What grows in the Arab Emirates. Fruit in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Where to buy in the UAE

The United Arab Emirates is a fabulous country that literally descended from the pages of The Thousand and One Nights. The Emirates amaze the imagination not only with their nature, but also with ingenious inventions and grandiose buildings.

Just some half a century ago, this place was a desert, and now it is one of the most popular countries among travelers, its settlements- like living illustrations for books or films about the future. However, when traveling here, you should remember that there are very strict laws.

This is a state with a well-developed oil industry, but agriculture is also developing at a rapid pace. For the industry to flourish, huge investments were made, leading world biologists and breeders were invited.

Thanks to this policy, farms and greenhouses have been built in the eastern part and, in the northeast and part of the coast of the Gulf of Oman, equipped according to the latest technical trends, allowing for several harvests per year.

The investment quickly paid off, and the given time trade in the country ranks second after oil production. In our article we will tell you what fruits and vegetables you can buy and taste in the Emirates.

According to statistics, 45 thousand tons of fruits and 2.9 million tons of dates are harvested in the UAE per year. Impressive, right?

What fruits grow in the UAE

First, let's list what fruits are grown in the UAE. As already mentioned, the agricultural industry is quite developed. In the world market, this country is famous for amber dates, fragrant strawberries, potatoes, tomatoes, cucumbers.

Other fruits are also grown here. Fruit crops are exported mainly from neighboring countries: Saudi Arabia, Iran, Egypt and even Thailand. Going to a market or a local supermarket, you can simply be confused by the abundance of unfamiliar exotic fruits brought here from all over the world.

They are sold in the UAE regardless of the season, but still there is a certain seasonality.

In January, strawberries and dates are harvested, and fresh citrus fruits, bananas, guava, tamarind are brought to the markets.

Tamarind is an unusual fruit that looks like a peanut or pea pod. Its unattractive appearance is more than offset by tasty and juicy pulp. Tamarind is harvested from December to March. In neighboring countries, it is just at this time that the season of these fruits falls. The harvest of winter fruits continues in February.

Fruits in the Emirates in March delight tourists with their diversity. Harvest strawberries, citrus fruits, tamarind, wood potato (chico)... Outwardly, chico looks more like large kiwi fruits. It has brown skin and sweet reddish brown flesh.

This exotic fruit comes in two shapes: oval or more round. The recommended shelf life is a maximum of a couple of days.

The season begins in March mangosteen, which will continue until November. This fruit has a dark brown shell, under which the flesh is hidden, in shape somewhat reminiscent of cloves of garlic.

But this is where the similarity to garlic ends: the mangosteen pulp is very sweet and aromatic. When choosing this fruit, make sure the mangosteen skin is firm, not too soft or too tough.

Mangosteen

Vegetables and fruits in the UAE become even more abundant in April. Peaches, watermelons, melons, grapes, citrus fruits, bananas are brought from Saudi Arabia, Iran, Egypt. The most unusual fruits for our tourists in May are longan, lychee, rambutan. At the same time, the lychee harvest is quite short, it ends in June.

Longan, like grapes, is sold in bunches. They are brown fruits with sweet and juicy flesh. When choosing this fruit, make sure that you are sold ripe fruits, not green ones.

Longan

In the UAE, the variety of fruits on store shelves throughout the year is impressive, with some fruits replacing or complementing others. Some of them are harvested several times, so they can be found all year round.

Table of fruits in the UAE by seasons:

Fruits	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	But I	Dec
Oranges	X	X	X						X	X	X	X
Strawberry	X	X	X	X	X						X	X
Watermelon			X	X	X	X	X	X	X
Bananas	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X
Grape				X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X
Rambutan					X	X	X	X	X	X
Tangerines	X										X	X
Grenades	X	X									X	X
Dates	X	X	X							X	X	X
Lychee				X	X	X
Mangosteen			X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X
Grapefruit	X	X	X
Pears						X	X	X	X	X
Guava	X	X	X								X	X
Melon						X	X	X	X
Fig							X	X
Longan					X	X	X
Kumquat	X	X										X
Lime	X	X	X
Mango					X	X	X	X
Persimmon						X	X
Peaches					X	X	X	X
Physalis	X	X							X	X	X	X

Fruit cost in the UAE

If you are going on a trip, then you will probably be interested to know how much fruit costs in the UAE. Due to the fact that many fruits are imported, their prices can be quite high. They depend on the location in relation to tourist routes and the prestige of the institution.

Many tourists point out that inexpensive food can be purchased at a market such as the Fruit & Vegetable Market in Dubai. Here locals shop as well as many restaurant owners.

Fruit & Vegetable Market is the largest green market in the city, you can hardly find such a variety of fruits and vegetables anywhere else. Here you can buy outlandish fruits, choose fresh herbs for salads, pamper the whole family with oriental sweets.

In the markets, sellers are quite intrusive, but you can bargain with them and reduce the initial cost. In large wholesale markets, a box of some kind of fruit costs the same as one kilogram in a supermarket.

