End-of-year holidays to boost Dubai fruit imports

While the fruit market in the Gulf countries has been quieter than usual this summer, the period leading up to the end-of-year holidays, which also coincides with preparations for Ramadan, should boost demand and imports. This is according to Maysa Gebril, CEO of Hama Seas. The fresh produce trader reveals the market trends expected by the end of the year.

Maysa reports a slower-than-usual summer period at the Dubai hub. She explains, "The market this summer was a little slower compared to last year, reflecting a general dip in the overall value of food imports. That said, fruit remains a strong category, especially in the hot season when consumer demand naturally rises. In terms of products, mangoes, tropical fruits like pineapple and papaya, as well as table grapes, cherries, strawberries, and blueberries were among the most sought-after. As for origins, India, Pakistan, and Indonesia performed strongly on mangoes; Egypt and South Africa had a good run with grapes and citrus; while Turkey, Europe, and the USA did well with apples, cherries, and berries. Logistics and pricing remained challenging at times, but long-term or seasonal contracts helped maintain stability."

However, the fall season and the end-of-year holidays are expected to be busy, according to Maysa. She adds, "We expect demand to be steady, with a slight increase toward the end of the year, driven by tourism, hospitality, and festive sales around Christmas and New Year. Citrus will play a big role in this period, with strong supplies from Egypt, South Africa, and Turkey. Apples and pears from Europe, the USA, and Argentina are also in high demand. Late-season mangoes from India and Pakistan will continue to find a market, while grapes from South Africa will remain popular. The berries category (strawberries, blueberries) will also stay strong, especially in the premium retail and food service sector, supported mainly by Europe and the USA. Overall, we see healthy year-end demand, particularly in the modern retail and food service sectors."

The fruit trade will also be boosted by the arrival of Ramadan in February, while the supply of dates is secured towards the end of the year. Maysa shares her preparations: "Ramadan is without doubt the peak season for dates in the UAE, and Medjool is one of the most popular varieties thanks to its premium quality and suitability for both household consumption and gifting. We plan to increase stock levels by 30–50% compared to a regular month. The strategy is to combine competitive volumes with premium offerings. Egypt will remain a cornerstone supplier, with good volumes and pricing. We will also source from Jordan, Morocco, Iran, and the USA (California) for premium lines."

"On the logistics side, we will secure containers and air freight capacity 8–12 weeks ahead of Ramadan, making sure packaging and cold chain conditions are optimized. Special Ramadan gift packs ranging from 250g to 1kg will be prepared, alongside bulk cartons for supermarkets. Compliance with UAE labeling standards and Halal certification is a must, while early promotions with supermarkets, online channels, and corporate clients will help maximize sales." Maysa adds.

"While the UAE is an important hub in the region, our core business at Hama Seas and Hama Global Exports is centered on supplying to major international markets such as India, Bangladesh, China, Malaysia, Singapore, Italy, and the Netherlands. To meet this diverse demand, we source from a wide network of origins, including Egypt, South Africa, New Zealand, Iran, and several other countries. This flexibility allows me to match the right product with the right market at the right time, while also ensuring reliability for our buyers. This international scope is what really defines my work as a global partner who connects supply with demand across multiple regions. That approach has been key to building trust and long-term relationships with clients worldwide," the trader concludes.

For more information:
Maysa Gebril
Hama Seas (Dubai) & Hama Global Exports (Egypt)
Tel: +971 554580080
Email: [email protected]
www.hamaeg-ae.com