Why this is important to Wisconsin businesses: Wisconsin companies involved in advanced farming techniques may find opportunities to be part of the solution.
Hydroponic systems, vertical farming, and other agricultural technologies are helping to revolutionize food production in the challenging desert landscape of the United Arab Emirates (UAE)—but imports still dominate the country’s food needs, presenting a significant opportunity for Wisconsin companies to tap into that market.
The UAE has more than 2,200 food and beverage manufacturing companies that produce about
$7.6 billion in annual revenue, according to a June 2025 report by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS). In addition, more than 570 predominantly small and midsize food and beverage processors cater to local and regional demands.
The food processing industry is expected to generate nearly $40 billion in 2025 and increase more than 5% a year until 2030, boosted in part by a surge in meetings, conferences, and exhibitions, FAS said.
However, because of its dry climate and limited freshwater sources, the UAE imports about 90% of its food, according to the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment.
In 2024, U.S. growers and producers exported $1.2 billion in agricultural and related products to the UAE, making it the second-largest export market for U.S. agricultural products in the Gulf Cooperation Council, FAS said. The top three U.S. exports were tree nuts, poultry meat, and food preparations.
In an effort to reduce its dependence on other countries for its food supply, the government initiated National Food Security Strategy 2051, a comprehensive plan to establish the UAE as a center for innovative food security. It includes investing heavily in local food production by adding agricultural infrastructure, technology, and research. The goal is to triple domestic food production by 2030.
Vertical farming, hydroponics, and smart agriculture are part of the project to boost yields and optimize the use of resources. The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority and the government of Dubai launched the first phase of a major food production hub called Food Tech Valley. Companies have launched numerous indoor farms, including Bustanica, the largest vertical farm in the world. Spanning 330,000 square feet, this indoor vertical farm in Dubai produces more than 1 million kilograms of leafy greens per year—amounting to 6,500 pounds every day—while using 95% less water than conventional farming.
Dairy products could be another way for Wisconsin producers to get involved in the UAE market. FAS said U.S. dairy exports to the UAE reached $53.5 million in 2024, but they were a small portion of the total dairy imports to the country. That leaves significant growth potential for U.S. products, especially those from Wisconsin, given their reputation for safety and quality.
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