The United Arab Emirates

The Food Sector & related Services

Compiled by:

Swiss Business Hub Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Dubai, October 2006

Summary of contents

1. Introduction

2. General Industry Overview

3. Rules & Regulations

3.1 Doing Business in the UAE

4. Population / Consumer Trends & Analysis

4.1 Population break-up by age-group, nationality and income-group
4.2 Consumption Patterns / Eating Habits

5. Mass Grocery Retails

5.1 Outlets Break-up by Sales Value
5.2 Outlets Break-up by No.

6. Domestic Production

7. Imports

8. Exports

9. Swiss Presence

10. Tariff rate / import duties

11. Upcoming Trade Events

12. Conclusion

13. Useful Addresses

14. Data Sources

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The UAE Food Sector & related services

1. Introduction

Located at the crossroads between the east and the west, where tradition welcomes
modernity, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is not only a fantastic regional hub, but
also a tremendously growing business capital. The country is one of the wealthiest in
the region with a GDP Per capita of US $ 27,000 (2005 Est.). Much of the develop-
ment has been due to the country’s vast oil and gas reserves forming some 30% of
the GDP. Although the UAE remains fairly dependent on oil, economic diversification
measures are constantly taken to shift away the economy from being highly depend-
ent on oil prices.

High oil prices in 2004 and 2005 resulted in heavy growth of the GDP. The UAE stays
vulnerable to oil price fluctuations despite diversification away from oil. In an unlikely
event that the oil prices drop, the overall growth would also decline. Nonetheless, the
growth in other sectors like tourism, financial services and other non-oil sectors to
some extent could balance the concerns over oil price fluctuations.

The UAE is a federation of seven emirates, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khai-
mah, Fujairah, Ajman and Umm Al Quwain. The UAE currency is the Emarati Dirham
(DH or AED) which is pegged to the US dollar at the rate of AED 3.673. Even though
Arabic is the official language of the state, English is widely used in both government
and business places.

With a dynamic and a virtually tax free economy, the UAE is a fast paced grow-
ing business hub. There has been an effective growth of regulatory activities as the
country opts to level the domestic practices with the international standards. Since
joining the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 1996, the UAE government has sought
to liberalize its laws in various areas, including the food sector, to reflect the govern-
ment’s commitment to follow the WTO rules and regulations. The UAE is a founding
member of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) which is a regional free trade zone
found in 1981 with the aim of enhancing trade relations in the region. The UAE has
12 Free Trade Zones that allow 100% foreign ownership of enterprises and ex-
emption from import & export taxes. The UAE is often internationally associated
with its first-class shopping malls and incredible duty free outlets.

The UAE is applauded for creating a business-friendly environment with a fairly good
infrastructure and a competitive labor cost. World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Growth
Competitive Index for 2004 - which is a composite of macroeconomic environment,
state of public institutions and technology readiness - ranked the UAE 16th in the world
- and the 1st among the GCC countries - with Singapore at 7th and Bahrain at 28th. In
the same year, the EUROMONEY, one of the leading business magazines across
Europe, classified the UAE as the safest Arab country for investment.

Exchange Rates:
1 US $ = AED 3.673
1 CHF = AED 3.00 (average)

2. General Industry Overview

The UAE food processing industry started to grow in the early 1980s. The government
initiated numerous plans for the local farmers in a move towards lowering high reli-
ance on imported food. However, domestic food & agricultural production is hindered
by the country’s harsh climate. Nonetheless, around 891,098 acres of land is being
cultivated and the primary crops include date palms, mangoes, beans, tomatoes, cu-

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cumbers, peppers and quite a few other products. The government revised its Agricul-
tural Research Strategic Plan to extend the cultivated land area and search of better
methods of production.

While the retail trade is overly reliant on tourism, the food & agricultural industries
are reasonably underdeveloped, as a result, the industry is to a certain extent
dependent on imports. Soft drinks lead the growth in the beverages sector. Even
though alcohol is available to Muslims and non-Muslims, its sales are restricted to
hotels and a few licensed distribution centers rather than in supermarkets, as a result,
the retail alcoholic drinks market lingers under-developed.

