DAIRY COMPANIES IN UAE

Here are the most credible estimates available:

• Around 34 registered dairy businesses/dairies across the UAE according to a 2026 business database report.

• Around 45 dairy farms were listed in UAE agricultural/business datasets in 2025–2026.

• In just Dubai alone, a Dubai Economy report stated there were 583 companies engaged in dairy production and industry activities including milk packaging, yogurt, cheese, cream, and dairy consulting.

• Industry research databases tracking the UAE dairy sector mention roughly 50+ major dairy manufacturers and producers operating in the market.

Some of the biggest dairy companies operating in the UAE include:

• Al Rawabi

• Al Ain Farms

• Marmum Dairy

• NFPC

• Almarai

• Camelicious

So if you mean:

• Large dairy manufacturers: roughly 50+ 

• Registered dairy-related businesses overall: likely hundreds across the UAE

• Dubai alone: officially reported at 583 dairy-related companies 

DAIRY PRODUCT CONSUMPTION IN UAE

Milk and dairy consumption in the UAE is considered high compared to many countries due to strong demand for fresh milk, laban, yogurt, cheese, and other dairy products.

Current estimates show:

• UAE dairy consumption is roughly 180–220 liters per person annually depending on the source and whether all dairy products are included.

• Some reports specifically estimate milk consumption alone at around 120 liters per person per year.

• With the UAE population now around 10 million+, total dairy consumption is estimated in the billions of liters annually when including milk, yogurt, laban, cream, and cheese products.

  
  

The UAE dairy market keeps growing because of:

• High urban population

• Strong café and restaurant culture

• Large expatriate population

• Demand for protein and health-focused products

• Growth of local dairy producers like Almarai, Al Ain Farms, and Marmum Dairy

  
  

Milk consumption is especially strong in:

• Fresh milk

• Flavored milk

• Laban

• Protein milk products

• Barista milk for coffee shops

The UAE also imports a large amount of dairy products while increasing local production for food security.

POPULATION IN UAE

The population of the United Arab Emirates is estimated at around 11.2 to 11.3 million people in 2024–2025 according to official UAE statistics. The UAE is one of the most internationally diverse countries in the world, with around 200 nationalities living and working there. Approximate population by nationality (latest widely cited estimates):

Nationality	Estimated Population
Indians	~4.3 million
Pakistanis	~1.7 million
Bangladeshis	~1.2 million
Emiratis (UAE Nationals)	~1.1–1.3 million
Filipinos	~700,000
Iranians	~600,000
Nepalese	~450,000
Egyptians	~400,000
Chinese	~370,000
Sri Lankans	~300,000
Afghans	~300,000
Palestinians	~300,000
British	~240,000
Jordanians	~200,000
Lebanese	~200,000
Ethiopians	~200,000

Other key UAE demographics:

• About 88–89% of the population are expatriates

• Emiratis make up roughly 11–12% 

COST COMPARISON OF GULF CUNTRIES

Here’s a simple comparison of the UAE vs other Gulf countries in terms of overall cost of living, rent, groceries, fuel, and lifestyle in 2025:

Country	Overall Cost	Rent	Groceries	Fuel	Typical Salary	Lifestyle
United Arab Emirates	Highest in GCC	Very High	High	Moderate	High	Most international
Qatar	High	High	High	Cheap	Very High	Luxury & family-focused
Saudi Arabia	Medium	Medium	Medium	Very Cheap	Medium-High	Fast-growing economy
Kuwait	Medium-Low	Low	Medium	Very Cheap	High	Strong salaries
Bahrain	Medium-Low	Low	Medium	Cheap	Medium	Relaxed lifestyle
Oman	Cheapest	Lowest	Lower	Cheap	Medium	Calm & affordable

GCC Cost Ranking (Most Expensive → Cheapest)

1. UAE

2. Bahrain

3. Qatar

4. Saudi Arabia

5. Kuwait

6. Oman

UAE vs Other Gulf Countries

Housing & Rent

• Dubai and Abu Dhabi have the highest rents in the Gulf.

• Riyadh is usually 15–25% cheaper than Dubai.

• Oman rents can be over 70% lower than Dubai.

  
  

Groceries

• UAE and Qatar usually have higher supermarket prices because of imported products.

• Saudi Arabia has cheaper local food and larger domestic production.

• Oman and Kuwait are generally more affordable for daily groceries.

Fuel Prices

Saudi Arabia and Kuwait usually have the cheapest fuel in GCC.UAE fuel is still inexpensive compared to Europe, but higher than Saudi Arabia.

Salaries

• Qatar, Kuwait, and UAE usually offer the highest expat salaries.

• Saudi Arabia salaries are rising quickly due to Vision 2030 projects.

• Oman salaries are lower but expenses are also much lower.

Monthly Living Cost Example (Single Person)

Country	Approx Monthly Cost
UAE (Dubai)	AED 4,200+
Qatar (Doha)	AED 3,200–3,500
Saudi Arabia (Riyadh)	AED 3,300
Kuwait	AED 3,000
Bahrain	AED 2,900
Oman	AED 2,700