Dubai: The United Arab Emirates is strengthening its position in the global sugar market, driven by white sugar production at Al Khaleej Sugar Company, the world’s largest independent sugar refinery, Gulf Today reported.
In 2025, the refinery produced around 1.5 million metric tonnes of white sugar that was higher than the country’s annual domestic consumption, which does not exceed 250,000 tonnes, according to Jamal Al Ghurair, managing director and major shareholder of the company.
Speaking at a press meeting held on the sidelines of the 10th Dubai Sugar Conference 2026, Al Ghurair said the refinery is operating at about 70% of its production capacity depending on demand, while some production lines are running at 30–40% below full capacity.
He stated that both local and global sugar markets are experiencing relative stability despite challenges facing the industry. Among the key concerns are protectionist measures adopted by some countries regionally and globally, in contrast to the UAE’s open trade policy, which allows access to all markets without restrictions. Al Ghurair noted that the company’s products currently reach nearly 30 markets worldwide, supported by the strong reputation and high quality of sugar produced in the UAE. He added that the company is aiming to expand its export footprint by 2026.
On foreign investments, Al Ghurair said there are no plans for new projects outside the UAE at present. However, the Canal Sugar project in Egypt, in which the company is a partner, is progressing on schedule and has been supplying beet sugar to the Egyptian market for almost two years.
Regarding shipping costs, he explained that exports have not been significantly affected by freight prices. The company remains more exposed to fluctuations in global sugar prices and protectionist policies in certain overseas markets.
The Dubai Sugar Conference 2026 attracted more than 1,000 delegates from 75 countries to discuss future opportunities and challenges facing the sugar sector. Discussions focused on declining global surpluses, rising geopolitical volatility, increasing climate risks, and the rapid changes being driven by artificial intelligence across global value chains.
The strong international participation highlights the UAE and Dubai’s role as a global hub for trade and logistics and a key centre for the movement of goods between East and West.
Held under the theme “Artificial Intelligence – An Innovative Vision for Shaping the Future of Sugar,” the conference emphasised the growing importance of AI in enhancing operational efficiency, improving forecasting and supporting sustainability amid the complexities of climate change and evolving trade policies. Participants also reviewed global market outlooks, with expectations of a decline in the surplus during the 2026/2027 season due to falling prices, lower production and reduced stockpiles.
The event also examined crop conditions in major producing countries, including Brazil, India and Thailand, as well as the expanding role of sugar refineries in the Middle East and North Africa in balancing global trade flows.
