Pakistan’s agricultural sector is playing a pivotal role in driving its export growth to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), responding to the Gulf nation’s surging demand for food products. Recent trade figures reveal a robust increase in Pakistan’s exports, with agriculture-based items such as rice, meat, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products leading the charge. This growth reflects not only Pakistan’s expanding capacity in agro-based industries but also the UAE’s strategic imperative to enhance food security amid shifting global supply dynamics.
Bilateral trade between the two countries has witnessed significant momentum in recent years. According to Pakistan’s Trade and Investment Counsellor Ali Zeb Khan, exports from Pakistan to the UAE climbed approximately 10% from US$1.59 billion in fiscal year 2023-24 to an estimated US$1.75 billion in 2024-25. This increase is largely attributed to key agricultural commodities where Pakistan has a competitive advantage.
"Agriculture continues to anchor Pakistan’s exports, with rice, meat, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products in high demand across the UAE,"
Khan explained in an exclusive interview with Gulf News.
The UAE, under its national vision for heightened food security, has intensified efforts to diversify its import sources. Pakistan’s agricultural exports complement this strategy by offering a consistent supply of staple crops and perishables. Products like basmati rice and quality meat cuts have found favor among UAE consumers and traders, further cementing Pakistan’s position as a reliable supplier in a volatile global market.
Agricultural trade between the countries is not just about volumes but also about enhancing the profile of Pakistani produce in the UAE market. Festival-themed events, such as Mango and Date Palm exhibitions, have considerably boosted the visibility and appeal of Pakistani food products.
"Product-specific festivals like Mango and Date Palm events have given Pakistani produce a strong profile here,"
Khan noted, highlighting the role of cultural and promotional initiatives in strengthening trade ties.
The rising bilateral trade encapsulates a wider regional economic interdependence. While Pakistan’s textile and manufactured goods continue to contribute, the standout growth in food exports underscores the fundamental role of the agro-sector. The diversity of products shipped—from cereals and edible fruits to processed dairy items—reflects Pakistan’s strides in modernizing agricultural supply chains and meeting international quality standards.
Amid economic pressures such as inflation and energy costs, Pakistan’s agriculture has demonstrated resilience. The revenue driven from exports to the UAE provides crucial foreign exchange for Pakistan’s economy. Moreover, the relationship serves as a platform for potential investment in agro-business opportunities, with Pakistan eager to attract UAE capital into food processing and cold chain infrastructure.
The growing importance of Pakistan’s agro-food exports is further evidenced by the composition of the export basket. Data from the United Nations COMTRADE database show that in 2024, these exports included mineral fuels ($233 million), meat and edible meat offal ($198 million), cereals ($177 million), edible vegetables ($87 million), and fruits ($different figures). These figures indicate not only the volume but the increasing sophistication of Pakistan’s export profile.
Despite challenges such as fluctuating global commodity prices and occasional logistical disruptions, Pakistani exporters are optimistic about sustaining and expanding their footprint in the UAE market.
"With food security high on the UAE’s agenda, Pakistan sees further scope for agro-based trade and investment,"
Khan said, underscoring confidence in future growth.
From the UAE's perspective, the partnership is equally vital. The Emirate’s reliance on imported food has grown in tandem with its population and economic diversification strategies. For UAE officials and importers, Pakistan’s offerings provide both cost-effectiveness and quality assurance. This synergy has encouraged more formal agreements and cooperation on standards, certification, and trade facilitation.
The trade counsellor’s remarks suggest that Pakistan is also keen to explore technology-driven solutions for agriculture, including enhancing cold storage and logistics, which could alleviate some of the supply chain bottlenecks. Additionally, increasing urbanization and modern retail formats in the UAE present new opportunities for Pakistani exporters to access wider consumer segments beyond traditional wholesale markets.
However, experts caution that the competitive landscape is dynamic. Pakistan competes with other regional suppliers and global exporters alike, which incentivizes continuous improvement in product quality and compliance with evolving food safety regulations. Collaboration between public and private sectors in Pakistan will be critical to maintaining momentum and responding to market signals.
Further investments in research and development within Pakistan’s agriculture can also catalyze innovations in crop yields and pest management, which will be essential to meet growing demand sustainably. Exporters emphasize that leveraging international certifications and adopting stringent quality checks remain priorities to ensure a premium market position.
The UAE’s investments in infrastructure, including free trade zones and specialized ports, also facilitate efficient handling of perishable goods, laying a foundation for longer-term trade growth. Pakistan’s ability to adapt to these logistical advantages will define the trajectory of agricultural trade expansion.
In sum, agriculture remains the cornerstone of Pakistan’s exports to the UAE, driven by rising demand for food items and strengthened by concerted trade promotion efforts. As both countries deepen their economic integration, the food and agriculture sector exemplifies a mutually beneficial partnership responding to strategic imperatives of growth and food security.