Despite current geopolitical tensions across the region, the Middle East remains a strategically important market for Irish food and drink exports, currently valued at approximately €370 million, representing 11% year-on-year growth in 2025. Dairy products continue to dominate Irish exports to the region, accounting for approximately 85% of total export value, followed by prepared consumer foods and drinks.
Long-standing trading relationships, strong consumer demand, and the region’s structural reliance on imported food continue to underpin this growth. In 2025, the UAE imported an estimated 85–90% of its food to supply a population of more than 11 million people.
However, rising geopolitical tensions across the region are beginning to create significant disruption to global logistics. Flight cancellations, shipping delays, extended routing times, and rising transportation costs are placing pressure on supply chains. As carriers divert routes away from conflict zones and shippers shift freight from ocean to air transport, cargo capacity is tightening, and freight rates are expected to increase in the short term.
For Irish exporters, the most immediate exposure is in fresh and time-sensitive food categories. Many customers currently hold adequate stock levels in market; however, exporters expect short- to medium-term volatility in supply and sales should disruption persist.
The foodservice sector - an increasingly important channel for Irish exports - remains operational in the short term, supported by high hotel occupancy arising from stranded passengers. However, tourism-related demand is expected to soften until travel patterns begin to normalise.
Several Irish exporters also have substantial volumes currently in transit, and the outlook remains highly uncertain and increasingly difficult to predict, particularly as logistics disruption and input costs continue to rise.
While the safety of Bord Bia’s Dubai-based staff remains our overriding priority, we are maintaining close engagement with client companies and customers across the region to monitor developments closely, support Irish exporters, and provide timely market intelligence as the situation evolves.
In a period defined by conflict and volatility, strong relationships and stable supply bases have become some of the most valuable strategic assets a business can possess. Bord Bia is supporting its clients to safeguard continuity while positioning for sustainable growth in the months ahead.