The UAE is consuming around 20 tons of mushrooms every day, which adds up to 7,300 tons per year. As demand grows, local farms are working to expand their share of the market while facing challenges that are unique to the region. UMDIS had the opportunity to speak with Mohamed Abdelhay, a mushroom-growing consultant for Themar Al Emarat Group, to learn more about the industry.
In 2024, the UAE’s total mushroom supply was about 7,300 tons. Themar Al Emarat produces between 5 to 7 tons daily, or 1,825 to 2,555 tons annually. This covers around 35% of the country’s mushroom needs. Other local farms contribute another 15%, but imports still make up the remaining 50% of demand. Prices for mushrooms range from 14 to 16 dirhams (€3.50 to €4) per kilogram, though they can change due to competition and occasional oversupply from imports.
Local mushroom production is important for food security. The UAE has focused on becoming more self-sufficient in agriculture since the 1970s. Growing mushrooms locally helps keep prices stable and ensures a steady supply, reducing the need for imports and making the market stronger.
Growing mushrooms in the UAE’s hot and dry climate might seem difficult, but modern technology makes it possible to grow them year-round. Farms use controlled environments with automated systems for watering and airflow to create the best conditions for mushrooms. Interestingly, the farm Mohamed works with actually gets higher yields and better quality in the summer than in the winter. The farm was built by the Christiaens Group.
However, there are still challenges. The cost of producing mushrooms is rising because of higher expenses for electricity, labor, and raw materials. The UAE doesn’t produce its own compost, so farms have to import it from Europe and Asia. This can lead to problems if there are shipping delays or price increases. Another issue is competition from imported mushrooms, which are often cheaper. While many consumers prefer fresh, locally grown mushrooms, supermarkets and restaurants often focus on keeping costs low. This pushes down prices for local mushrooms, making it harder for UAE farms to compete.
To strengthen the industry, Mohamed believes several steps are needed. First, the UAE should start producing its own compost. If farms could source even half to 70% of their compost locally, it would lower costs, make supply more reliable, and reduce the risk of shipping issues. Themar Al Emarat and other companies are already exploring ways to make this happen. Farms are also working to become more efficient by using better technology and improving their growing and harvesting methods. Mohamed also suggests that local farms should collaborate more. By setting fair prices, marketing together, and ensuring consistent quality standards, the industry could become stronger and better able to compete with imports.
With the right planning, investment, and teamwork, the UAE’s mushroom industry can continue to grow and reduce its reliance on imports. As Mohamed puts it, “Local production is not just about food security; it’s about building a sustainable future for the UAE.” He also adds, “When farms work together, they can achieve much more than they can alone.”
We thank Mohamed Abdelhay for sharing his insights. If you have any interesting stories about the mushroom industry in your country, our readers would love to hear about it. Contact UMDIS on Facebook, and you could be featured in our next article.