Between the years 2005-2006, the four largest product groups purchased by the
foodservice operators are (i) meat, poultry and fish accounting for just over 30%,
(ii) beverages 18%, (iii) dairy products 13% and (iv) rice, bread, pasta and cereal
13%. Further study shows that the fastest growing product types in the food service
are poultry, lamb/mutton, fresh fruit and vegetables, processed meat and liquid
milk.

According to the statistics published by the Ministry of Planning, in 2004, the foodstuff,
beverages, spirits & tobacco sector had:
• Net Imports AED 4078 billion
• Re-exports AED 1517 million

3. Rules & Regulations

Business is governed by the Federal Commercial Companies Law No. 8 of 1984. The
law was amended in 1993 and requires a minimum local equity participation of 51%
for companies incorporated in the UAE.
• Private or Public shareholding companies have to be fully owned by the UAE
nationals.
• Foreign companies which do not operate in one of the 12 Free Trade Zones
must work through a local sponsor.
• Foreign companies and individuals are not allowed to own land or real estate
in the UAE. Lately few changes and amendments were introduced.
• All property must be rented or leased. However, this situation is not uniform
across the board, due to the federal structure of the state, some of the emir-
ates are more receptive to foreign investment and have therefore maintained
more liberal regulations.
• The emirate of Dubai, for instance, extended foreign ownership of land and
properties in designated areas.

The UAE Ministry of Finance and Industry requested the dairy products and foodstuff
manufacturers to establish a unified entity in which to better promote theirs interests
and tackle problems inherent in their industries.
• The main controlling body of dairy products is the UAE Dairy Association.
• There are no significant trade barriers on imports and sale of food proc-
essing and packaging machinery in the UAE.
• All consumer ready products are subject to production and expiration dating
imprinted on the original label.
• Furthermore, food labels must contain product and brand names, production
and expiry dates, country of origin, name of the manufacturer, net weight in
metric units and list of ingredients and additives.
• Besides English, Arabic labeling is officially required and can be applied by sti-
cker.
• Products must be free of alcohol, pork & E-colorings.

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On April 5th, 2006, Dubai Public Health Department issued a regulation containing
new requirements for the food packaging establishments, importers and dealers of
food packaging material and restaurants. The new regulation requires use of non-
plastic cups such as foam polystyrene that could withstand temperatures above 100
degrees C.

3.1 Doing Business in the UAE

• The Emirates Standardization and Metrology Authority is responsible for pre-
paring and enforcing of UAE/GCC standards.
• The EU has funded a standards center in the UAE to implement ISO 9000 cer-
tification.
• Local importer is permitted to import goods that are allowed by the Trade Li-
cense issued by the local government.
• All goods exported to or re-exported from the UAE must have proper docu-
mentation acquired from the Ministry of Economy and the different Chambers
of Commerce according to the respective emirates.
• Imports of goods into the UAE for the purpose of re-export within six months
are exempted from customs duty, requiring a deposit or submission of a bank
guarantee in lieu of duty.
• The deposit or bank guarantee will be refunded/released by the local Customs
authority once proof of re-export is presented.
• Goods remaining longer than six months, however, are subject to customs du-
ty.
• All imported goods must have one-half or more of their shelf life in effect, for
the import clearance to be issued.
• All food imports, beef and poultry are subject to health certificate and a halal
slaughter certificate issued by the country of origin.
• All kinds of illicit drugs like hashish, cocaine, heroine, etc are not allowed in the
UAE. Pornography and forged currency are also prohibited.
• Food Import & Export procedure – Guidance Notes by “Dubai Municipality” can
be accessed at www.dm.gov.ae (Food Control Section)

As a reminder, starting up business in the UAE follows two main challenges:

(i) The foremost important challenge is finding an interested local importer; ready to
take care of the complex local import regulations and registration procedures related
to product licensing, mandatory submission of product samples & documentations
required to local municipal lab for testing purposes in order to prove that the product
doesn’t contain alcohol, pork, fat, E-coloring agents, etc.

