Introduction – The Current State of Garlic in the UAE
The garlic market in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is heating up—and not just in the kitchen. With one of the highest per capita consumption rates in the Middle East, the UAE has emerged as a regional powerhouse in garlic demand. In 2024 alone, the country consumed a staggering 72,000 tons of garlic, representing 19% of the region’s total. That’s about 7 kilograms per person—more than anywhere else in the GCC.
So, what’s behind this garlic boom? Several factors are in play. For starters, the UAE heavily relies on imports—over 77,000 tons in 2024—primarily from China and Egypt. These countries have recently harvested bumper crops, flooding the market with high-quality garlic and driving prices down. That’s good news for UAE retailers and food processors looking to optimize margins.
But there’s more. The UAE is ramping up investments in controlled-environment agriculture (CEA), hydroponics, and vertical farming. While domestic garlic production remains limited due to the desert climate, these innovations are setting the stage for a future with more local sourcing.
And let’s not forget policy. With initiatives like Food Tech Valley, the UAE government is laser-focused on food security, tech-driven agriculture, and becoming a regional hub for food re-exports. In short, if you’re in the garlic trade, the UAE is a market you can’t afford to ignore.
Deep Dive – What’s Making Headlines in the UAE Garlic Scene?
Let’s slice through the noise and look at what’s really going on in the UAE garlic market right now.
1. Consumption Is Through the Roof
In 2024, garlic consumption in the UAE jumped by 31% compared to the previous year. That’s not just growth—it’s a demand surge. Whether it’s fine dining, home cooking, or processed foods, garlic is flying off the shelves.
2. Import Dependency Remains High
Despite efforts to boost local agriculture, the UAE still imported 77,000 tons of garlic in 2024. That’s nearly half of the GCC’s total garlic imports. China and Egypt continue to be the top sources, but diversification is on the radar.
3. Vertical Farming Goes Mainstream
Projects like Dubai’s Food Tech Valley are leading the charge in vertical farming. With subsidies slashing energy costs by up to 90%, garlic may soon join the list of crops grown in high-tech environments.
4. Controlled-Environment Agriculture (CEA)
Hydroponics and climate-controlled greenhouses are expanding fast. These technologies make garlic farming more feasible in arid conditions and reduce water usage—a big win in the desert.
5. The Future Looks Bright
The garlic market in the UAE is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.8% in volume and 4.2% in value through 2035. By then, we’re looking at a market size of 246,000 tons and $287 million.
Top 10 Verified Garlic Suppliers in United Arab Emirates – September 2025
These suppliers are selected based on their export volumes, global reach, certifications, and buyer feedback on Freshdi—a trusted B2B platform offering verified supplier data, RFQ trends, and real-time market intelligence.
1. Siegro International General Trading LLC
Known for its consistent quality and vast distribution network, Siegros has become a go-to partner for garlic imports in the UAE.
2. Tabeer Foodstuf Trading LLC
Tabeer specializes in importing garlic from Egypt and India, offering flexible packaging options and competitive prices.
3. Aj Agro
With excellent buyer reviews, Aj Agro is praised for its premium garlic varieties and timely deliveries.
4. Hussaini Pasha
A veteran in the UAE garlic trade, Hussaini Pasha has long-standing ties with Chinese garlic exporters and offers bulk supply options.
5. Krishh Exports
Krishh is known for its strong logistics and quality assurance processes, making them a reliable source for fresh and dehydrated garlic.
6. Ghulam Mustafa
This supplier focuses on organic and sustainably sourced garlic, catering to health-conscious consumers and retailers.
7. Mogimpex
Mogimpex offers a wide range of garlic products, including peeled and frozen garlic, and is a preferred vendor for food processors.
8. Satnam Trading Co
Satnam boasts a strong distribution network across the UAE and is known for consistent availability even during peak demand.
9. Viya Imports And Exports
Viya has recently expanded its product line to include specialty garlic types like black garlic and garlic oil.
10. Engage Fruits And Vegetables Trading LLC
This Dubai-based company is gaining traction for its focus on freshness, traceability, and customer service.
Dynamic Ranking Note: Freshdi regularly updates its “Suppliers of the Month/Quarter” list based on real-time performance, buyer feedback, and RFQ volume. Rankings may shift as market dynamics evolve.
