Where does the region rank in terms of priority for Irish food and drink exports?

In recent years, the Middle East (ME) has emerged as a growth market for Irish food and drink exports across a range of sectors.

The United Arab Emirates has a population of 11.5 million and a GDP of around the US$537bn (€460bn), so it is a particularly wealthy part of the world. Overall, the ME has a population of 420 million.

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Irish food and drink export values to ME totalled €370.4m in 2025, an increase of 7.48% on 2024 figures of €344.7m.

This makes the region the sixth-most important global market for Irish food and drink, with lots of further potential. It is important in terms of diversification and there are very high value markets within it.

What are our main exports to the Middle East?

Dairy is by far the most important category, accounting for €315.5m of our total exports in total, which is 7% more than the previous year.

Prepared consumer foods (PCF) is the next-most important category with sales of €26.8m last year, followed by drinks at €18.2m.

While current meat export volumes to the ME are modest, the market is focused on premium, high-end food service listings.

Cities such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha offer high-value markets for steak cuts and we expect to see significant growth in 2026 and beyond.

Have there been any notable trends in the market over recent years?

It has been a steady rather than spectacular market over recent years. Dubai has seen a significant influx of new residents and increased tourist numbers and, as a result, the high-end food service market is growing.

There has also been a growing interest in drinks exports to the ME, as has been the case in India, Nigeria and South Africa, which are also covered by the Bord Bia Dubai office.

Guinness is a particularly popular drink in Nigeria!

What are the future prospects - consolidation or growth?

Our ambition is always to grow every market, though, unless production is increasing, any growth in one market comes at the expense of another market.

Our priority is also to move Irish products that are currently exported to this market into higher value categories. To this end, Bord Bia has commissioned a research agency to identify where the opportunities lie for higher value dairy ingredients.

Therefore, volumes might not change significantly, but hopefully the value will.

Also, 90% of the population in UAE are immigrants and as more people from western [countries] bring western tastes, I expect that the demand for PCF will increase.

The migrant population in Saudi Arabia is lower, probably around 40%. However, large numbers of Saudis are travelling overseas for study and they return with western tastes.

So, overall, this market has plenty of headroom for growth, while both India and the African continent have huge medium to long-term potential.

What do they look for in food from Ireland?

Despite its association with oil, the ME has huge interest in quality assurance and sustainability when it comes to food.

Governments have been very enthusiastic participants in global forums and they look to the big state-owned or semi-state-owned companies to deliver their commitments.

For example, we have had two Origin Green ambassadors in Almarai, the largest food and beverage company in the ME and well known for its vertically integrated dairy business.

We also have one in Emirates Airlines, which spends $1bn (€930m) annually on food purchases, including some from Ireland.

Anything else of interest?

There are more Irish brands on retail shelves in UAE than anywhere outside the UK! Also, they are scheduled to host major global events over the next decade, all opportunities for Irish food and drink.

Finally, a significant number of Irish people are involved in the running of dairy farms here.