UAE

Here you can find information about the potential for British food and drink in the United Arab Emirates. Please also see the 'UAE Import Regulations' link on the left-hand side.

• Strong and fast growing market in its own right
• Major gateway to GCC (Gulf Cooperative Council)
• Trend setter for the rest of the GCC through introduction of new products in the market.
• Major cities: Abu Dhabi, Dubai
• Cons: very competitive
• Pros: very open, large expat population
• With Dubai as regional hub for the rest of the GCC – a tempting total target market – there are interesting logistical options on offer.

Trade Structure (2007)

	UAE
Hyper/supermarket	280 (85%)
Other self-service	260 (3%)
Large grocery	1550 (6%)
Bagalas	5040 (7%)

Market background

• Population: 4.5 million (2007) GDP: £19,984 per head (2007)
• Unemployment rate: 1.8% (2007)
• Inflation: 11% (2007)
• Consumer expenditure on food and non-alcoholic drinks: £640 per head (2007)

Trade environment

• UK food and drink exports to the market: £83.2 million in 2007 (+20%)

Retail environment

Top retailers by number of outlets (2007)

1	Co-Operative stores	86
2	EMKE Group (Lulu)	49
3	Al Safeer Group	29
4	Spinney’s	27
5	Choithram	25
6	Carrefour	10