DP World has officially launched the Dubai Food District, a major expansion and rebranding of the Al Aweer Central Fruit and Vegetable Market. The new district, designed to become one of the world’s largest and most advanced food trade hubs, aims to position Dubai as a global gateway for food trade and strengthen food security across the region.
The project, initially announced by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in July 2024, will transform the existing market into a multi-category trade hub that includes dairy, gourmet foods, staples, and specialty products. The expansion will help Dubai expand its trade capacity, improve food supply chains, and support the region’s food security.
Set to begin in 2027, the first phase of the district will create 29 million square feet of space, doubling the size of the current market. The Dubai Food District will integrate trade, storage, processing, and distribution, creating a connected ecosystem that will include temperature-controlled warehousing, cold stores, gourmet food halls, processing units, and digital back-office solutions.
The Al Aweer market, which first opened in 2004, is already one of the UAE’s leading food markets, supporting over 2,500 traders. The expansion will enhance its central role within the food ecosystem, improving the efficiency, diversity, and speed of food distribution while reducing supply chain risks for businesses.
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World, emphasized the strategic importance of the Dubai Food District in strengthening Dubai’s leadership in the global food trade. The district’s infrastructure will enable faster, more efficient, and more sustainable connections for farmers, producers, and traders to reach new markets.
The district’s location offers multimodal connectivity, linking Dubai to over 20 global markets through DP World’s logistics network, ensuring more agile and cost-effective supply chains. Abdulla Bin Damithan, CEO and Managing Director of DP World GCC, noted that the Dubai Food District is an essential investment, designed to address the growing demand for food globally and to drive innovation in the food sector.
The Food District marks a significant milestone in Dubai’s development as a central hub for global food trade. With its state-of-the-art infrastructure and global connectivity, the district is poised to transform the food trade industry, supporting businesses of all sizes and helping Dubai maintain its competitive edge in the global market.
