DP World unveils Dubai Food District revamp

DP World has announced the Dubai Food District, a major expansion and rebranding of the Al Aweer Central Fruit and Vegetable Market, signalling an ambitious push to strengthen Dubai’s role in global food trade and logistics. The project, outlined in a company statement issued on Thursday, is positioned as a comprehensive wholesale and distribution hub that broadens the market’s scope well beyond its traditional focus on fresh produce.

The Dubai Food District was first outlined in July 2024 and has since evolved into a multi-category platform designed to handle fruits and vegetables alongside dairy, gourmet foods, staples and specialty products. DP World said the expanded offering reflects changing consumption patterns, the growth of food services across the Gulf region, and rising demand for efficient, temperature-controlled supply chains capable of handling diverse products at scale.

Located in Al Aweer, the hub benefits from proximity to major road networks and established trading zones, while being closely integrated with DP World’s wider logistics ecosystem. The ports and logistics group highlighted multimodal connectivity as a central feature, allowing producers, traders and distributors to move goods seamlessly between sea, land and air. Through DP World’s global network, the district is expected to link suppliers in exporting countries to more than 20 international markets, reducing transit times and spoilage risks for perishable goods.

Executives familiar with the project say the rebranding is intended to reposition the site as a modern food trading district rather than a conventional wholesale market. Warehousing infrastructure is being upgraded to accommodate cold storage, ripening facilities and quality-control services, while digital tools are expected to support traceability, inventory management and pricing transparency. These elements are increasingly viewed as essential in food logistics as regulators and consumers demand clearer visibility across supply chains.

The move comes at a time when Gulf economies are investing heavily in food security and logistics resilience, driven by climate pressures, population growth and volatility in global trade routes. Dubai has sought to leverage its geographic location between Asia, Africa and Europe to become a redistribution centre for food products, serving both domestic consumption and re-exports. DP World’s plan aligns with that strategy by consolidating wholesale activity into a single, scalable district linked directly to international gateways.

Market participants note that the inclusion of dairy and gourmet foods marks a significant shift from the market’s original mandate. These categories require stricter handling standards and more sophisticated cold-chain solutions, suggesting confidence in the district’s upgraded infrastructure. Specialty and value-added food products are also expected to attract a broader range of traders, including premium retailers, hotels and food service operators seeking reliable bulk supply channels.

DP World has not disclosed the total investment value for the transformation, but the scale of the redevelopment indicates a long-term commitment. The group has increasingly positioned food logistics as a growth segment within its portfolio, complementing its traditional strengths in ports, terminals and freight forwarding. By integrating the Dubai Food District into its end-to-end logistics offering, DP World aims to capture greater value across the supply chain, from origin handling to last-mile distribution.

Industry analysts say the project could intensify competition among regional wholesale markets, particularly those seeking to attract international traders. However, Dubai’s established trade infrastructure, regulatory environment and connectivity give it a structural advantage. The district’s ability to aggregate volumes from multiple origins and redistribute them efficiently is likely to appeal to exporters looking for predictable access to Middle Eastern and nearby markets.