Webinar Recording: Food opportunities + challenges in the GCC - focus on Saudi Arabia and the UAE

The Gulf Cooperation Council offers opportunities for Swiss and Liechtenstein-based food companies, but market entry requires careful preparation. 

This webinar, from 09 September 2026. examines regulation, consumer demand, distribution and logistics in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

The speakers explain how food companies can prepare for the regulatory requirements in both markets. Topics include product registration, conformity assessment, customs clearance, halal certification and Arabic labeling. The discussion also highlights the need to monitor changing technical regulations, provide complete product documentation and adapt formulations or labels where required. While the United Arab Emirates can offer a more accessible entry point, Saudi Arabia has stricter compliance requirements and a more complex registration process.

Identify market opportunities

Consumer demand differs between the two markets. In Saudi Arabia, the speakers identify opportunities in categories such as processed meat and seafood, baby food, breakfast cereals, baked goods, frozen desserts and savory snacks. In the United Arab Emirates, snack foods, confectionery, non-alcoholic beverages, tree nuts, sauces, dairy and plant-based products are among the categories discussed. Premium, functional and health-oriented products can benefit from demand among younger, more affluent and internationally oriented consumers. At the same time, companies need to consider local products, price sensitivity and the importance of convenience, e-commerce and seasonal demand around Ramadan.

Choose the right partners and route to market

The webinar also explores how products reach consumers through distributors, modern retail, food service, hospitality and e-commerce. The speakers stress the importance of selecting a capable local partner who understands registration, labeling, customs and distribution requirements. The experience of Vander AG shows how an exclusive-distributor model can support market access and ongoing compliance. Participants also learn how geopolitical developments have affected freight costs, transit times and stock planning, and why companies need clear objectives, responsibilities and timing with their distributors.

“I think it's very important that you have a clear objective with your distributors, discuss the specific details, key timing and accountability.”

Lukas Hafner
Head of Middle East & International Sales Manager, Wander AG

Watch the webinar recording to learn more about food market opportunities, regulatory requirements and practical market-entry considerations in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.