Dubai: DP World has officially unveiled the Dubai Food District, marking a significant expansion and rebranding of the Al Aweer Central Fruit and Vegetable Market into one of the largest and most advanced global centers for food trade.
According to Emirates News Agency, the new market was initially announced in July 2024 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. It aims to cater to a wide range of food categories, including fruits, vegetables, dairy, gourmet foods, staples, and specialty products, positioning Dubai as a key gateway for the international food trade.
The district will expand in phases, with the first phase set to begin in 2027. This expansion will more than double the size of the existing market, creating a 29 million square foot, multi-category food trade hub designed to enhance food supply chains, expand trade capacity, and support regional food security.
Dubai Food District will consolidate trade, storage, processing, and distribution into a single, connected ecosystem. It will offer cold storage and temperature-controlled warehousing, processing facilities, digital solutions, cash-and-carry options, and a gourmet food hall for businesses and consumers.
The Al Aweer Central Fruit and Vegetable Market, established in 2004, has supported over 2,500 traders supplying fresh produce across the UAE and the wider region. The expansion will maintain Al Aweer's central role in the food ecosystem while enhancing its scale, efficiency, and diversity to improve market speed and reduce supply chain risks.
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World, emphasized that the Dubai Food District strengthens Dubai's leadership in food trade by combining infrastructure, connectivity, and logistics. This allows farmers, producers, and traders to access new markets more efficiently and sustainably.
Abdulla Bin Damithan, CEO and Managing Director of DP World GCC, highlighted the critical investment in the Dubai Food District amid rising global food demand and strained supply chains. It is designed to serve as a launchpad for innovation in the food sector, supporting the UAE's industrial strategy and driving long-term economic impact.
The district's location provides multimodal connectivity, linking producers and traders to over 20 markets globally through DP World's logistics network. The infrastructure aims to make supply chains more agile, secure, and cost-effective, enabling businesses of all sizes to access new markets.
DP World plans to showcase the Dubai Food District at Gulfood 2026.