UAE supermarkets face food shortages due to fighting in Middle East

Because of the blocking of the Strait of Hormuz and restrictions on air travel, shipments of rice, meat and coffee have not reached the United Arab Emirates, although supermarket shelves are still full

It was reported by Bloomberg.

Experts warn that the war in the Middle East poses risks to food supplies: the critical Strait of Hormuz is blocked, and almost 18% of the world's air capacity is currently unavailable.

According to 2025 data, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, and Bahrain imported grains, meat, and fresh produce totaling about USD 10 billion, mostly by sea through the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran, which is the main supplier of fresh fruits and vegetables to the UAE, has banned the export of all food and agricultural products until further notice.

Despite this, stocks on supermarket shelves remain stable thanks to the logistics networks that have been in place during the pandemic and floods in 2024. Grocery retailer Lulu has organized charter cargo flights from India, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and Kenya. Each Etihad Airways aircraft carries at least 80 tons of goods. In addition, a cargo ship from Mumbai delivers about 500 containers of rice and other staples.

Lulu CEO Saifee Rupawala said the company is trying to minimize the impact of the supply disruption. Retailers hope for a quick end to the military standoff: "Everybody loses when shipping through the Strait of Hormuz is interrupted."

The UAE Minister of Economy Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri said that the country has strategic reserves of essential goods for 4-6 months. He urged citizens to buy only what they need, without excessive stocks.

We would like to remind you that the first week of the military operation against Iran cost the United States of America USD 6 billion. The administration of President Donald Trump is expected to appeal to the US Congress for additional funding.

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