Al Aweer Market expansion more than doubles footprint as UAE positions for food security leadership aligned with D33 economic agenda
DP World officially launched the Dubai Food District, transforming the Al Aweer Central Fruit and Vegetable Market into what’s planned as one of the world’s largest food trade centers. The 29 million square foot development, announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in July 2024, expands beyond fresh produce to include dairy, gourmet foods, staples, and specialty products.
Phase one construction starts in 2027, more than doubling the existing market’s size. The project directly supports Dubai’s Economic Agenda D33, which targets doubling the emirate’s economy by 2033 while strengthening national food security infrastructure.
Strategic Location and Global Connectivity
The district’s positioning between Jebel Ali Port and Al Maktoum International Airport provides multimodal logistics advantages. DP World’s global network connects the hub to over 20 international markets, enabling faster, more cost-effective supply chain access for businesses of all sizes.
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, DP World Group Chairman and CEO, emphasized the facility brings together world-class infrastructure, global connectivity, and advanced logistics in one integrated location. The goal: enable farmers, producers, and traders to reach new markets faster and more sustainably.
Comprehensive Ecosystem Design
The district integrates trade, storage, processing, and distribution into a single connected ecosystem. Facilities include cold storage, temperature-controlled warehousing, primary and secondary processing units, digital back-office services, cash-and-carry options, and a gourmet food hall serving both B2B and consumer markets.
Al Aweer Market, operational since 2004, currently supports over 2,500 traders supplying fresh produce across the UAE and wider region. The expansion preserves this foundation while enhancing scale, efficiency, and product diversity to reduce supply chain risks and improve speed to market.
Market Context and Food Security
Abdulla Bin Damithan, CEO of DP World GCC, noted that with global food demand rising and supply chains under strain, the Dubai Food District represents critical infrastructure investment designed to serve as a launchpad for trade-led innovation while supporting UAE industrial strategy.
The district offers both free zone and mainland operating models. Free zone areas provide 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions, and simplified customs procedures, while mainland areas operate under Dubai market regulations, giving businesses flexibility based on their operational requirements.
Digital Integration and Operations
All leasing, property management, and payment services route through the Dubai Trade Portal at dubaitrade.ae, which processed 33 million transactions in 2023 with 25% year-on-year growth. The platform provides 24/7 access to e-services, supporting seamless operational management for tenants and traders.
DP World showcased the Dubai Food District at Gulfood 2026 (January 26-30) at Gulfood Fresh and Logistics North Hall 12. The timing aligns with industry focus on supply chain resilience following recent disruptions affecting global food distribution networks.
For businesses evaluating market entry, the district creates new investment opportunities in food processing, storage, logistics, and specialty product distribution while addressing regional food security concerns through diversified sourcing and enhanced storage capabilities.
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