UAE ensures steady flow of food supplies ahead of Eid

The UAE’s Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) has announced full operational readiness across all entry points, rolling out a proactive plan to ensure the smooth flow of food, agricultural and animal imports ahead of Eid Al Fitr and rising market demand.

Working closely with authorities nationwide, the Ministry has deployed additional technical resources and specialised teams to speed up inspection and clearance procedures for key imports, including fresh produce and meat, while maintaining strict food safety standards.

The announcement follows a series of field inspections at agricultural and veterinary quarantine centres to assess workflows and ensure fast, efficient customs clearance.

Mohammed Saeed Al Nuaimi, Under-Secretary at the Ministry, says the UAE’s integrated logistics network is operating at maximum capacity, describing border points as the first line of defence in safeguarding food safety and supply continuity.

From January 1 to March 18, more than 1,400 livestock consignments, totalling over 441,000 animals, have been processed, alongside thousands of tonnes of fresh fruits and vegetables, ensuring stable supplies across local markets.

Marwan Al Zaabi, Assistant Under-Secretary, says import operations have been running smoothly in recent days to meet Eid demand, with teams working around the clock to ensure rapid inspection and clearance.

He stressed that increased import volumes will not compromise food safety, with strict protocols in place, including document verification, origin tracking, laboratory testing and immediate rejection of non-compliant shipments.

Authorities say all land, sea, and air entry points are operating in full coordination through a central operations system, enabling real-time collaboration and efficient supply chain management.

Fast-track clearance channels and additional specialised staff have also been deployed to speed up processing, helping ensure fresh, high-quality food reaches markets quickly and consumers remain well supplied during the Eid period.