The 29 million sqft multi-category food hub to support fresh, gourmet and staple food trade and connect vendors to over 20 global markets
DP World has announced the Dubai Food District, a major expansion and rebranding of the Al Aweer Central Fruit and Vegetable Market.
The new market, first announced in July 2024, will cater to fruits and vegetables as well as dairy, gourmet foods, staples and specialty products, revealed a statement published by the ports operator on Thursday.
The hub’s location offers multimodal connectivity, connecting producers and traders to more than 20 markets globally through DP World’s logistics network.
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, group chairman and CEO of DP World, said: “Dubai Food District strengthens Dubai’s leadership in food trade by bringing world-class infrastructure, global connectivity and advanced logistics together in one location.
“We’re enabling farmers, producers and traders to reach new markets faster, more efficiently and more sustainably.”
The new district will expand in phases, with the first phase scheduled to begin in 2027.
It will more than double the size of the existing market to create a 29 million square foot, multi-category food trade hub.
The hub will convene trade, storage, processing and distribution into a single, connected ecosystem.
It’s highlights include cold stores and temperature-controlled warehousing, primary and secondary processing facilities, digital back-office solutions, cash-and-carry options and a gourmet food hall to serve businesses and consumers.
The Al Aweer Central Fruit and Vegetable Market first opened in 2004. It supports more than 2,500 traders supplying fresh produce across the UAE and the wider region.
The expansion will conserve Al Aweer’s vital role at the centre of the food ecosystem while building scale, efficiency and diversity.
It also aims to improve speed to market and reducing supply chain risks for food businesses.
“With global food demand on the rise and supply chains under strain, Dubai Food District is a critical investment. It’s 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,” Abdulla Bin Damithan, CEO and MD of DP World GCC, added.
Go to the Dubai Food District website for more details.
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