DP World unveils Dubai Food District, transforming Al Aweer into a 29-million-square-foot global hub to strengthen food trade, supply chains and regional food security….reports Asian Lite News
DP World has officially unveiled the Dubai Food District, a landmark development that will transform the Al Aweer Central Fruit and Vegetable Market into one of the world’s largest and most advanced hubs for food trade, reinforcing Dubai’s growing role in global supply chains and regional food security.
The new district represents a major expansion and rebranding of the long-established Al Aweer market, which has been at the heart of Dubai’s food ecosystem since opening in 2004. First announced in July 2024 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, the project reflects the emirate’s long-term strategy to strengthen food logistics, diversify trade and ensure resilient supply chains in an increasingly volatile global environment.
Once fully developed, the Dubai Food District will more than double the size of the existing market, expanding to 29 million square feet and evolving into a multi-category food trade hub. Unlike the current market, which focuses primarily on fresh produce, the new district will accommodate a far wider range of products, including dairy, staples, gourmet foods and speciality items, positioning Dubai as an integrated gateway for global food trade.
Development will take place in phases, with construction of the first phase scheduled to begin in 2027. DP World said the project will bring together trading, storage, processing and distribution within a single, digitally connected ecosystem, significantly improving efficiency and speed to market for food businesses operating across the region.
The district will feature advanced cold storage and temperature-controlled warehousing, as well as primary and secondary processing facilities to support value-added activities. Digital back-office services, cash-and-carry operations and a dedicated gourmet food hall are also planned, creating a destination that serves both businesses and consumers.
Building on Al Aweer’s strong foundation, which currently supports more than 2,500 traders supplying fresh food across the UAE and neighbouring markets, the expansion aims to enhance scale, diversity and resilience. DP World said the new infrastructure will reduce supply chain risks, lower costs and improve market access for farmers, producers and traders of all sizes.
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DP World, said the project would strengthen Dubai’s leadership in food trade by combining world-class infrastructure with global connectivity. He said the district would enable producers to reach new markets more quickly, efficiently and sustainably through DP World’s international logistics network.
Abdulla Bin Damithan, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of DP World GCC, described the district as a critical investment at a time when global food demand is rising and supply chains are under pressure. He said the hub would act as a launchpad for trade-led innovation, supporting the UAE’s industrial strategy while generating long-term economic impact.
Strategically located, the Dubai Food District will benefit from multimodal connectivity, linking producers and traders to more than 20 international markets via DP World’s ports, terminals and logistics corridors. The design prioritises agility, security and cost-effectiveness, ensuring that businesses can respond quickly to shifts in demand and disruptions in supply.
DP World said it will showcase the Dubai Food District to international buyers, producers and investors at Gulfood 2026, one of the world’s largest food and beverage trade events, as it seeks to position Dubai at the centre of the future of global food commerce.
