GCC / Middle EastTier 1 — Major Market

United Arab Emirates

SGIE Score: 95.8(2024)Rank: #4

Market Overview

Halal Authority: ESMA (Emirates Authority for Standardization & Metrology)
Certification Required: Yes — Mandatory
Key Legislation: UAE.S 2055-1:2015 (Halal Food); UAE.S 2055-2 (Halal Cosmetics); Federal Food Safety Law 2016; MoIAT Halal National Mark scheme
Import Requirements: Must carry halal certificate from ESMA/MoIAT-recognized body
Labeling Requirements: UAE.S 2055-1:2015 standard; UAE Halal National Mark mandatory on certified products

Food & BeveragesIslamic FinanceTourismCosmeticsModest FashionLogistics/Re-export

Standardization & metrology

Ministry of Industry & Advanced Technology

Islamic economy division

Dubai Islamic Economy Development Centre

Jebel Ali halal zone

Chamber of commerce

Top Halal Exports: Halal food re-exports (world #3 re-exporter), dates, Arabic sweets, modest fashion re-exports
Top Halal Imports: Meat (Brazil, Australia, India), dairy (Europe, NZ), processed food (global), cosmetics
Government Incentives: 100% foreign ownership in free zones; 9% corporate tax with exemptions; zero customs in free zones
FDI Rules: 100% ownership in free zones; up to 100% in mainland (2021 reform)

CEPA with India, Turkey, Israel, IndonesiaGCC Customs UnionDubai QE Zone free trade

Halal Awareness: Very High
E-Commerce Adoption: Very High — noon, Amazon.ae, Deliveroo, Talabat
Cold Chain Maturity: Very High
Per Capita Halal Spend: $4,500-5,000
Dining Scene: Widespread — all licensed restaurants serve halal; alcohol limited to licensed venues
Halal Food Availability: Widespread
Tourism Infrastructure: World class — dedicated halal hotel standards; prayer rooms everywhere