(ii) The second challenge comes along with distribution of the product; there are diffi-
culties associated with selling goods at big retail hypermarkets, co-ops and supermar-
kets. For example; listing fees & shelf rental fees are high at retail shops & supermar-
kets like Carrefour, Spinney’s, Choithram, and Co-operative Society.

4. Population / Consumer Trends & Analysis

Since 1995, the total population has doubled from 2 million to 4.5 million in 2005. Ac-
cording to the Ministry of Planning the UAE has a fertility rate of 4% which is one of
the highest in the world.

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4.1 Population break-up by (i) age-group, (ii) nationality and (iii) income-group.
(i) Population Break-up by age group

Above 50
6% Below 15
25%

Between
15-50
69%

In 2004, those between the ages of 15-50 years constituted almost 70% of the popu-
lation, representing the high number of working expatriates, a high percentage of
whom are disposed to purchasing ready-to-eat meals because most people in the
UAE are compelled to eat at least one meal per day while on the job, which pushes up
the demand for fast, easy to consume meals. Reports unveil that within this age group
(15-50 years of old) males represent a higher percentage, almost three times that of
females in the working population. While the youth group namely those below the age
of 15 years amounted to 24%, the elderly group those above the age of 50 years fell
in the remaining 6% of the total population.

(ii) Population break-up by nationality

Other Arabs
15%
Locals
10%
Locals
Asians
Westerns
15% Westerns
Other Arabs

Asians
60%

While the UAE nationals make up only 10% of the population, the Asian community
mainly people from South Asia (i.e. India & Pakistan) and the Far East (China, the
Philippines) form 60% of the population. The Western expatriates account for 15%,
whereas the non-local Arabs account for only 15% of the total population.

(iii) Population break-up by income group

Annual Income (DHS) % Income Group Elite

6% Lower
Less than 24,000 21 Lower
25%
24,001-36,000 4.3 Lower Lower
Upper
36,001-48,000 5.3 Middle 23% Middle
48,001-60,000 23.5 Middle Upper
60,001-108,000 17.2 Middle Elite
108,001-180,000 16.3 Upper
180,001-300,000 6.3 Upper
Middle
Above 300,000 6.1 Elite 46%

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The UAE nationals tend to have a very high buying power, hence, they are included in
the Elite and Upper income group. The expatriates from the European countries who
constitute approximately 15% of the population occupy high positions in various multi-
national organizations generally tend to have high incomes. The Asian Community
who form 60% of the population can be divided into various income levels; the upper
income businessmen, the middle executives and the lower income laborers. Further-
more, those receiving a monthly income between AED 3000 - 9000 make up more
than 50% of the population which can be considered as middle income group. The
government has initiated plans to develop convenience stores in the less-developed
areas, consequently; consumers from the lower income group are expected to draw
preference on convenience stores rather than reliance on traditional souks and mar-
kets.

4.2 Consumption Patterns/ Eating Habits

• Since Asians & Arabs constitute the majority, rice consumption is very high in
the UAE when compared to Europe.
• Dairy products are popular in the region while statistics suggest UAE consum-
ers eat around 80-85 kg of dairy products per capita per year.
• It’s believed by some that the market for energy drink in the Middle East is
growing rapidly as the Muslim population looks for a beverage that’s is fun but
not alcoholic.
5. Mass Grocery Retail

Statistics reveal that mass grocery retail sales reached an estimated US $ 722 mil-
lion in 2004. It is expected that the total sales could reach US $ 1.1 billion in the
year 2007. Most of the mass grocery retail activities are concentrated in the three key
emirates of Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah. Mass grocery retail sector is expected to
expand further as result of soaring tourism industry, high population growth and
consumer preference for shopping in modern retail setups. Further growth is ex-
pected in the retail sector in the smaller emirates mainly in Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah
and Al Ain as these emirates opt to develop their tourist attractions.

