The UAE, especially Dubai and Sharjah, has become one of the most active lentil import markets in the MENA region. With its vibrant wholesale trade hubs, top-tier logistics, and increasing demand for vegetarian and healthy foods, the UAE is a prime destination for lentil importers.

Whether you're looking to supply hypermarkets like Lulu, Carrefour, or Choithrams, or distribute through local retailers and restaurants, this guide walks you through everything—from pricing to port clearance.

Lentil Demand in the UAE: Why It’s Growing?

•    UAE imports over 85% of its food, making it a legume-import hub

•    Lentils are popular in South Asian, Levantine, and African cuisines

•    Surge in plant-based diets and health-conscious consumers

•    Wholesale buyers include HORECA (hotels/restaurants), retail chains, and repackaging companies

Wholesale Price of Lentils in UAE (2025)

Prices in the UAE depend on the country of origin, quality, packaging, and shipping method (local vs. direct import).

Lentil Type                     Origin             Avg. Price (USD/ton)      Common Packing

Red Split Lentils           Turkey                    $1,600 – $1,900  25kg PP or jute bags

Whole Red Lentils        Canada                   $1,600 – $2,000  50kg or bulk sacks

Green Lentils               Australia                  $1,700 – $1,900  Retail + bulk sacks

Masoor/Desi Mix     India/Pakistan          $1,600 – $1,900     20kg / 25kg packs

Prices fluctuate depending on CIF vs. local warehouse delivery and seasonality.

Trusted Suppliers for Lentils in UAE

You can source lentils either locally from UAE-based importers or directly from origin countries:

Local Wholesalers in UAE:

•    Al Maya Group (Dubai)

•    Barakat Veg Wholesale

•    Kibsons International

•    Global Export LLC (Ajman)

•    Al Dahra Food (Abu Dhabi)

Benefits:

•    Faster delivery

•    UAE import duty already paid

•    Easier quality verification

Direct Imports From Origin:

•    Turkey (Gaziantep, Mersin)

•    Canada (Saskatchewan)

•    India (Madhya Pradesh)

•    Australia (Victoria)

Benefits:

•    Lower price per ton

•    Full control over labeling & packaging

•    Better profit margins for large-scale importers

How to Import Lentils into UAE? Step-by-Step:

1. Product Pre-Approval

Ensure lentils meet UAE food standards:

•    No GMO

•    No added preservatives

•    Halal-compliant (for labeling)

2. Required Import Documents

Document Name      Issued By

Commercial Invoice Exporter

Packing List   Exporter

Certificate of Origin Chamber of Commerce (origin)

Health & Phytosanitary Cert    Ministry of Agriculture (origin)

Halal Certificate (optional) Halal Authority in origin country

Bill of Lading / Air Waybill   Freight forwarder

3. UAE Customs & Registration

All food importers in UAE must be registered with the UAE Food Control Authority (under the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment).

You will need:

•    Importer Code

•    FIRS Registration (Food Import & Re-export System)

Ports of Entry:

•    Jebel Ali Port (Dubai)

•    Khalifa Port (Abu Dhabi)

•    Sharjah Port / Hamriyah Free Zone

Customs Duty on lentils: 0% – 5% depending on HS code and trade agreements.

4. Payment Terms

•    For local suppliers: 50% deposit + cash on delivery

•    For international import:

o    TT in advance (trusted exporters)

o    LC (Letter of Credit) for larger quantities

o    30/70 terms (after inspection or FOB loading)

Lentil Packaging & Private Labeling in UAE

Want to sell under your own brand?

Most exporters offer OEM packaging with:

•    Custom logo and artwork

•    Arabic/English labeling

•    Barcode + expiry date

•    Nutritional info as per UAE labeling laws

Popular sizes: 10kg, 20kg, 25kg, 50kg, or 500g retail packs.

Bonus: UAE’s Re-export Advantage

Dubai is not just a consumer market—it's a global trade bridge.

From Dubai, you can re-export lentils to:

•    Oman

•    Bahrain

•    Saudi Arabia

•    East Africa

•    Pakistan

Leverage Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) or Sharjah Free Zone for tax-free warehousing and easy re-export processes.

Final Thoughts

The UAE offers massive potential for importing and distributing bulk lentils, thanks to its favorable import regulations, strategic location, and booming FMCG sector. Whether you're entering the local wholesale market or setting up for regional re-exports, now is a great time to source lentils for the UAE.

Email:  tamilaagrifood@gmail.com

Phone / WhatsApp:  +989141858935