UAE ensures uninterrupted food supply for Eid holiday

• Push to expedite inspections
• Border entrances at ‘maximum capacity’
• Ministry: supply meets market’s needs

The UAE said it has assured an uninterrupted flow of food, agricultural and animal consignments through all its entry points in preparation for Eid Al Fitr despite the Iran conflict.

Friday March 20 will be the first day of Eid, with holidays extending until March 22.

The ministry of climate change and environment said the government is collaborating to expedite inspection and clearance procedures for a range of commodities including fresh fruit, vegetables and meat products.  

The announcement follows a series of visits to agricultural and veterinary quarantine centres at multiple entry points to monitor inspection procedures and customs clearance. 

Mohammed Saeed Al Nuaimi, an undersecretary at the ministry, said that border entry points across all emirates are operating at maximum capacity to meet market demand.

The UAE received 1,454 livestock consignments from January 1 to March 18. It is also getting thousands of tonnes of fresh fruit and vegetables daily, Al Nuaimi said.

The ministry is accelerating procedures immediately upon the arrival of shipments, reducing the time required for goods and fresh produce to move from ports to retailers and markets, said Marwan Al Zaabi, an assistant undersecretary at the ministry.

“There is no shortage of products. But the alternative solution is a bit costly,” NRTC Group chief executive Mohammed Alrifai said. The company is among the UAE’s largest importers and distributors of fresh fruit and vegetables.

He stressed there were no plans to pass the increased cost burden onto customers.

• UAE suppliers move to keep shelves fully stocked
• The Iran conflict threatens food supplies as well as oil
• Oman sets up food depots to try to circumvent Iran war

The announcement came as the Iran conflict continues, with Tehran striking oil and gas infrastructure across the Gulf.

Earlier on Thursday the UAE intercepted 7 ballistic missiles and 15 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) launched from Iran.

Since the start of the attacks, the UAE’s air defences have intercepted 334 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles and 1,714 UAVs, the state-run Wam news agency reported, quoting the defence ministry.