Dubai imported foodstuffs worth AED8.3 billion ($2.26 billion) to meet demand ahead of the holy month of Ramadan, it was announced on Saturday.
Latest statistics from Dubai Customs revealed the value of Dubai external trade in Ramadan food which included meats, sugar, vegetables, flour, rice, nuts, bottled water, juice and dates, weighing around 1.5 million tons.
“Dubai Customs offers the best facilities and customs services to ensure easy access and entry of these foodstuffs without delay and ensure their quality and that they meet the big demand, especially in Ramadan,” said Ahmed Abdul Salam Kazim, director of strategy and corporate excellence at Dubai Customs.
“We make sure consumers have access to quality foodstuff in compliance with our market’s standards and specifications and in cooperation with other government departments including Dubai Municipality.”
Last week, UAE-based Truebell, an importer of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), revealed the most in-demand food ahead of the Eid holiday next week.
The company highlighted plant-based meat replacements, dates, grains, pulses and nuts as the key trending food products in UAE stores ahead of Eid Al Fitr.
Data from Euromonitor International reveals the retail industry in the UAE is projected to increase 18 percent between 2018 and 2023 from $55 billion to $63.6 billion.
