Al Ghurair Foods to Launch UAE's First Corn Starch Facility Set to Reduce UAE's Annual Imports of $20 Million

Al Ghurair Foods, a key division within the esteemed Al Ghurair Group, renowned for its pioneering contributions to the UAE's industrial and commercial landscape, has unveiled plans to finalize its pioneering corn starch facility in Abu Dhabi's Khalifa Economic Zones (KEZAD) by the early part of 2026.

This initiative marks the UAE's inaugural venture into the corn starch industry. The announcement was made at Propaper 2025, Dubai's premier B2B event for the paper industry, where it was revealed that significant progress has been made on the construction and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) work of the main plant structure.

Hamad Al Ghurair, Vice President of Al Ghurair Foods, expressed enthusiasm about the project's progress, stating, "Installation of the processing equipment is currently underway. We are targeting a phased completion in Q1 2026, with our flagship product set to launch during that quarter, followed by the introduction of additional products in subsequent phases."

This ambitious project, located on a 13.6-hectare plot within KEZAD, aims to significantly impact the regional industrial supply chain by providing a local alternative to the estimated US$20 million of corn starch the UAE imports annually.

The UAE's burgeoning corn starch market, pivotal to diverse industries such as food, pharmaceuticals, textiles, paper, and more, is poised for transformation with this venture. Hamad Al Ghurair highlighted the strategic importance of corn starch in the paper industry for applications like papermaking, surface sizing, and coatings, emphasizing its role in enhancing product performance across multiple sectors.

With an eye on reducing import dependency, Al Ghurair Foods aims to cater not only to the UAE and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries but also to explore opportunities in South Asia and Africa, capitalizing on a market that is estimated to be worth $1.3 billion in the Middle East and Africa by 2024, with the UAE's share nearly $30 million.

Aside from industrial applications, corn starch's versatility as a natural thickener, binder, coating agent, and biodegradable material underscores its significance for sustainable innovation across various sectors.

This project underscores Al Ghurair Foods' commitment to reinforcing local production capabilities and offering competitive alternatives to imported corn starch.

The ongoing Propaper event, spanning from October 13 to 15, 2025, has put a spotlight on sustainability and circular economy measures within the paper industry, aiming to lower the sector's environmental impact.

Jeen Joshua, Managing Director at Verifair, the organizers of Propaper 2025, noted the increasing investments in renewable energy and recycling by paper mills as a testament to the industry's commitment to environmental stewardship. "There is a steady rise in the number of paper mills investing in renewables and waste recycling to help mitigate climate impact across the region," Joshua remarked.

In the GCC, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Oman are at the forefront of these sustainability efforts, with investments in paper recycling and innovation surpassing $200 million across the region.

Notable contributions include $54 million by Star Paper Mills in the UAE and substantial investments by other key players in Egypt, East Africa, and Oman.

These endeavors are part of a broader initiative to promote recycling and reduce the ecological footprint of the paper industry in the Middle East and Africa, where the recycled-paper market is expected to reach $715.6 million by 2033.

As the paper industry continues to evolve, the significance of recycling and sustainable practices becomes increasingly paramount. With over 80-100 paper recycling plants now operational across the MEA region, the industry's shift towards sustainability is evident, showcasing a collective effort to address climate change and ensure a greener future.

Al Ghurair Foods' foray into corn starch production in the UAE represents a significant leap towards self-sufficiency and sustainability in the industrial sector. By reducing reliance on imports and enhancing the supply chain for key industries, this project not only contributes to the nation's economic development but also aligns with global efforts to promote environmental sustainability.

As the paper industry continues to embrace green initiatives, the combined impact of these developments promises to foster a more sustainable and resilient industrial landscape in the UAE and beyond.