Dubai is a hub (entry-point for the GCC). All the GCC (Gulf Coastal Countries) markets have the same exact labeling requirements & halal certification stringencies (on meat imports only). This makes it easy for imported products to be re-exported out of Dubai. 50% of food & beverage imported into UAE is re-exported to other countries (mainly other GCC countries). 90% of exports in the UAE are out of Dubai, and the exports out of Dubai are doubling annually.
Things to consider about the Dubai market:
- 80% of imported goods are either consumer-ready or intermediate products
- 60% of imported goods are consumer-ready products
- 40% of all hotels currently being built (under construction) in the GCC are in Dubai alone
- The Dubai airport has become the #1 international airport worldwide, surpassing London Heathrow
- Tourism is increasing rapidly, so the demand for foodservice products continues to grow
- Main foodservice customers are
- Hotels
- Airline catering
- Fast food restaurants
The largest GCC markets for consumer-ready products in order are:
- UAE (Population of 7-8 million)
- KSA (Population of 30 million)
- Kuwait (“A far 3rd,” Population of 4 million)
Things to consider for KSA:
- 5 million pilgrims/year visit Mecca
- World’s biggest oil exporter (largest oil reserve)
- Government is spending $400 billion on new infrastructure across the whole country, which will bring lots of jobs to KSA and increase the population (consumer spending)
- Foodservice is a huge market and demand for foodservice products is likely to increase due to tourism and government spending
