Iran and the UAE have extensive trade relations in various goods. However, in this article, we aim to discuss the trade between Iran and the UAE specifically in the field of nuts and dried fruits, focusing on products such as pistachios, dates, and raisins. We will also highlight important points about importing nuts and dried fruits from Iran to the UAE and the high profitability of this business.
Importing goods generally offers a high profit margin in any country, and the UAE is no exception due to factors like lower customs tariffs, taxes, and transportation costs. However, it largely depends on the type of product you choose to import and the country from which you are importing to the UAE. For instance, the UAE offers lower tariffs for food products, including nuts and dried fruits, making it an attractive market for these products from Iran.
The UAE has a high demand for importing nuts and dried fruits from Iran every year. Products like raisins, pistachios, dates, walnuts, and dried mulberries are particularly popular. Iran is one of the largest producers of nuts and dried fruits, offering relatively lower and more competitive prices compared to other countries. This allows you to purchase the products at a lower price, thus increasing your profit margins.
Iranian Pistachios: Pistachios are one of the top export products from Iran to the UAE. Iran is among the largest pistachio exporters globally and is renowned for the high quality and exceptional taste of its pistachios. Every year, the UAE imports various types of Iranian pistachios, including Jumbo, Ahmad Aghaei, and Akbari pistachio varieties.
Iranian Almonds: Almonds are another popular nut in the UAE market. Iranian almonds are highly demanded due to their natural flavor, quality, and competitive price compared to almonds imported from other countries.
Iranian Walnuts: Walnuts are also an important import for the UAE from Iran. Iranian walnuts are favored due to their high oil content and better taste compared to some other walnut varieties available in the market.
So far, we have learned that pistachios, almonds, and walnuts are significant imports. Now, let’s take a look at the dried fruits the UAE imports from Iran.
Iranian Raisins: Raisins are one of the most demanded dried fruits imported by the UAE from Iran. The types of raisins the UAE imports from Iran include Sultana raisins, golden raisins, sun-dried raisins, and jumbo raisins (Mavis).
Iranian Dates: Dates are another popular dried fruit in the UAE, with substantial yearly imports from Iran. The varieties of dates imported include Mazafati, Piarom, Sayer, and chopped dates.
In general, if you are planning to import nuts and dried fruits from Iran to the UAE, it can be a highly profitable business. This is due to the shorter geographical distance, lower customs tariffs imposed by the UAE on food products, and other favorable factors.
Before purchasing and placing an order to import dates to the UAE, you can carry out your import and trade affairs much more easily and hassle-free by knowing what documents are required for importing Iranian nuts and dried fruits to the UAE. Here we have given you the documents required for importing dates as an example Of course, the same documents are the same for other nuts and dried fruits because they are in the same category.
(We have brought you these documents and the time of their use along with their application)
Documents required for importing nuts and dried fruits from Iran to the UAE:
Once the exporter and the importer ) finalize the agreement, document collection begins. Key documents at this stage include:
Purpose: Confirms product details, price, and terms.
Use: Helps the buyer secure import permits and arrange payment.
Purpose: Legal agreement on sale terms.
Use: Clarifies roles, responsibilities, and conditions for both parties.
Purpose: Allows the UAE buyer to import dates.
Use: Required for UAE customs clearance.
Before loading, documents are prepared for customs clearance, transport, and certification.
Purpose: Verifies the dates are from Iran.
Issued By: Iranian Chamber of Commerce.
Purpose: Ensures compliance with UAE food safety standards.
Issued By: Iran’s Ministry of Agriculture.
Purpose: Confirms compliance with Islamic dietary laws.
Issued By: Certified Islamic authority.
Purpose: Lists product quantity, weight, and packaging details.
Use: Guides shipping, customs, and warehouse processes.
Purpose: Final invoice for customs clearance.
Use: Required by UAE customs to calculate duties.
After shipment, final documents are prepared for customs clearance and tracking.
Purpose: Proof of shipment and cargo details.
Issued By: Shipping line or freight forwarder.
Purpose: Declares the nature, origin, and value of imported goods.
Use: Facilitates UAE customs clearance.
Purpose: UAE regulatory requirement for import invoices.
