UAE Export News and Al Aweer Market Updates
The latest UAE export news confirms continued expansion in non-oil trade, food manufacturing, and international supply-chain connectivity. At the same time, the latest Al Aweer market updates, based on available wholesale references from September 8, 2026, show clear price movement across vegetables, fruits, roots, and imported staples.
For exporters, the market presents two practical opportunities: entering the UAE through a structured distribution partner and responding quickly to verified buyer requirements. For supermarkets, restaurants, retailers, and wholesale distributors, the priority remains consistent supply, documented quality, competitive landed cost, and reliable logistics.
Mayil Global supports both sides through wholesale food distribution, a 3 percent commission distributor UAE model, and immediate cash-and-carry container purchases subject to verification and inspection.
UAE Non-Oil Trade Surpasses AED 1.9 Trillion
The UAE’s non-oil foreign trade reached AED 1.937 trillion during the first half of 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.
According to the Dubai Government Media Office, the share of non-oil exports in total non-oil foreign trade rose to 23.4%. China, Switzerland, and India remained among the UAE’s leading trading partners.
Speaking at the AIM Investment Summit 2026, Minister of Foreign Trade Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi highlighted the UAE’s position as a global trade and investment hub. He also referenced approximately $48.3 billion in foreign direct investment inflows during 2025, placing the UAE among the world’s top destinations for FDI.
What this means for food exporters
- More market access: The UAE continues to function as a regional gateway for the Gulf, Africa, and South Asia.
- Stronger re-export potential: Food products entering Dubai can serve local B2B buyers and wider regional distribution channels.
- Higher compliance expectations: Buyers increasingly require traceability, proper packaging, documented quality control, and complete shipment documentation.
- Demand for dependable supply: Supermarkets, restaurants, and distributors need suppliers that can maintain volume and delivery schedules.

UAE Food Manufacturing Targets Support New Trade Opportunities
The UAE is targeting a major expansion in local food manufacturing by 2028. The country aims to increase the food and beverage sector’s contribution to GDP from AED 30 billion to AED 40 billion. Food trade is targeted to rise from AED 25 billion to AED 40 billion.
The programme also includes:
- Approximately 20,000 new jobs
- Support for up to 200 food factories
- Local production capacity growth of approximately 15% to 30%
- Food import substitution of up to AED 2 billion per year
These targets do not remove the need for imports. They create additional demand for raw materials, fresh produce, ingredients, packaging, premium rice, spices, and food products that can support local processing and re-export.
Gulfood Manufacturing 2026
Gulfood Manufacturing 2026 will take place at Dubai World Trade Centre from November 3 to 5, 2026.
The event will bring together manufacturers, technology providers, investors, suppliers, and policymakers. Its focus on food security and manufacturing innovation aligns directly with the UAE’s objectives for production, import substitution, processing efficiency, and regional trade.
Exporters should use this period to prepare:
- Product specifications and technical data sheets
- Factory certifications and quality records
- Packaging and labeling formats
- Monthly supply capacity
- UAE buyer pricing
- Distribution and re-export plans
The broader market direction is clear: dependable sourcing, food safety, quality control, and efficient logistics will determine which suppliers secure long-term UAE relationships.
New Fresh-Produce Trade Corridors
Fresh-produce trade between the UAE and international markets continues to diversify.
Honduras Hass avocados
Honduras is preparing its first air shipment of Hass avocados to Dubai. The pilot shipment is being developed under the country’s National Hass Avocado Export Program 2026–2036, with fruit supplied through the Honduran Avocado Growers Association and Fresh Earth Produce.
The reported route connects San Pedro Sula with Dubai through Panama and Paris. The estimated transit time is approximately five days. The shipment is expected to use Extra Fancy Quality fruit with traceability, maturity verification, and pre-shipment quality control.
This development demonstrates the commercial value of Dubai for new origins. It also reinforces the importance of cold-chain management, calibrated fruit, export-grade packaging, and confirmed buyer demand before dispatch.
Armenia fresh produce
Armenia is also developing regular fresh-fruit and vegetable shipments to the UAE, with reported plans of up to 40 tonnes per week. The supply corridor is expected to use digital procurement and logistics coordination for UAE wholesale and retail channels.
For buyers, this creates an additional origin option. For Armenian exporters, the commercial requirement is consistent grade, documented compliance, stable volume, and a distribution partner able to coordinate UAE delivery.
UAE-grown produce to Bahrain
UAE-grown produce exports to Bahrain are also expanding, with reported supply covering more than 31 varieties of fruits and vegetables. Short regional transit supports freshness and replenishment, particularly for supermarkets, foodservice operators, and institutional buyers.

Al Aweer Market Updates: September 8, 2026
The following figures are indicative wholesale references from the Al Aweer September 8 market report. Actual transaction prices vary according to origin, grade, size, pack format, quality, volume, logistics, inspection, and negotiation.
