British Beef Ban Lifted in the UAE

The Ministry of Environment and Water has lifted the ban on the import of British beef and British beef products into the UAE with immediate effect. This is positive news for consumers in the UAE who will now have the opportunity to sample British beef and other British beef products. It is also good news for British farmers and the wider UK economy. Products from Aberdeen-Angus steaks to roast-beef flavoured potato crisps will soon be available in UAE restaurants and on supermarket shelves. UK Trade '&' Investment, working closely with the Ministry of Environment and Water in the UAE and the Department of Food and Rural Affairs in the UK were instrumental in getting the ban lifted.

British Ambassador to the UAE, Dominic Jermey said: "I am delighted that the ban on British beef has been lifted. UK Trade '&' Investment supports British exporters, and this is a very good example of their work in action. This is a great opportunity for UAE residents to try for themselves the excellent quality of British beef, and I encourage people in the UAE to enjoy this excellent product which will be back in the shops here soon. I'm proud that British products across the board are well known in the UAE for their quality and it's great to see British beef, enjoyed the world over, in that selection.

"Director of UK Trade '&' Investment in Dubai, Ian Gibbons said: "The UAE is an important market for the UK and there is already a very healthy demand for British food products. I have no doubt that British beef will be a popular choice for consumers. I have recently arrived in the UAE and am impressed by the incredible range of international products available, which is testament to the nature of the country as a true international hub. UK products are more widely available than in many other countries. The lifting of the British beef ban is significant as it means greater opportunity for UK suppliers, but also greater choice for the UAE market." Total UK food and drink exports increased by 14.8% in 2011 to ?18.6bn, representing the seventh consecutive year of growth. The UAE imported 122.6million Sterling Pound worth of British food products in 2011, up 12.6% from 2010. The UK and the UAE have committed to increase bilateral trade to12 billion Pounds by 2015.