Through a joint venture with Majid Al Futaim (MAF), Carrefour France has 8 outlets
in the UAE. Emke group operates LuLu supermarkets and hypermarkets and Lulu
department stores. Spinneys operates 17 supermarkets across the UAE. The Dubai
Duty Free which is becoming one of the top buyers and sellers successful outlets, is
based at the Dubai International Airport

(i) Hypermarkets

Even though there are only about 10 hypermarket outlets, statistics reveal that Hy-
permarkets have dominated the market with sales reaching US $ 480 million in 2004.
It’s expected that the total sales through hypermarkets could reach US $ 730 million in
2007. Carrefour and Lulu, among a few others, are the only hypermarkets operating in
the UAE food retail sector.

(ii) Supermarkets and Cooperatives

Statistics reveal that supermarkets and co-operatives sales reached US $ 220 million
in 2004. It is expected that the total sales through supermarkets and co-operatives
could reach US $ 350 in the year 2007. There are as many as 90 supermarkets and
union co-operatives throughout the UAE. The government and the UAE nationals who
constitute the principle shareholders support the Cooperatives whose market share is
estimated around 15%.

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 (iii) Convenience Stores

Statistics reveal that convenience stores sales reached US $ 22 million in 2004. It is

expected that the total sales could reach US $ 40 million in the year 2007. Such in-
crease will be as a result of the government’s policies to boost the development of
neighborhood convenience stores in less-developed areas.

(iv) Private Label Products

Dubai’s first branded products and contract manufacturing event held in 2004, “Private
Label Middle East”, was a significant success. Strategic Food Industries (SFI) a Dubai
based biscuit manufacturer and packager reported an increase from 42% to 72% in
the proportion of private label goods. It is forecasted that the Middle East private label
market will grow by 30% in the coming years.

5.1 Outlets Break-up by Sales Value (US $ million)

Format / Year 2004 est. 2007 est.

Supermarkets & Co-ops 220 350
Hypermarkets 480 730
Convenience Stores 22 40
Total 722 1120

The total sales value reached US $ 722 million in 2004, Hypermarkets with only 10
outlets accounted for 67% of the market share. Supermarkets and Cooperatives ac-
counted for 30% and Convenience stores for 3%.
5.2 Outlets Break-up by No.

Type / No. of outlets 2004 est.

Supermarkets & Co-ops 90
Hypermarkets 10
Convenience Stores 248
Total 348

There were a total of 348 (excluding duty free shops) mass grocery retailers com-
posed of four types in 2004, hypermarkets (10), supermarkets & cooperatives (90)
and convenience stores (248).

6. Domestic Production

In 2004, according to the Ministry of Planning, (based on assessment of No. of estab-

lishments, No. of employees and No. of average employment/establishment), the
Food & Beverages sector ranked the 4th (Fabricated Metal Products 1st, Non-Metallic
Mineral Products 2nd, Wearing Apparel 3rd) among other sectors with 280 establish-
ments and more than 25,000 employees. The Agriculture sector constituted only a-
bout 3 percent and hotels & restaurants about 2 percent of the GDP in 2004.

UAE Agricultural Production, 2003-2004 (In thousands of metric tons)

Category 2003 2004 Category 2003 2004
Year Year
Animal products Plant products
Meat 29 31 Dates & Fruits 822 855
Poultry 30 32 Vegetables 289 272
Eggs (in millions) 340 362 Other crops 4436 4579

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 Mild & dairy products 215 234

Fish products 144 147

Source: Ministry of Economy & Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries

The UAE is 100% self sufficient in products like dates and fish. Other sectors such as
meat (31%), poultry (17%), fresh milk (83%) and eggs (39%) stay highly dependent
on imports.

(i) Dairy Products

The dairy industry is the most competitive. Dairy production firms include; Al Ain Dai-
ry Farm offering many products such as fresh milk, laban, camel milk, flavored milk,
juices, yoghurts and cheeses. Other local operators include Al Rawabi Dairy Farm,
Marmum Dairy Co., National Foods Products Company, Fujairah Dairy Co., Al
Mourouj Dairy Co., Nadec Dairy Co. and others.

