UAE leads global white sugar production market

Sajjad Ahmad, Deputy Business Editor

Dubai: The UAE continues to strengthen its presence in the global sugar market, leading white sugar production through Al Khaleej Sugar Company, the world's largest independent sugar refinery.

The refinery produced approximately 1.5 million metric tonnes white sugar in 2025, while domestic consumption does not exceed 250,000 tonnes annually, according to Jamal Al Ghurair, Managing Director and Major Shareholder of the company.

In press meeting on the sidelines of the 10th Dubai Sugar Conference 2026, Al Ghurair explained that Al Khaleej Sugar Company is currently operating at 70% of its production capacity, depending on demand levels, while some production lines are operating at 30-40% lower capacity.

He pointed out that the sugar market, both locally and globally, is experiencing relative stability, despite the challenges facing by the industry, most notably the protectionist measures implemented by some countries in the region and the world, in contrast to the open trade policy adopted by the UAE market, which remains open to all countries without restrictions.

Exports to 30 markets: Al Ghurair confirmed that Gulf Sugar products currently reaching approximately 30 markets worldwide, based on the strong reputation and high quality of the sugar industry in the UAE.

He noted the company's ambition to expand its exports by 2026.

Regarding foreign investments, Al Ghurair ruled out any new investments outside the UAE at present. He explained that the Canal Sugar project in Egypt, in which the company is a partner, is progressing according to schedule and has been supplying beet sugar to the Egyptian market for nearly two years.

Concerning the impact of shipping costs, Al Ghurair clarified that the company's exports have not been significantly affected by shipping prices. However, they remain more susceptible to fluctuations in global sugar prices, as well as protectionist policies in some foreign markets.

The Dubai Sugar Conference 2026 saw the participation of more than 1,000 delegates representing 75 countries to discuss the future opportunities and challenges facing the sugar industry amidst declining global surpluses, escalating geopolitical volatility, increasing climate risks, and the rapid transformations brought about by artificial intelligence (AI) on global value chains.

This international presence reflects the UAE and Dubai's position as a global hub for trade and logistics, and a key center for the flow of goods between East and West.

Artificial Intelligence: This year's conference is being held under the theme "Artificial Intelligence – An Innovative Vision for Shaping the Future of Sugar." Participants emphasized that AI has become an essential tool for enhancing operational efficiency and improving predictability, and supporting sustainability, given the complexities of climate change and evolving trade policies.

The conference also focused on global market forecasts, with expectations of a decrease in the surplus during the 2026/2027 season as a result of declining prices, production and stockpiles, in addition to examining crop conditions in major producing countries, most notably Brazil, India and Thailand, and the growing role of sugar refineries in the Middle East and North Africa in balancing global trade flows.