Bilateral relations between Australia and the United Arab Emirates are friendly, multi-faceted and growing rapidly, with the UAE being Australia’s largest trade and investment partner in the Middle East.

In December 2023, it was also announced that Australia and the UAE will commence negotiations for a comprehensive economic partnership agreement – a bilateral free trade agreement – that will lay the groundwork for closer economic ties.

For fresh produce, consumers almost exclusively shop at one of the three major retailers with visual vibrancy, colour and appeal being really important in the UAE.

There is great opportunity for Australian exports into the region, as the vast majority of fresh produce is imported due to the climate. There is a strong market for premium produce, which is driven by quality and variety.

Top ten levy-funded Australian exports to the UAE by volume for the year ending February 2024

1. Carrot and turnip – 29,866 tonnes
2. Onion (all) – 7,492 tonnes
3. Orange – 4,040 tonnes
4. Mandarin (including tangerine and satsuma) – 3,583 tonnes
5. Table grape – 3,158 tonnes
6. Melon (including watermelos) – 2,965 tonnes
7. Almond (all) – 2,369 tonnes
8. Potato – 1,775 tonnes
9. Peach – 694 tonnes
10. Avocado – 462 tonnes

Market access to the UAE

The UAE is a non-protocol market meaning that fresh produce is permitted entry without a phytosanitary certificate. Consignments are to be free from pests, soil, weed seeds and extraneous material.

UAE is the tenth-highest export location for Australian fruit, nuts and vegetables

Year ending February 2024

Useful links

• See more export facts and figures in Hort Innovation’s 2022/23 Australian Horticulture Statistics Handbook here
• Gain insights into international consumers for 13 of Australia’s priority export markets here
• See how key Aussie export stakeholders and authorities are joining forces to help protect and grow Australia’s horticultural exports with the Fresh and Secure Trade Alliance (FASTA) here
• Access the Hort IQ International Consumer Needs dashboard here
• Access the Austrade Go Global toolkit here

See also

Australia's top ten trade horticultural commodities here