The UAE ranked first globally in white sugar production, reaching 1.5 million tons in 2025. Jamal Al Ghurair, Managing Director and majority shareholder of Al Khaleej Sugar, revealed this during the 10th Dubai Sugar Conference 2026. He noted that domestic consumption does not exceed 250,000 tons annually.
He added that white sugar prices in the UAE and globally fell by around 20% during 2025. Despite challenges like protectionist policies in other nations, the market remains relatively stable. Al Ghurair emphasized the openness of the UAE market compared to restrictive measures elsewhere.
"The sugar market, locally and globally, is witnessing relative stability, despite the challenges facing the industry," he stated.
Exports from Al Khaleej Sugar, reaching 30 markets, were not significantly impacted by shipping costs but are more sensitive to global price fluctuations and protectionist policies. India remains the largest supplier of sugar to the UAE with no customs duties.
The conference, themed "Artificial Intelligence – An Innovative Vision for the Future of Sugar," hosted over 1,000 delegates from 75 countries. Discussions focused on climate risks, geopolitical shifts, and the transformative role of AI in the sugar industry's value chains.
