Due to its pursuit of diversification and GDP of $ 43,000 (2019) per capita, the UAE is a highly attractive and growing market in the Middle East with high purchasing power. Imports of fruits, nuts, and vegetables have been growing over the past two decades, reaching a total of about $ 3 billion a year. However, in 2020, due to the pandemic, imports fell slightly.

Imports of agricultural products to the members of the World Trade Organization (WTO), including Georgia, are taxed at an average of 6%. Based on EastFruit, despite low tariffs and high demand for imported products, Georgia did not export large quantities to the United Arab Emirates. Over the past 8 years, exports of Georgian fruits, nuts and vegetables to the United Arab Emirates amounted to only $ 3.2 million. Annual exports peaked at $ 1.1 million in 2021, out of which 72% were hazelnut kernels and fresh blueberries. Imports are hampered by expensive aviation logistics and inadequate product quality compared to the Emirates’ market standards.

Last year, however, Qatar made its first attempt to export table grapes by land, when the fruit was transported by a refrigerated container via Azerbaijan and Iran. An important role in this regard will be played by the newly opened transport corridor, which connects the Persian Gulf with the Black Sea.

The average annual increase in the imports to the UAE from 2013 to 2019 is as follows:

· Shell nuts - 19%

· Hazelnut kernels - 12%

· Sweet potatoes - 9%

· Walnuts - 7%

· Persimmons - 7%

· Mandarins - 5%

· Berries - 5%

The products exported by Georgia to the UAE in 2020:

· Shell nuts - 32 824 tons

· Hazelnut kernels - 511 tons

· Walnuts - 6,826 tons

· Persimmons - 3,245 tons

· Mandarins - 45 906 tons

· Berries - 1,284 tons