Market Navigation – Strategic Responses to the Garlic Boom
So, how should businesses respond to this rapidly evolving garlic landscape?
Opportunities Abound
- Demand Is Growing: With a projected CAGR of 2.1% in volume and 2.6% in value across the Middle East, the garlic market is ripe for expansion.
- Health Trends: More consumers are turning to garlic for its antimicrobial and heart-health benefits.
- Culinary Crossovers: The UAE’s diverse population demands garlic across a wide array of cuisines—from Indian to Mediterranean.
Challenges to Watch
- Import Dependency: Still a major issue. Any disruptions in China or Egypt could send shockwaves through the market.
- Price Volatility: Global surplus is good for now, but future shifts in trade policy or supply disruptions could spike prices.
- Quality Concerns: High temperatures and long transit times can impact garlic freshness.
Fresh Sourcing Strategies
- Diversify Your Imports: Don’t put all your cloves in one basket. Australia is rising as a reliable partner, thanks to a new trade deal with the UAE.
- Localize Where Possible: While the UAE can’t grow garlic outdoors at scale, CEA and hydroponics offer niche opportunities for premium or organic garlic production.
- Use Freshdi Insights: Platforms like Freshdi help businesses monitor RFQ trends, supplier performance, and market alerts—ideal for staying ahead of disruptions.
Near-Term Outlook
- Trade Agreements in Play: The UAE is in talks with the EU to launch free trade negotiations, which could open up new garlic import channels from Europe.
- Re-Export Potential: With its strategic location, the UAE isn’t just a garlic consumer—it’s a garlic hub for the wider Middle East and North Africa.
Conclusion – Garlic in the UAE: A Market to Watch Closely
The UAE garlic market is no longer just an import-heavy, price-sensitive sector. It’s a dynamic, fast-evolving landscape shaped by global trade, local innovation, and surging demand. With vertical farms growing taller and trade deals growing stronger, the opportunities are as robust as garlic’s flavor.
But the market isn’t without its challenges. Import dependence and quality assurance are pressing concerns, and businesses must adapt their sourcing strategies accordingly. From exploring new supplier regions to embracing tech-driven agriculture, staying ahead requires both agility and intelligence.
That’s where Freshdi comes in. Whether you’re sourcing garlic for retail, processing, or re-export, Freshdi provides real-time supplier data, RFQ trend analysis, and dynamic rankings to help you make smarter buying decisions, faster.
Buyer Checklist – Navigating the UAE Garlic Market
- ✅ Monitor RFQ trends and supplier performance with Freshdi
- ✅ Diversify your supplier base beyond China and Egypt
- ✅ Explore trade deals for better pricing and supply stability
- ✅ Invest in quality control processes for hot climate storage
- ✅ Stay updated on food tech innovations and local sourcing programs
Future Outlook
With consumption rates climbing and technology reducing the barriers to local production, the UAE garlic market is poised for sustainable growth. Businesses that leverage data, diversify supply chains, and embrace innovation will lead the way.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why is garlic consumption so high in the UAE?
The UAE’s multicultural population and diverse culinary habits drive high garlic usage. From Indian curries to Middle Eastern mezze, garlic is a staple ingredient.
2. Can garlic be grown locally in the UAE?
Yes, but only in controlled environments like hydroponic farms or vertical agriculture systems. The desert climate makes open-field cultivation impractical.
3. Who are the biggest exporters of garlic to the UAE?
China and Egypt are the largest suppliers, followed by India and Spain. Australia is also emerging as a new trade partner.
4. Is the UAE planning to reduce its dependence on garlic imports?
Yes, through government initiatives like Food Tech Valley and subsidies for indoor farming. However, large-scale local production is still limited.
5. How can platforms like Freshdi help garlic buyers?
Freshdi offers verified supplier profiles, live RFQ analytics, and dynamic performance rankings, helping buyers make data-driven sourcing decisions.
References
- IndexBox – Garlic Market Overview 2024
- Commodity Board – Garlic Market Trends
- Mordor Intelligence – GCC Fruits and Vegetables Sector
- Reuters – Australia-UAE Trade Deal
- Reuters – EU-UAE Free Trade Negotiations
- 6Wresearch – UAE Garlic Market Outlook
- StatLedger – Vertical Farming in UAE
- Tridge – Chinese Garlic Prices in UAE
- Freshdi – Verified Garlic Suppliers
