Dubai strengthens position as APMEA trade hub

Since food trade grows across Asia, the Middle East and Africa (APMEA), logistics has become a deciding factor for exporters. For many African producers, Dubai works as a natural entry point because it makes movement, storage, and redistribution of goods easier and faster. 

Dubai is well connected by sea and air, with ports and airports that handle large cargo volumes every day. From here, shipments can be broken down, stored, repacked if needed, and sent onward to multiple APMEA markets with shorter transit times. This helps exporters reduce delays, manage costs, and respond quickly to buyer demand. 

Cold chain facilities are another strong advantage. Temperature-controlled warehouses, reliable customs processes, and experienced freight operators help protect perishable goods like meat, dairy, fruit and vegetables. This is especially important for African exporters who need consistent handling from origin to final market. 

Trade events such as Gulfood also support logistics planning. They allow exporters to meet freight forwarders, distributors and warehouse operators in one place, making it easier to understand local requirements and build dependable supply chains. 

For African companies looking to scale, Dubai offers more than access—it offers practical logistics support, market knowledge and established routes that help products move smoothly across the APMEA region.