Bloomberg puts end to food shortage rumors in Dubai
Emirate in the UAE, Dubai (Photo: Getty Images)
The war in the Middle East has begun to put pressure on food logistics in the UAE. Due to transportation problems in the Strait of Hormuz, some goods are delayed, but authorities assure that supplies will last for several months, reports Bloomberg.
Logistics problems in Dubai
The war in the Middle East is putting pressure on food supply chains to the United Arab Emirates, which import about 90% of their food.
Despite the tense situation, supermarket shelves in the country remain stocked for now. The food industry is utilizing logistics networks that already helped cope with crises during the pandemic and the massive floods in 2024.
However, some shipments have to be redirected or delivered by plane or road transport. The UAE authorities assure that they have sufficient food reserves for several months and are monitoring prices.
As is known, problems with food imports arose after Dubai and other Gulf cities became targets of Iranian missiles and drones - Tehran was striking US military bases, although there were cases where civilians also suffered as a result of strikes on hotels or due to air defense operations.
Reasons for the potential food shortage
The war against Iran has also complicated shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for transporting goods to the region.
As a result, vessels carrying Indian rice, Australian meat, and Indonesian coffee are facing delays. Some cargoes are stuck in ports or have been forced to change routes.
At the same time, Iran, one of the UAE's main suppliers of fresh fruits and vegetables, has banned the export of all food and agricultural products until further notice.
According to the UAE Minister of Economy, Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, the country's strategic reserves of essential products will last for 4–6 months. If necessary, the authorities are ready to use alternative markets and supply routes.
Large supermarkets also claim they are not raising prices yet. The country's authorities have instructed retailers not to increase them and are closely monitoring the situation.
At the same time, experts warn that a prolonged disruption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz could increase logistics costs and ultimately affect food prices throughout the region.
Attack on the UAE and Dubai
Earlier media, including Bloomberg, reported that Dubai had only 10 days' worth of fresh food left.
Very quickly after the start of the US operation Epic Fury, which began on February 28, Iran started shelling the UAE, including Dubai, with missiles and drones. Tehran justifies the attacks by claiming they are carried out solely for the purpose of destroying US military bases, although this does not correspond to reality.
At the same time, following the shelling, the UAE reported that they're studying a scenario for the use of military force against Iran to prevent strikes and stabilize the security situation.
