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This report covers food and agricultural import regulations and standards in the United Arab Emirates. U.S. agricultural suppliers are advised to consult with local importers prior to shipping to verify application of these requirements on their products.

This report identifies certificate requirements for U.S. food and agricultural products destined for the United Arab Emirates. This report is to be used in conjunction with the 2024 Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards Country Report for the United Arab Emirates.

New Zealand has signed a free-trade deal with the United Arab Emirates - the fastest agreement the country has ever reached. After negotiations began in May, the country's trade negotiators concluded the deal in four months.

Australia and the United Arab Emirates announced that negotiations on a new trade agreement, the Australia-United Arab Emirates Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, have concluded.

The UAE’s chicken meat production is forecast to grow by 17 percent in 2025, supported by governmental initiatives such as feed subsidies and technological investments. Consumption is expected to rise by 6 percent due to population growth, increased consumer spending, and a thriving tourism sector.

Uruguayan beef exports in 2025 are forecast to remain unchanged at 475,000 tons carcass weight equivalent (cwe). The final volume will depend on how active Chinese buyers are the remainder of the year and FOB prices. Exports to the United States are projected to remain high.

With a gross domestic product of $536.83 billion and projected growth of 4.2 percent in 2024, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) ranks as the second largest economy in the Arab world, with substantial consumer spending driven by high per capita income.

Uruguayan wheat production in marketing year (MY) 2024/2025 is forecast at 1.3 million tons, 260,000 tons lower than the previous crop season which saw record high yields. Wheat exports are projected down at 800,000 tons, 29 percent lower than the previous year.

Post forecasts Uruguay’s marketing year (MY) 2024/25 soybean up to 3.4 million metric tons (MMT) on increased soy acreage planting, driven by increased acreage in second or late crop soy due to producers fears of another dry year of La Niña weather pattern and potential disease threat to corn, preferring soy over corn.

In MY 2024/25, Post forecasts imports by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) of all wheat, rice, corn, and barley to increase to meet high local demand. Strong tourism, population growth, and expanding poultry and dairy sectors will drive this demand.

The UAE's food processing sector is thriving, driven by robust economic growth and domestic consumption. With 568 predominantly small- and medium-sized food and beverage processors, the UAE hosts over 2,000 food and beverage manufacturing companies that generate $7.63 billion in annual revenue.

UAE chicken meat imports are forecast to increase in 2024 as domestic production expansion is unable to fulfill rising demand. Brazil’s market share is expected to continue to grow.