Exporting fresh fruit & vegetables to Dubai: a practical guide

For growers and exporters shipping fresh produce to the UAE for the first time. Requirements change, so we confirm the details for every shipment.

1. Documents

Most shipments of fresh produce to Dubai travel with:

• Phytosanitary certificate issued by the plant-protection authority of the exporting country
• Certificate of origin
• Commercial invoice and packing list
• Bill of lading (sea/land) or air waybill
• Pesticide-residue analysis, which buyers and authorities may ask for

2. Labels on every carton

Each package should clearly show the product and variety, country of origin, packer or exporter name and address, net weight, and pack date. Arabic/English labels are expected. Send us your label before printing and we will check it.

3. Cold chain

Pre-cool produce before loading, set the reefer to the right temperature and keep ventilation open. Do not mix ethylene-producing fruit (apples, pears, ripe melons) with ethylene-sensitive products (kiwifruit, leafy greens, cucumbers) in one container.

4. Routes

By sea in 40-foot reefer containers to Jebel Ali Port; by refrigerated truck over land through GCC borders; by air for high-value, very perishable items such as cherries.

5. Selling at Al Aweer

Al Aweer Central Fruit & Vegetable Market is Dubai's wholesale market. Prices change every day with arrivals and demand. On a commission sale we sell your goods there or directly to buyers, and send you a full sales report.

6. Contracts and payment

Every deal is written in a formal contract: product specification, quantity, price basis or commission, inspection, and payment terms. Agree the contract before loading.

Typical shipping temperatures