(ii) Beverages

Majority of beverages (e.g. carbonated drinks) are produced locally. The leading firms
in the beverages sector include Masafi (mineral water), Modern Refreshment Com-
pany (subsidiary of Masafi, distributes Power Horse drink), Dubai Refreshments
Co.(the PepsiCo distributor and franchisee), Coca Cola, Star Cola (a local UAE
brand) and Zamzam (the Iranian brand). French mineral water company Sante, Evi-
an.

(iii) Other Products

Biscuits, confectionary, snacks, chocolates, edible oils and others are picking up.

7. Imports

There exists a large gap between the limited local production and the demand for food
and agricultural products; consequently, the UAE is highly reliant on food imports to
meet the demands of its growing population. In spite of, numerous attempts to in-
crease local production, the country still imports 75% - 85% of food products from
countries including; among others, the Indian subcontinent, the MENA, USA, Austra-
lia, New Zealand and South Africa.

(i) Dairy Products

• Regional competitors Suadia Dairy and Foodstuffs Company (SADAFCO)

and Almarai are the two Saudi companies that export dairy products to all Gulf
countries including the UAE.
• Dairy & frozen sector is to a fair extent dominated by imports coming from
Saudi and Kuwait.

(ii) Edible Oil

• Corn oil is the most preferred type of oil in the Gulf region. The US imports
lead the market. The total market size, in 2004, of corn oil was around est.
8,000 (metric tons).

(iii) Meat/Chicken/Fresh/Frozen/Processed

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 • The UAE market prefers lamb, mutton and goat meat. The total market si-
ze, in 2004, was est. 25,500 (metric tons).
• Danish, French and Brazilian chicken dominate the poultry market. The total
market size, in 2004, was est.120,000 (metric tons).

(iv) Agri Products; Fruits & Vegetables

• In general, affordable products are imported from MEA & MENA countries in-
cluding;
o India, Pakistan, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Egypt, South Africa
o Iran with its golden apples and other fruits dominates the market. The
total market size, in 2004, was est. 76,000 (metric tons).
• High End tropical fruits and vegetables are imported from Holland, Australia,
New Zealand, the Far East & the U.S.

(v) Beverages & Alcohols

• Alcohol is available only in 5 & 4 stars hotels (limited) with only three author-
ized local distributors selling to non-Muslims.

8. Exports / Re-exports

According to the Food & Agriculture Organization (FAO) the UAE is the world’s sixth
largest exporter of dates claiming about 37 % market share. The emirate of Dubai
ranks the third most active re-export center in the world, next to Singapore and Hong
Kong.
• Tobacco is not cultivated in the UAE; however, 80% of the tobacco and ci-
garettes imports to the UAE are re-exported to the neighboring Gulf coun-
tries.
• Nearly half of the almonds, 27% of the total corn, 25% of total meat and
30% of apples imports are re-exported to other countries.
• In April 2004, Marfa (in emirate of Abu Dhabi) Al Mafra Factory for the Proc-
essing and Packaging of Vegetables and Dates, was granted the I-
SO9001/2001 certificate to produce vegetables and dates. The company pro-
duces 7,000 tons of vegetables and dates per year and 80% its of production
is exported to the Arab countries of the region.

9. Swiss Presence

Switzerland has maintained significant trade relations with the UAE. Swiss exports to
the UAE include machinery, pharmaceuticals, jewelry, chemicals and watches to na-
me, but a few. Total Swiss exports to the UAE surpassed CHF one billion in the
year 2005, and agricultural & food exports comprised just above 2% of that; while
experiencing a 0.21 percent increase from CHF 20.55 million in 2004 to CHF 27.1
million in the year 2005.

It should be noticed that the Swiss image reflecting good quality is looked upon some-
times not as competitive products, nevertheless, Swiss products are easily available,
highly demanded, well purchased and appreciated by the customers.

Meanwhile it is fair enough to state that Swiss Food Processing Machinery & Equip-
ment are doing well in the market, for instance, Bühler Uzwil; has carried out all flour
mills, sugar mills in the UAE, plus a good number of edible oil & other food processing
tasks of the local plants.

