Table of Contents
Topic Summary
UAE Imports 85% of Its Food Supply
The UAE's heavy reliance on food imports creates a permanent, structural commercial role for foodstuff and beverage traders. This built-in demand makes the market exceptionally stable for importers and distributors entering the sector.
A Market Worth USD 18.2 Billion
The UAE food and grocery retail market reached USD 18.2 billion in 2024, growing at nearly 4% year-on-year. This scale offers significant opportunity for traders across wholesale, import, and distribution channels.
Dubai as a GCC and MENA Re-Export Hub
Jebel Ali is one of the world's largest ports, giving Dubai-based traders unmatched logistics access to GCC, MENA, and East Africa markets. World-class cold-chain and ambient infrastructure further supports efficient regional distribution.
Activity 4721.98 Covers the Broadest Food Scope
This trading activity encompasses packaged food, dry goods, food ingredients, non-alcoholic beverages, and specialty imported products at the wholesale and distribution level. Traders dealing across multiple food and beverage categories are well suited to this classification.
No Third-Party Approval Required
Setting up under activity 4721.98 with Meydan Free Zone does not require third-party regulatory approval to obtain a business license. This streamlines the setup process considerably compared to more regulated food activity codes.
Gulfood Connects Global Suppliers to Regional Distributors
Held annually in Dubai, Gulfood is the world's largest food trade show, attracting thousands of international suppliers seeking regional distribution partners. A UAE-based trading license positions businesses to capitalize directly on these connections.
Alcoholic Beverages Require Separate Licensing
Activity 4721.98 covers all non-alcoholic beverages and food products but explicitly excludes alcoholic beverages. Traders intending to deal in alcohol must obtain a separate, distinct license for that category.
How to Start a Foodstuff & Beverages Trading Business in Dubai with Meydan Free Zone
Foodstuff and beverages trading is the broadest food and drink trading activity in the UAE's commercial classification system, covering the full spectrum of food and beverage products at the wholesale, import, and distribution level. The UAE food and grocery retail market reached USD 18.2 billion in 2024, growing at 3.86% year-on-year.[1] The UAE's strategic position as a re-export hub for the GCC and MENA region, its world-class cold-chain and ambient logistics infrastructure, and Jebel Ali's capacity as one of the world's largest ports all create exceptional structural opportunity for general foodstuff and beverage traders.
Gulfood, held in Dubai, is the world's largest annual food trade show, attended by thousands of international food and beverage suppliers seeking regional distribution partners. The UAE imports approximately 85% of its food and beverage requirements, creating a structural and permanent commercial role for foodstuff and beverage traders.
Who is this for?
4721.98 - Foodstuff & Beverages Trading
Activity 4721.98 covers the trading of foodstuff and beverages broadly. This encompasses all food products and non-alcoholic beverage products traded at the wholesale, import, and distribution level, including ambient food, chilled and frozen food, canned and preserved food, dry goods, beverages including water, juices, soft drinks, energy drinks, dairy beverages, and all other food and drink products not specifically covered by more specific activity codes in the 4721 series.
Activity 4721.98 covers foodstuff and beverages broadly. Where a specific product falls under a more specific code in the 4721 series, the specific code is applicable.
In short: if you are trading foodstuff and beverages across multiple categories, you are in. Alcoholic beverages require separate licensing.
Third-Party Approval
This activity does not require third-party approval to obtain a business license from Meydan Free Zone.
Anti-Money Laundering Compliance
This business activity is not subject to AML compliance requirements.
Planning to set up your business in Dubai? Explore our comprehensive guide on How to Start a Food and Beverages Business with Meydan Free Zone, covering licensing requirements, costs, approvals, and the step-by-step business setup process.
References
- ¹ USDA Foreign Agricultural Service. (2025). UAE Retail Foods Annual 2024. fas.usda.gov
