Market overview

The Gulf States are some of the world's most exciting markets. There are significant pportunities for British companies in the Gulf States.

• The Gulf Cooperation Council consists of Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar.  
• Exports of food and drink from the UK to the Gulf Cooperation Council markets were worth £228 million in 2007.

Key Market Characteristics

• Large families, young population
• Culture of meal preparation
• Role of traditional foods / Halal
• Conservative, sensitive consumers
• Trade ‘unsophisticated’
• Importance of brands

The Gulf States are some of the world's most exciting markets. There are significant opportunities for British companies in the Gulf States.

• The main product opportunities can be identified in the sectors of premium biscuits, breakfast cereals, chocolate/chocolate confectionery and luxury niche products, with dairy offerings starting to show healthy gains.
• Dubai is the key market for UK exporters, reaching £83m in 2007, and a burgeoning tourist market is driving growth with premium hotels and restaurants demanding quality food and drink supply.
• Targeting the ex-pat and tourist market will be rewarding for UK exporters of branded products: there are an estimated 115,000 British ex-pats in the UAE only, with Dubai being number two winter-sun destination for tourists from the UK.
• Given the impressive economic growth in the Gulf States, with Dubai being the fastest growing tourist destination in the world, there are opportunities for UK exporters to capitalise on the ever-expanding foodservice chains