Other companies doing well include;

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Jura, Egro, M Shaerer AG, Franke, Segafredo Zanneti Espresso Thermoplan &
Ditting; coffee making machines
Netstahl; mineral water bottling, machinery & system,

Chocolates

Swiss chocolate companies are also doing well here with brands available in the mar-
ket include;

Nestle, one of the worlds leading food & beverages company, has maintained a pres-
ence of more than 70 years in the region. In 2001, the company established its new
headquarters in Jebel Ali Free Zone. Acknowledging the market potentials and oppor-
tunities, Nestle has so far invested more than US $ 200 million in this market.

Other Swiss companies doing very well include; Lindt & Sprũngli, Toblerone/Jacob
Suchard, Alprose, who have direct representation & own offices, Plus; Kăgi, Gold
Kenn, Carma, Kambly, Camille Bloch and others.

Dairy & Cheese

Emile, Emmenta ler, Gruyere and Tilsiter and many others.

Other Products

Biofamilia, Swiss Delice, Moussy, Sucafina ®, etc.

10. Tariff rate / import duties

As of January 1st, 2003, the UAE has implemented the new GCC customs which fol-
lows the harmonic code system, in general, tariff rate & import duties are fixed at
5%. However, there are exceptions for certain products that need to be checked with
the customs website accordingly using the harmonic code system (given no, for com-
modity description).

For instance products like; chocolates, dairy products, honey, meat (fresh, processed,
frozen, dried ,etc) are subject to 5% duty. While Live animals (e.g. mainly fish,
sheep, cows, deer, chicken, horses, etc) are duty free. However, certain products like
Tobacco is subject to 100% and liquor to 70% duty. For further info please visit “Du-
bai Ports, Customs & Free Zones Corporation” at: www.dxbcustoms.gov.ae

11. Upcoming Trade Events

Gulf Food 2007

The 12th Gulf Food, Hotel and Equipment Exhibition and Salon Culinaire
Date: 19th – 22nd February 2007
Venue: Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre,
Website: www.gulfood.com

Middle East Natural & Organic Products Expo 2006

Date: 10th -12th December 2006
Venue: Dubai International Exhibition Centre, Dubai World Trade Centre
Website: www.globallinksdubai.com/mnp

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Dubai International Soft Drinks Exhibition 2006
Dubai International Vending Machines Exhibition
Date: 14th – 17th November 2006
Venue: Dubai Creek Park, Dubai – U.A.E.
Website: www.dubai-soft.com

Food Festival 2006: Reaching out to food connoisseurs.

Date: 18th – 22nd September 2006
Venue: Expo Centre Sharjah, UAE
Website: www.foodfestivalsharjah.com

Dubai International Sea Food Exhibition (DISF) 2007

Date: 29th – 31st October 2007
Venue: Crowne Plaza Hotel, Dubai, UAE
Website: http://www.orangefairs.com/seafood

Dubai International Halal Show 2006

Date: 11th – 13th September 2006
Venue: Crowne Plaza Hotel, Dubai, UAE
Website: http://www.orangefairs.com/dxb_halal

These Dubai and Sharjah held exhibitions are the most important, successful food &
related shows and are the largest related events in the Gulf & the Middle East.

12. Conclusion, personal impression, recommendation

A study by the Australian foodservice and economic research company BIS Shrapnel
who has more than 20 years of experience in analyzing food industry worldwide, re-
ported that in 2005, the value of food and non-alcoholic beverages purchased by the
UAE food service valued around US $ 1.43 billion in wholesale prices. In consumer
values, the UAE foodservice market was worth around US $ 4.36 billion. The report
added that, in 2006, the total value of spending in the UAE foodservice industry esti-
mated AED 6.47 billion.

The UAE foodservice market is large relative to the country’s population size,
that’s due to the series of demographic factors. Only in 2004 an estimated 5.2 mil-
lion tourists visited the UAE. Furthermore, with 106 airlines currently operating at
the Dubai International Airport offering flights to 145 destinations around the world,
Dubai Emirate has put forward a plan to attract as many as 15 million visitors by the
year 2010. The presence of such a large number of people will result in a significant
growth of food industry. The research company believes that firms who have already
set up dedicated foodservice operations should expect huge benefits due to
projected high growth in the next 5 years. The study added that the UAE foodser-
vice market will grow at the rate of 11% per annum.

