Egyptian Date Exports to the UAE: Medjool & Re-Export Guide

The United Arab Emirates is both a premium consumption market and the world’s leading date re-export hub for Egyptian dates. The UAE imports, grades, packs and re-exports dates globally through Jebel Ali — and Egypt, the world’s largest date producer, is a key origin for both semi-dry Siwi and premium Medjool. This guide covers the best varieties, logistics, market requirements, the season calendar, and how to open a supply program. HS code 0804.10.

Quick Answer: Egyptian Dates to the UAE

  • Product: dates — premium Medjool, semi-dry Siwi, soft Barhi (HS 0804.10).
  • Egypt’s position: the world’s largest date producer; a key UAE origin.
  • UAE’s role: premium consumption & the world’s leading date re-export hub (Jebel Ali).
  • Best varieties: Medjool (premium), Siwi (semi-dry), Barhi.
  • Main route: reefer/ambient via Sokhna / Red Sea to Jebel Ali.
  • Storage: Medjool & soft chilled (~0–4 °C); semi-dry/dry ambient.
  • Compliance: UAE/ESMA import rules, phytosanitary certificate, Halal on request, Arabic labeling.
  • Incoterms: FOB / CIF / CFR — confirm per booking.

Why the UAE Matters for Egyptian Dates

The UAE is the epicentre of the global date trade: it consumes premium dates in large volumes, especially at Ramadan and for gifting, and it re-exports dates worldwide after grading and packing at Jebel Ali. Egyptian dates serve both channels — premium Medjool for Emirati retail and gifting, and semi-dry Siwi in volume for re-export. As the world’s largest producer with short Red Sea logistics, Egypt is a natural supplier.

For Emirati importers, packers and re-exporters, Egyptian dates offer scale, a value-to-premium range and fast replenishment.

Best Varieties for the UAE

VarietyType / profileUAE fit
MedjoolLarge, soft, premium★★★ Premium retail, gifting, re-export
SiwiSemi-dry, amber, sweet★★★ Volume & re-export
BarhiSoft, honey-like★★ Premium soft

For full product detail see the Egyptian Dates Export Report.

Logistics: Egypt to the UAE

  • Ports of loading: Sokhna / Adabiya (Red Sea); Alexandria / Damietta.
  • Port of discharge: Jebel Ali (Dubai), the world’s leading date re-export gateway.
  • Storage/temperature: Medjool & soft chilled ~0–4 °C; semi-dry/dry ambient.
  • Packing: Medjool in trays/gift packs; Siwi in 5/10 kg bulk or retail; palletised.
  • Transit: short Red Sea sailing — fast for retail and onward re-export.

UAE Market Requirements

  • UAE / ESMA: compliance with UAE import and food-labeling rules.
  • Phytosanitary / health certificate, certificate of origin, commercial invoice, packing list.
  • Quality assurance: HACCP / ISO 22000 at the packing facility; Halal certificate on request.
  • Grade & pack to buyer spec; premium presentation for Medjool/gifting.
  • Labeling: Arabic import labeling with product, grade, net weight, crop year and producer.

Season & Shipping Window

PeriodActivityUAE notes
Aug–OctDate harvest & gradingNew-crop packing
Pre-RamadanPeak shippingConsumption & re-export peak
Year-roundAmbient/chilled storage supplyContinuous availability from storage

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the UAE important for Egyptian dates?

The UAE is both a premium consumption market and the world’s leading date re-export hub via Jebel Ali. Egyptian dates serve Emirati retail and gifting (Medjool) and onward global re-export (Siwi).

Which Egyptian date varieties suit the UAE?

Premium Medjool for retail, gifting and re-export, plus semi-dry Siwi in volume and soft Barhi as a premium option.

How are Egyptian dates shipped to the UAE?

Via Sokhna/Red Sea to Jebel Ali — Medjool and soft dates chilled at about 0–4 °C, semi-dry/dry dates in ambient containers.

What documents are required to import Egyptian dates into the UAE?

UAE/ESMA labeling compliance, a phytosanitary/health certificate, certificate of origin, commercial invoice, packing list, Arabic labeling, and HACCP/ISO 22000 (Halal on request).

Request a Quote for the UAE Market

Building a UAE date program? PEI Trade supplies premium Medjool, semi-dry Siwi and other Egyptian dates in gift, retail or bulk packs, with appropriate chilled or ambient handling, UAE-compliant documentation (Halal on request) and fast Red Sea delivery to Jebel Ali for retail and re-export. Tell us your varieties, grades, packing and delivery window for a competitive offer.


How to Cite This Page

PEI Trade. “Egyptian Date Exports to the UAE: Medjool & Re-Export Guide.” peitrade.com, 2026, https://peitrade.com/egyptian-date-exports-to-uae/

Sources: PEI Trade Egyptian Dates Export Report (Egypt world’s largest producer; UAE the leading global date re-export hub); WITS/UN Comtrade Egypt dates exports (HS 0804.10). Country-level UAE volume qualitative. HS code 0804.10.

PEI Trade · New Cairo, Egypt · sales@peitrade.com · WhatsApp +20 109 911 1918 · www.peitrade.com · Brand: nile-prime.com · Ports: Alexandria, Damietta, Sokhna, Port Said (Incoterms 2020)