DP World positions Dubai as food logistics gateway

DP World has unveiled the Dubai Food District, a major new logistics hub designed to move food faster and more efficiently across global markets, said Abdulla Bin Damithan, CEO & MD, DP World GCC.  The project will transform the long-established Al Aweer Central Fruit and Vegetable Market into a large, connected centre for food trade, storage, and distribution. 

“With global food demand on the rise and supply chains under strain, Dubai Food District is a critical investment. It is designed to serve as a launchpad for trade-led innovation in the food sector, supporting the UAE’s industrial strategy, while driving long-term economic impact,” Damithan added. 

At its core, the Dubai Food District is about logistics. It will bring cold storage, temperature-controlled warehouses, processing facilities, and distribution services into one location. This setup aims to reduce delays, cut handling costs, and improve the flow of food from producers to buyers across the region and beyond. 

The district will grow in phases, with the first phase expected to begin in 2027. Once complete, it will cover around 29 million sqft, more than double the size of the current market. The expanded hub will handle fruits and vegetables, dairy, staples, and specialty food products, all supported by digital systems to manage inventory, payments, and trade operations. 

Its location is a key advantage. Linked to DP World’s wider ports and logistics network, the district will connect food traders to more than 20 international markets by sea, land, and air. For food businesses, this means faster delivery times, more reliable supply chains, and better access to global trade routes.