Abu Dhabi Food Hub Creates New Trade Corridor for Indian Food Exporters

by R. Suryamurthy May 20, 2026

By R. Suryamurthy May 20, 2026 0 comments 3 minutes read

Courtesy: adfoodhub.com

The launch of the Indo-Food Park by the Trade Promotion Council of India (TPCI) and Abu Dhabi Food Hub is expected to open a new gateway for Indian food suppliers seeking access to the UAE, Gulf and global markets, amid rising demand for imported food products in the Middle East.

The initiative, unveiled at an event in Mumbai on May 19, aims to connect Indian food manufacturers, processors and exporters with the Abu Dhabi Food Hub, an integrated food trading and logistics ecosystem strategically located between Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

The Indo-Food Park is being positioned as a dedicated platform for Indian food companies looking to expand into the UAE, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) markets, Africa and other international destinations by leveraging the UAE’s logistics and re-export infrastructure.

Spread across 3.3 square kilometers, the Abu Dhabi Food Hub is designed as a one-stop marketplace covering food categories ranging from fresh produce and dairy to meat, seafood and dry commodities. The project integrates trading, warehousing, logistics and regulatory systems with multimodal connectivity through sea, air and land transport networks.

Speaking at the launch, Mohit Singla said the UAE remains one of the world’s most import-dependent food markets, importing nearly 85 to 90 per cent of its food requirements.

“The UAE is among the world’s most food import-dependent countries, while India is regarded as one of its most dependable food suppliers with nearly 10 per cent market share,” Singla said, adding that the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and growing investments in food processing and logistics were creating new opportunities for Indian exporters.

He said the Indo-Food Park would help build resilient supply chains and create a seamless bridge between Indian producers and one of the world’s most advanced food trading ecosystems.

India’s food and beverage exports to the UAE have risen sharply in recent years, increasing from about USD 2.3 billion in 2021 to USD 3.6 billion in 2025, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 11.3 per cent over four years. The UAE’s total food and beverage imports are estimated at around USD 22 billion in 2025.

Industry observers say the expansion in bilateral food trade reflects rising demand in the UAE for staples, processed foods, meat products, beverages and agricultural commodities, while also underlining India’s growing reputation as a reliable supplier.

Officials associated with the project said the Abu Dhabi Food Hub’s location and logistics infrastructure would enable faster market access for Indian exporters and support wider integration with Middle Eastern and African supply chains.

The initiative is also expected to strengthen India-UAE economic ties and reinforce India’s role in global food security and sustainable supply chain networks at a time when countries are seeking diversified and reliable sourcing partners for food imports.