The UAE has 140 five-star hotels who accept only high quality food, National Food
Industry Strategy (NFIS), an Australian government funded organization forecasts that
the five-star hotel market is growing at the rate of 30% per annum which creates op-
portunities for delivery of high quality food.

The UAE is strategically well located and plays an even larger role of acting as
the connecting hub for the greater region of the Middle East. It is also an entry
point, showcase and regional leader for new products, outlets and various other
trends. Among others, countries like the US have long been involved in the food sec-
tor; Australia has also sensed the opportunities in the market and is on the process of
establishing a free trade agreement between Australia and the UAE for goods, ser-

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vices and investments. Australia exports meat, dairy products, wheat and processed
foods to the UAE.

In this respect, it’s recommended that all Swiss firms interested here that they better
keep good eye on this market, consider attending – participating at important fairs &
exhibitions, maintain, develop & follow up existing relations with local agents, import-
ers and distributors.

The given statistic & analysis of SBH Dubai is to hopefully reflect a true picture to all
Swiss Food industry & related promoters in prioritizing and setting up their goals &
plans.

13. Useful Addresses:

Majid Al Futtaim (MAF)/ Carrefour UAE

Dubai, UAE
Tel: + 971 4 295 1600
Fax: + 971 4 295 1601
Website: www.carrefouruae.com

Emke Group/ LuLu supermarkets, hypermarkets

Chairman: Mr. MK Abdulla
Managing Director: Mr. Yousaf Ali
PO Box: 4048
Abu Dhabi, UAE
Tel: +971 2 642 1800
Fax: +971 2 642 1716
Website: www.emkegroup.com

Spinneys Dubai LCC

CEO: Jannie C. Holtzhausen
Marketing Manager: Mr. Warwick Smith
PO Box: 677
Dubai, UAE
Tel: +971 4 355 5250
Fax: + 971 4 351 5538
Website: www.spinneys.com

Dubai Duty Free

Managing Director: Mr. Colin McLoughlin
PO Box: 831
Dubai, UAE
Tel: + 971 4 216 2453
Fax: + 971 4 224 4036
Website: www.dubaidutyfree.com

Ministry of Economy & Planning

PO Box: 904
Abu Dhabi, UAE
Tel: + 971 2 626 5000
Fax: + 971 2 626 0000
Website: www.economy.ae

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Ministry of Finance & Industry
PO Box: 433
Abu Dhabi, UAE
Tel: + 971 2 672 600
Fax: + 971 2 676 8414
Website: www.uae.gov.ae/mofi

Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries

The Minister : H.E. Saeed Mohammed Al Raqbani
PO Box : 213 Abu Dhabi
Tel : 02 4495111
Fax : 02 4495154
Website: http://www.uae.gov.ae/maf

Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry

PO Box:1457
Dubai, UAE
Tel: + 971 4 228 0000
Fax: + 971 4 221 1646
Website: www.dcci.gov.ae

Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority

PO Box:17000
Dubai, UAE
Tel: + 971 4 881 5000
Fax: + 971 4 881 16466093
Website: www.jafza.ae

Dubai Manucipality
PO Box: 67
Dubai, UAE
Tel: + 971 4 2215555
Fax: + 971 4 2246666
Website: www.dm.gov.ae

Union Co-operative Society

PO Box: 3861
Dubai, UAE
Tel : + 971 4 3312891, 3331816
Fax : + 971 4 3315150
Email: unionco@emirates.net.ae

14. Data Sources:

Ministry of Planning
Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry
Emirates Industrial Bank, Journal of
National Food Industry Strategy
Local news papers & magazines
BIS Shrapnel
BMI

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Date: October 2006
Authors Wafa Y. Hijjawi, Adib Fahim, Adib Fahim
Author’s Address: Swiss Business Hub Dubai, UAE
Dubai World Trade Center
Dubai
United Arab Emirates
Tel. +971 4 329 09 99
Fax +971 4 331 36 79
E-Mail: sbhdubai@dai.rep.admin.ch

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