Dubai is set to build the world's largest fruit and vegetable market, a landmark move that reinforces the emirate's ambition to become a top global trade hub. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, officially announced the Logistics Hub for Foodstuffs, Fruit, and Vegetable Trade — a project aligned directly with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.
World's Largest Fruit and Vegetable Market Announced
The new hub will double the area of Dubai's existing fruit and vegetable market and link it to global markets. Sheikh Mohammed stated: "We have commenced our plan to initiate the largest logistics hub in the world for foodstuffs, fruits, and vegetables trade. As part of this expansion, the economic plan of the nation and the commercial as well as investment prospects would be larger. We have awarded the responsibility of the management, operation and development to DP World."
DP World — one of the world's leading ports and logistics operators — will manage, operate, and develop the facility, cementing Dubai's role as a strategic commercial and investment centre.
Strategic Partnership Between DP World and Dubai Municipality
The project was formalised through a strategic partnership agreement between Dubai Municipality and DP World. The agreement was signed by Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World, and Dawood Al Hajri, Director General of Dubai Municipality.
The signing was attended by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, as well as Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Finance of the UAE.
Sheikh Maktoum noted that Dubai is evolving on the foundation of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid's vision — to achieve spectacular economic objectives and position the city among the top three economic cities of the world by 2033.
How the Hub Supports Dubai's D33 Economic Agenda
The Logistics Hub for Foodstuffs, Fruit, and Vegetable Trade is a cornerstone initiative under the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which targets doubling Dubai's economy to Dh32 trillion by 2033 while expanding global trade reach to 400 additional cities.
Dubai's strategic location — at the crossroads of Asia, Europe, and Africa — makes it a natural gateway for food trade across emerging and established markets. The hub will further solidify the emirate's standing as a global export and re-export destination across multiple sectors.
Sheikh Mohammed added: "Dubai's strategic location and advanced facilities make it a commercial and investment hub that attracts major companies. Dubai aims to be a leading destination for markets, export, and re-export operations across various sectors."
Dubai Positions Itself as a Global Food Trade Hub
Beyond fruits and vegetables, the facility is designed to streamline food sector operations across grains, meats, gourmet products, and other food categories — all under one roof. The project will improve the well-being of Dubai's residents while strengthening the emirate's economic cohesion and international appeal.
The emirate will continue investing in new opportunities for international players and in developing the next generation of talent to lead such large-scale commercial projects. With this announcement, Dubai reinforces its position as a world-class logistics and trade destination within the global food supply chain.
