The Australian red meat sector has strengthened ties with the Middle East following Meat & Livestock Australia’s (MLA) presence at Gulfood 2026, with 37 Australian red meat exporters exhibiting at the Dubai World Trade Centre and Expo City Dubai.
The event followed a year in which Australian red meat and livestock exports to the Middle East and North Africa region reached $2.2 billion in 2025, reflecting continued demand for Australian Halal certified beef and lamb.
According to MLA, the Middle East and North Africa region remains an important destination for Australian beef and lamb. Chilled beef accounted for 84 per cent of Australian beef exports to the UAE, with total beef exports valued at $316 million. Sheep meat exports reached $394 million in 2025.
MLA regional manager for Europe, Middle East and Africa Darren Watson said Gulfood remains an important platform for the Australian red meat industry.
“Across the MENA region, demand is not only growing but becoming more discerning and premium led,” he said.
“Australian beef and lamb have remained well positioned to support this shift, offering trusted Halal assurance, consistent quality, and the reliability that partners in the region value.”
“Australia’s trade position was further strengthened through the Australia UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, which removed tariffs on Australian red meat and boosted competitiveness.”
All Australian red meat remains 100 per cent Halal certified under the Australian Government Authorised Halal Program.
Innovation at Gulfood
MLA’s Aussie Beef, Lamb & Goat stand covered more than 720 square metres and brought together exporters, buyers, government representatives and visitors over five days.
The space featured grass fed and grain fed beef, lamb, mutton and goat, alongside Halal assurance and supply chain integrity. Live cooking demonstrations attracted steady visitor traffic.
MLA also held its first Gulfood Innovation Challenge, with five international innovators presenting solutions across sustainable packaging, ambient storage and nutrient dense products.
The stand was visited by the Don Farrell, minister for trade and tourism, who met with exporters and MLA representatives.
Livestock export engagement
The Livestock Export Program delivered by MLA and LiveCorp supported Australia’s presence, with interest from stakeholders in Turkey, Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Oman.
While boxed red meat was the main focus, enquiries for live animals were also received.
Following Gulfood, MLA chair John Lloyd visited livestock pens, an abattoir and a wet market in the UAE on 29 January, followed by retail visits on 30 January.
MLA general manager international markets Andrew Cox later travelled to Jordan from 1 to 3 February with Darren Watson and members of the Livestock Export Program team, visiting a feedlot holding Australian cattle and an abattoir to assess supply chain conditions.