DP World has officially unveiled the design and technical plans for the Dubai Food Zone, marking a strategic expansion and comprehensive redevelopment of the Al Aweer Central Fruit and Vegetable Market. The initiative aims to transform the market into one of the world’s largest and most advanced hubs for global food trade.
The project, first announced in July 2024 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, may God protect him, represents a major step in positioning Dubai as an integrated global gateway for food trade.
The Dubai Food Zone will not only cover fresh fruits and vegetables, but also include dairy products, gourmet foods, essential food items, and specialty products — expanding Dubai’s role in regional and international food supply chains.
A Massive Expansion with Strategic Goals
The new development will span 29 million square feet, more than twice the size of the current Al Aweer market. It will become a multi-category, integrated food trade hub focused on strengthening food supply chains, increasing trade capacity, and supporting regional food security.
The project will be developed in multiple phases, with Phase One set to launch in 2027.
A Fully Integrated Food Ecosystem
The Dubai Food Zone will offer a comprehensive ecosystem for the food sector, including:
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Advanced cold storage and temperature-controlled warehouses
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Primary and secondary processing centers
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Digital solutions for efficient operations
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Wholesale and retail facilities
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A dedicated luxury food hall serving both businesses and consumers
Building on Two Decades of Success
The Al Aweer Central Market, which opened in 2004, has grown into one of the region’s most important food markets. Today, it hosts more than 2,500 traders, supplying the UAE and surrounding markets with a wide variety of fresh products.
The new development builds on this solid foundation, maintaining Al Aweer’s central role in the food ecosystem while significantly expanding its size, improving operational efficiency, and diversifying its food categories. This will help speed up the movement of goods to markets and reduce risks in food supply chains.
Boosting Dubai’s Global Role in Food Trade
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World, stated that the Dubai Food Zone will enhance Dubai’s leadership in food trade by bringing together world-class infrastructure, global logistics connectivity, and advanced solutions in one strategic location. He noted that the project will enable farmers, producers, and traders to reach new markets more efficiently, sustainably, and at greater scale.
Abdulla Bin Damithan, CEO and Managing Director of DP World GCC, added that the Dubai Food Zone is a vital investment in response to growing global demand for food and ongoing pressure on supply chains. Designed as a platform for trade-led innovation in the food sector, the zone supports the UAE’s industrial strategy and contributes to long-term economic sustainability.