Rising products
| Product | Reference price | Change |
|---|---|---|
| Elephant Yam | AED 2.78/kg | +25.2% |
| Dry Semi Husked Coconut | AED 3.38/kg | +15.8% |
| Watermelon | AED 2.00/kg | +14.3% |
| Bangla Bottle Gourd | AED 5.71/kg | +14.2% |
| Pomegranate | AED 4.50/kg | +12.5% |
| Long Brinjal Green | AED 4.00/kg | +12.0% |
| Fruete Avocado | AED 4.75/kg | +11.8% |
Falling products
| Product | Reference price | Change |
|---|---|---|
| Ridge Gourd | AED 2.14/kg | −16.7% |
| Snake Gourd | AED 2.14/kg | −16.7% |
| Radish | AED 4.00/kg | −12.5% |
| Strawberry | AED 24.00/kg | −11.8% |
| Bitter Gourd | AED 5.71/kg | −11.2% |
| Hass Avocado | AED 12.25/kg | −10.9% |
Selected Al Aweer Staple Prices
| Product and origin | Reference price |
|---|---|
| Brown Onion, Iran | AED 2.00/kg |
| White Onion, Iran | AED 1.11/kg |
| Onion New Crop, India | AED 3.60/kg |
| Ground Tomato, Iran | AED 1.44/kg |
| Tomato, Jordan | AED 2.86/kg |
| White Potato, Pakistan | AED 1.61/kg |
| Pink Potato, Pakistan | AED 1.96/kg |
| Garlic, India | AED 6.06/kg |
| Ginger, India | AED 3.14/kg |
| Banana Del Monte, Ecuador | AED 6.15/kg |
| G9 Cavendish Banana Green, India | AED 3.46/kg |
| Green Seedless Grapes, Lebanon | AED 7.14/kg |
| Valencia Orange, Egypt | AED 3.13/kg |
| Mango Kent, Egypt | AED 6.57/kg |
| Lemon, South Africa | AED 4.67/kg |
Al Aweer Market Insight
The September 8 data shows three important procurement signals.
1. Vegetable volatility remains selective
Elephant Yam, bottle gourd, watermelon, and green brinjal recorded strong increases. Buyers should avoid relying only on daily price changes. They should compare quality, usable yield, origin, and delivery reliability before changing suppliers.
2. Avocado categories are moving in opposite directions
Fruete Avocado increased to AED 4.75/kg while Hass Avocado declined to AED 12.25/kg. This difference confirms that variety, origin, size, maturity, and customer segment must be assessed separately.
3. Origin comparison remains essential
Onions, potatoes, ginger, garlic, bananas, and citrus show significant differences by origin. The lowest listed price is not necessarily the lowest delivered cost. Buyers must consider freight, shrinkage, inspection results, pack format, shelf life, and product acceptance.
How to Export Food to Dubai
Businesses asking how to export food to Dubai should follow a controlled process:
- Define the product: Confirm commodity, origin, variety, grade, size, packaging, shelf life, and available volume.
- Confirm the UAE importer: Work with a licensed importer or distributor able to receive and clear the shipment.
- Complete ZAD registration: Food products intended for the UAE market generally require registration through the relevant food registration system before sale, storage, or distribution.
- Prepare compliant labels: Confirm Arabic and English labeling requirements, product description, country of origin, ingredients where applicable, net weight, production and expiry dates, storage conditions, and importer information.
- Prepare certificates: Depending on the product, documentation may include a certificate of origin, health certificate, phytosanitary certificate, commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or airway bill, certificate of analysis, and inspection records.
- Select the correct freight mode: Use sea freight for suitable shelf-stable or durable products, road transport for regional supply, and airfreight for high-value products with confirmed demand.
- Inspect and distribute: Confirm shipment condition, hygiene, packaging integrity, temperature requirements, customs clearance, and final delivery arrangements.
Requirements can vary by commodity and authority. Exporters should confirm current rules with the UAE importer, Dubai Municipality, customs authorities, and relevant food-safety regulators.
Mayil Global: Verified Buyer and Distribution Support
Mayil Global operates as a wholesale supplier of fresh fruits, vegetables, premium spices, rice, and farm-fresh eggs for UAE supermarkets, restaurants, retailers, and wholesale distributors.
For international and local exporters, Mayil Global provides a 3 percent commission distributor UAE model. The service can include:
- Product and supplier verification
- Buyer specification matching
- Documentation review
- Quality and packaging assessment
- Commercial coordination
- UAE distribution support
- Repeat order management
Mayil Global also supports immediate cash-and-carry container purchases, subject to product verification, inspection, documentation, confirmed specifications, and agreed commercial terms.
Exporters seeking a verified buyer for exporters UAE should provide:
- Product and origin
- Grade, size, and packaging
- Available container or monthly volume
- Price indication and Incoterms
- Loading location and readiness date
- Product images and inspection records
- Health, phytosanitary, origin, and laboratory documents
- Preferred commission or cash-and-carry model
This process helps connect suitable exporters with buyers requiring dependable supply and consistent quality.
Contact Mayil Global
Mayil Global supports sourcing, quality control, hygienic handling, storage, logistics, and B2B distribution across the UAE.
For wholesale supply, export distribution, verified buyer opportunities, or the 3 percent commission distributor UAE model:
- Email: trade@mayilglobal.com
- Phone: +971 585058626
- Address: Office 54, M Floor, City Gate Building, Deira, Dubai, UAE
- Contact Mayil Global
- View products
- Review sourcing and logistics capabilities
Sources
- UAE Government Media Office: Non-oil foreign trade H1 2026
- Al Aweer September 8, 2026 market report
- Al Aweer daily market movers
- Gulfood Manufacturing 2026
- IndexBox market research portal
- Honduras Hass avocado airfreight development
- Mayil Global sourcing and logistics
Al Aweer prices are indicative wholesale references only. Actual prices vary according to product condition, grade, origin, packaging, quantity, logistics, inspection, and negotiation. Exporters and buyers should verify current UAE import, labeling, food-safety, customs, and certification requirements before committing to a transaction.















