UAE Emerges As Strategic Hub For Malaysian Processed Food Exports In MENA Region

Malaysia's processed food exports to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region have shown a positive trend in 2024. This growth is driven by strong demand for high-quality, halal-certified products. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) continues to be the primary destination, making up 33.3% of Malaysia's total MENA exports. Exports to the UAE increased by 37.3%, rising from $125.1 million in 2023 to $171.8 million in 2024.

Megat Iskandar, Trade Commissioner of Malaysia to the UAE, highlighted the UAE's strategic importance for Malaysian food products. He noted that it serves as a hub for broader market access across the GCC and beyond. Speaking at Gulfood 2025 in Dubai, Iskandar mentioned that Malaysian exhibitors will showcase a wide array of food and beverage (F&B) products, including sauces, spices, frozen foods, ready-to-eat meals, snacks, beverages, dairy items, halal-certified goods, and organic products.

The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) is leading a significant delegation at Gulfood 2025. This includes 91 Malaysian companies and four government agencies. Their participation highlights Malaysia's focus on expanding F&B exports and strengthening its position in the global halal market. The event offers an excellent opportunity for Malaysian businesses to connect with international buyers and establish strategic partnerships.

Gulfood is recognised as the world's largest annual F&B trade exhibition. It provides a unique platform for showcasing diverse high-quality products and services from Malaysia. Dato’ Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican, Chairman of MATRADE, emphasised that their goal extends beyond product display. "It’s about forging strategic partnerships, building brand recognition, and gaining valuable market intelligence," he stated.

Datuk Mohd Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz, CEO of MATRADE, explained their main objective at Gulfood 2025 is to empower Malaysian F&B companies to enter new international markets. They aim to present innovative solutions to a global audience amid growing overseas demand for Malaysian products.

MATRADE supports these efforts through business matching programmes and market intelligence briefings. This ensures that participating companies can maximise their presence at the event and achieve their export goals effectively.

The increasing demand for Malaysian processed foods in MENA reflects both quality assurance and strategic marketing efforts by Malaysia's trade bodies. As these exports grow, they contribute significantly to Malaysia's economic engagement with the region.

With inputs from WAM