Is There Really A Food Shortage In Dubai?
- 10.03.2026, 8:40
Bloomberg tells us what's really going on.
The war in the Middle East has started to put pressure on food logistics in the UAE. Transportation problems in the Strait of Hormuz have caused some goods to be delayed, but authorities assure that there are enough supplies to last several months.
This is reported by Bloomberg.
Dubai
The war in the Middle East is putting pressure on food supply chains in the United Arab Emirates, which imports about 90% of its food.
Despite the tense situation, supermarket shelves in the country remain full for now. The food industry uses logistics networks that have already helped manage crises during the pandemic and widespread flooding in 2024.
But some cargo has to be diverted or delivered by air or road. UAE authorities assure that they have sufficient food reserves for several months and control prices.
It is known that problems with food imports arose after Dubai and other Gulf cities became targets of Iranian missiles and drones - Tehran allegedly struck U.S. military bases, although there were cases when civilians also suffered - as a result of strikes on hotels or air defense.
Causes of likely food shortages
The war against Iran has also made shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for transporting goods in the region, more difficult.
Ships carrying Indian rice, Australian meat and Indonesian coffee are facing delays because of this. Some cargoes have been stuck in ports or forced to change their routes.
At the same time, Iran, which is one of the UAE's main suppliers of fresh fruits and vegetables, has banned the export of all food and agricultural products until further notice.
The UAE's Economy Minister Abdullah bin Tuq Al Marri said the country's strategic stockpiles of basic products will last four to six months. If necessary, authorities are ready to use alternative markets and supply routes.
Large supermarkets also say they are not raising prices yet. The country's authorities have instructed retailers not to increase them and are closely monitoring the situation.
At the same time, experts warn that a prolonged disruption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz could increase logistics costs and eventually affect food prices across the region.