Dubai’s external food trade hit $14.2 billion in 2020

Dubai’s external food trade reached 52 billion dirhams ($14.2 billion) in 2020, according to government data.

The emirate imported foodstuff worth 34.7 billion dirhams, Dubai Customs manager Nassim Al-Mehairi said, while exports and re-exports were valued at 10 billion dirhams and 7.3 billion dirhams respectively.

Food security is a major issue in the UAE, which has been investing in technology that will reduce its reliance on importing key staples.

Dubai Customs has streamlined its processes to accelerate the clearance of foodstuff shipments to ensure they are delivered to markets on time, especially during Ramadan when consumption is high, Al-Mehairi said.