00 |
| RK banana | 4 kg | AED 20.00 |
| Banana leaf | 4 kg | AED 24.00 |
| Suran | 9 kg | AED 24.00 |
| Amla | 3.5 kg | AED 24.00 |
| Green chilli | 4.5 kg | AED 26.00 |
| Drumstick | 3 kg | AED 28.00 |
| Okra | 3 kg | AED 32.00 |
| G9 banana green | 13 kg | AED 37.00 |
| Fresh turmeric | 3 kg | AED 38.00 |
| G9 banana yellow | 13 kg | AED 45.00 |
| Dry coconut | 13 kg | AED 48.00 |
Prices can change according to grade, size, pack configuration, shipment mode, arrival timing, market demand, and condition at inspection. Same-day verification is essential before confirming an order.
Buyers should verify:
- Product grade and count
- Pack weight and packaging material
- Arrival condition
- Origin and shipment mode
- Available stock
- Local handling and transport cost
- Final landed cost
Market Insight: Onion Stability and Banana Spread
The onion reference of AED 2.00 per kilogram provides a practical planning benchmark for standard packs. However, onion pricing can move quickly when new arrivals, quality differences, or demand changes affect the market.
The banana category shows a wider spread. YB banana is listed at AED 16 for a 4 kg pack, while G9 banana prices range from AED 37 for green 13 kg packs to AED 45 for yellow 13 kg packs. This difference reflects variety, pack size, ripeness, handling requirements, and buyer preference.
For exporters, pack comparison is critical. A lower unit price does not necessarily represent a lower landed cost if the product has different pack weight, rejection risk, shelf life, or distribution requirements.
Mayil Global: Verified Buyer and UAE Distribution Partner
Mayil Global supports international exporters and local UAE B2B buyers through sourcing, quality control, logistics, and wholesale distribution.
For exporters searching for a verified buyer for exporters UAE, Mayil Global provides two commercial models:
1. Three Percent Commission Distribution
Under the 3 percent commission distributor UAE model, Mayil Global distributes approved products through UAE wholesale channels and charges a transparent 3% commission on gross sales, subject to agreed commercial terms and actual local costs.
This model is suitable for exporters who want:
- Access to UAE wholesale buyers
- Professional container handling
- Market-based price realization
- Transparent reporting
- Structured distribution
- Faster sales movement for perishables
2. Immediate Cash-and-Carry Container Purchase
Exporters that prioritize immediate liquidity can discuss an immediate cash-and-carry container purchase. Subject to product inspection, specifications, arrival condition, and agreed terms, Mayil Global can evaluate full containers or agreed inventory for direct purchase.
This model helps exporters reduce exposure to:
- Extended sales cycles
- Local market price volatility
- Inventory holding risk
- Product deterioration
- Delayed capital recovery
The right model depends on the product, volume, arrival condition, market demand, and exporter’s cash-flow requirements. Mayil Global’s 3% commission distribution model is designed for operational transparency and dependable distribution.
Mayil Global also supplies fresh fruits, vegetables, premium spices, rice, and farm-fresh eggs to supermarkets, restaurants, retailers, and wholesale distributors across the UAE.
Exporter Checklist for Shipping to Dubai
Businesses researching how to export food to Dubai should complete the following checks before dispatching a container:
- Confirm the UAE buyer or distributor’s business credentials.
- Agree the product variety, grade, pack, size, and tolerance levels.
- Confirm required commercial, origin, phytosanitary, and health documents.
- Establish reefer settings and cold-chain procedures for perishables.
- Confirm port clearance, inspection, transport, and storage arrangements.
- Agree the distribution commission or cash-and-carry purchase terms in writing.
- Verify the buyer’s acceptance process after arrival.
- Review the final landed cost against the current Al Aweer market reference.
- Maintain traceability for product lots and supplier records.
- Confirm whether Mayil Global is acting as the distributor, direct purchaser, or verified buyer of that particular product.
Conclusion
The UAE continues to expand its role as a regional trade and logistics centre. The UAE-Russia agreement, record H1 2026 non-oil trade, and the growing CEPA network support a wider commercial environment for international exporters.
At the same time, the Iran trade suspension requires careful route and origin planning. Food-safety monitoring remains active, as demonstrated by the UAE’s verification that recalled GreenWise berries did not enter local markets.
For current Al Aweer transactions, indicative prices are useful for planning but must be verified on the same day. Grade, pack, arrival condition, and landed cost determine the actual commercial value.
Mayil Global provides exporters with a structured 3 percent commission distributor UAE model, immediate cash-and-carry container purchase options, and wholesale supply for UAE supermarkets, restaurants, retailers, and distributors. To discuss product availability or export distribution, contact Mayil Global.
Sources and Related Links
- The National: UAE-Russia trade and investment agreement comes into effect
- WAM / Dubai Government Media Office: UAE H1 2026 non-oil foreign trade
- Khaleej Times: GreenWise berries not sold in UAE markets
- Gulf News: UAE confirms markets free of GreenWise berries
- MyVegmarket: Al Aweer prices
- Mayil Global products
- Mayil Global 3% commission distribution model
- Mayil Global contact page