Use: Must be attested by UAE consulate within 14 days of clearance.
Purpose: Protects against loss or damage during transit.
Use: Provides financial protection for the exporter and importer.
Purpose: Verifies product quality and quantity.
Issued By: Third-party inspection agency.
You may be interested in knowing the approximate prices of Iranian nuts and dried fruits in the UAE. With its extensive experience in sourcing and exporting nuts and dried fruits, Tari Trading has compiled the average prices of popular products like pistachios, raisins, and dates for you.
According to the article “Prices of Iranian Pistachios,” Akbari pistachio is one of the most popular pistachios in the UAE. Also known as Super-long pistachio, this variety is characterized by its elongated shape.
The average wholesale price of Akbari pistachios exported from Iran to the UAE is approximately:
The average wholesale profit margin for Akbari pistachios in the UAE ranges between 26% and 32%.
Based on the statistics from the article “Wholesale Price of Raisins,” the wholesale price of Golden Raisins exported from Iran to the UAE is approximately:
The average wholesale profit margin for Golden Raisins in the UAE is estimated to be between 34% and 48%.
The wholesale price of dates exported from Iran to the United Arab Emirates varies. Among the most in-demand Iranian dates is Mazafati dates, which are widely popular. The average price of Mazafati dates in the UAE is around:
The average wholesale profit margin for Mazafati dates in the UAE ranges between 32% and 45%
The Harmonized System (HS) code is a standardized numerical method for classifying traded products. It is used globally to ensure uniformity in the categorization of goods for customs purposes. Developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO), the HS code consists of six digits that provide the product’s classification. Some countries, however, extend these six digits to include additional numbers for more precise categorization, meaning the HS code can vary slightly between countries.
1. Pistachios with Skin (In Shell):
Globally:
In the UAE:
2. Raisins:
Globally:
In the UAE:
3. Dates:
Globally:
In the UAE:
These codes facilitate international trade by providing a standardized classification system, while the extended digits used by the UAE allow for more specific categorization within the country.
After you have been able to import your nuts or dried fruits into the UAE, finding the target market and center for nuts and dried fruits in the UAE is your next step. Here are some of the cities in the UAE that are suitable for buying and selling nuts and dried fruits in bulk. We introduce are.
Dubai is the largest and most prominent business center of the UAE. It offers strong infrastructure, including ports, free zones, and efficient logistics services, making it an ideal city for large-scale nut and dry fruit import and export operations.
Dubai Wholesale Markets: The city of Dubai has several wholesale markets, one of which is the Central Dubai Fruit and Vegetable Market in Al Aweer, where buyers and sellers can buy and sell nuts and dried fruits in bulk. These markets attract a large number of retailers, distributors and consumers and have a vibrant business environment.
As the capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi provides a solid platform for major business due to its strong infrastructure and growing economy.
Abu Dhabi wholesale markets: One of the best major markets for nuts and dried fruits in Abu Dhabi is Mina Zayed Markets, which is located near Mina Zayed Port. In these markets, most of the retailers, distributors, hotels, and food suppliers sell nuts and dried fruit products such as pistachios, They buy and sell almonds, walnuts, raisins, dried apricots and dates, and this market is a good destination for selling your imported cargo from Iran to the UAE.
Sharjah, which is one of the most important cities in the UAE, can create a higher profit margin for your imports than Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Why? Because it offers lower operating costs than these two cities, and this causes more profit in your imports.
Wholesale markets in Sharjah: One of the most important markets in Sharjah and even in the United Arab Emirates is the Blue Souk, which is also known as the central market of Sharjah. In this market, a wide range of products are bought and sold, some of which are It is also nuts and dried fruits, and products such as pistachios, raisins, dates, almonds, walnuts and other products are also sold in bulk.
Ajman, although smaller compared to Dubai and Abu Dhabi, offers unique advantages for import and trading businesses, especially in terms of cost. If you need a base for your business import and distribution activities, Ajman city is a good option for you, why? Because Ajman is considered a free zone in the UAE and it causes lower final costs for you and as a result it will make you more profitable.
Fujairah is strategically located on the eastern coast of the United Arab Emirates, making it unique for business and logistics due to its direct access to the Indian Ocean. Fujairah provides you with direct access to the Indian Ocean, making it It becomes a strategic point for importing and exporting goods without relying on the busy Strait of Hormuz. The city is ideal for those who import bulk products such as nuts and dried fruits and wish to quickly re-export to international markets.
Ras Al Khaimah City (RAK) is emerging as a cost-effective business and logistics hub in the UAE, offering competitive advantages in business start-up and operating costs over others.
This port, which is located in the city of Dubai, is considered one of the largest ports in the world and the busiest ports in the world, which ranks 9th in the world among ports, Jebel Ali port provides unparalleled access to international markets and excellent storage facilities for importers, and it makes it a strategic point for the distribution of imported nuts and dried fruits throughout the United Arab Emirates and globally. And one of the strong ports of Iran is Bandar Abbas, which usually ships to the UAE and Dubai.
Langeh port, which is the closest port in Iran to the UAE, and for this reason, it usually has shipments to the northern regions of the UAE, such as the port of Sharjah. Due to the small distance between these two ports, this route is usually for quick orders and usually of medium volume. And the bottom is suitable.
The route from Bushehr Port to Dubai Port is another food route. Maybe this route is not as short as Lange Port to Sharjah Port, but these two ports (Dubai Port and Bushehr Port) have better infrastructure in food trade.
By following this checklist and conducting thorough planning, you can establish a successful import/export business for nuts and dried fruits between Iran and the UAE.
Note: This checklist is provided as a general guide and it may be necessary to consult with experts for each specific case, which you can ask us via email.
Postal Code: 4080 ( Abu Dhabi)
The website of the Iranian Embassy in UAE : https://unitedarabemirates.mfa.gov.ir/
Google Maps link of Iranian Embassy in United Arab Emirates
Email of the Iranian Embassy in UAE :
publicdiplomacy.abu@mfa.gov.ir
The phone number of the Iranian embassy in UAE :
+971-2-4444714
The website of the Iranian Embassy in UAE : https://www.mofa.gov.ae
Google Maps link of UAE Embassy in Iran
Email of the Iranian Embassy in UAE :
Tehranemb@mofa.gov.ae
The phone number of the UAE embassy in IRAN :
+00982142792000
Iran also has another embassy in Dubai.
Postal Code: 2832( Dubai)
The website of the Iranian Embassy in Dubai:https://dubai.mfa.gov.ir
Google Maps link of Iranian Embassy in Dubai , United Arab Emirates
Email of the Iranian Embassy in Dubai :
iranconsulate.dxb@mfa.gov.ir
The phone number of the Iranian embassy in Dubai :
+971-4-3444717
Food exhibitions, especially international ones held annually, attract producers, suppliers, customers, and even competitors. This provides a platform to network with a large number of industry professionals. Even if you’re a buyer, you can inspect products firsthand.
Top Food Exhibitions in the UAE, Particularly Dubai:
A specialized exhibition for food, beverages, and food innovations in the Middle East region. Part of the global SIAL series held in countries like France, Canada, and Indonesia.
Specializes in fresh produce, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and dried fruits. Focuses on fresh and dried products, including processed nuts and dried fruits.
Specialized exhibition for food, agriculture, and processed products.
2 Responses
We are planning to export a small sample of pistachios 100 kg from Iran to UAE for market test.
What are the necessary documents and cetificates which we need to provide for a smooth costum clearance?
Hello Dear Sadegh
Thank you for reaching out! Exporting a 100 kg sample of pistachios from Iran to the UAE requires specific documents to ensure smooth customs clearance. Here’s what you’ll typically need:
✅ Commercial Invoice – Includes product details, quantity, and value.
✅ Packing List – Specifies weight, packaging, and number of cartons.
✅ Certificate of Origin – Issued by the Iran Chamber of Commerce.
✅ Phytosanitary Certificate – Provided by the Iranian Plant Protection Organization.
✅ Health Certificate – Ensures compliance with food safety standards.
✅ Customs Declaration Form – Required for Iranian export clearance.
✅ Bill of Lading / Airway Bill – Issued by the shipping company.