Consider the average prices for fruits in the UAE:

mango (1 kg) - from 12 dirhams;
bananas (1 kg) - about 7 dirhams;
watermelon, melon (1 kg) - from 6 dirhams;
oranges (1 kg) - from 5 dirhams;
pomegranate, mango, plum (1 kg) - 17 dirhams;
guava (1 kg) - 11 dirhams;
kiwi (1 kg) - about 15 dirhams;
apples, pears (1 kg) - about 10 dirhams;
chico (1 kg) - 30 dirhams;
longan (1 kg) - 28 dirhams;
tamarind (package weighing 0.3 kg) - 17 dirhams;
mangosteen (1 kg) - about 30 dirhams.

When choosing fruits for children, be careful; first, give a small amount to avoid allergies. This is especially true for exotic fruits and vegetables that you haven't tried before.

These fruits are sung in legends and are mentioned in all the sacred books of mankind - from the Torah, the Bible and the Koran to Buddhism and Hinduism. But most people, unless they live in the blessed Mediterranean or in places of a similar climate, only know them dried up.

Have you guessed? It's about figs or, as they are also called, figs!

If you come to the UAE, then right now you have the chance to taste these soft tender fruits brought here fresh from Spain, Morocco and Lebanon, in the season from July to October. However, at other times, they are brought from different parts of the world, including India, America, South Africa and Australia, although it is not a fact that they will be as tasty as seasonal Mediterranean ones.

Health and benefits:

It is not without reason that these fruits are mentioned in the sacred books: their nutritional and healing value is very high.

Fresh figs have a fibrous structure, full of vitamins and trace elements such as copper, potassium, magnesium, while having a low calorie content of 70 kcal per 100 g. At the same time, the calorie content of dried fruits is tripled!

As a result of practical research carried out by American scientists, it turned out that daily consumption of one fresh fig fruit helps to regulate blood pressure (due to the intake of magnesium and potassium), maintain the condition of the musculoskeletal system (due to the calcium content), helps maintain weight (due to the large amount fibers), has an effect on the maintenance of vision and has other beneficial aspects.

The fruit is used as a mild natural laxative. They contain probiotics and help maintain health and tone digestive system... In some cultures, fig leaves are used as a sugar reducing agent in diabetic patients and as an anticancer agent.

Variety of varieties:

A fact about which I was interested to know: figs, the well-known mulberry tree (mulberry) and a huge ficus belong to the same plant family - mulberries. Nowadays, about 150 varieties of figs are known, differing in fruit size, flavor shades, pulp color and surface - from white-green to black-purple. Generally, white, green, pink varieties are very delicate, while dark blue-violet varieties are more resistant. The largest fruit producers are now Turkey, Morocco, Egypt and Algeria, as well as Greece, Spain and the state of California in the United States.

History mentions the cultivation of fig trees in ancient Egypt, 3 thousand years ago. But their story began even earlier: if you remember, it was with a fig leaf that Adam and Eve first covered their nakedness!

Nowadays, the wild fig tree can be found in abundance in the Atlas Mountains, where many monkeys live among the thickets, feeding on its fruits.

Selection and storage:

Figs are perishable fruits, so they are not available in all stores. We asked the manager of the Fruit and Vegetable Department of LuLu Hypermarkets how to make your choice: “Buy figs only if you plan to eat them for no more than 2 days. The fruits should be whole, not crushed, have a rich color and a herbaceous sweetish odor. If the smell is sour, it means they are already spoiled and not good for anything.

The highest concentration of vitamins, trace elements and antioxidants is found in ripe fruits. At the same time, do not worry if you come across slightly unripe fruits, they can always be supplemented with a regular salad, because the lack of taste does not detract from them. nutritional value, in this case they are full of chlorophylls.

Ripe figs should be stored in the refrigerator for no more than 2 days, preferably separately from other fruits, in a sealed container so as not to absorb odors and, due to their softness, only in one row. If they are immature, you can leave them for a day or two at room temperature.

As for the dried ones, if they are stored in a cool dark place or in the refrigerator, also in a closed container without access to air, they remain tasty and juicy for many months.

You need to wash them only when directly serving on the table, carefully removing the petioles. Dried figs can be eaten like this, used for recipes for muesli and fruit salads, and if they are too dry, they can be soaked briefly in water. Moreover, pouring boiling water over dry figs, like all other dried fruits, is recommended in any case, given that many manufacturers treat them with sulfur in order to increase the shelf life. This is an absolutely legal practice, but it should be borne in mind. "

Culinary Ideas:

Figs - fresh and dry - are great for adding to muesli or rice puddings. Pies and fudges are baked with it. Small ripe figs can be served with yogurt, ice cream, or fruit juice. At the same time, it is better to remove a dense peel from dark varieties, and light ones do not need this, since they are already too tender.

For lunch and dinner, they are a great addition to salads with quinoa, fresh fennel, rucola and parmesan. Figs are also combined with mozarella, seasoned with fresh thyme and rosemary. Stuffed with herbal goat cheese and sprinkled with almonds, they make a great snack before serving main courses.

Attention:

As for precautions, one must take into account their strong laxative effect, if consumed in excess, as well as the danger of allergies, in people sensitive to latex (their skin contains this substance).

Where to buy in the UAE:

Figs are sold in French hypermarkets Carrefour and Giant, British Spinnays and Waitrose, as well as local LuLu hypermarkets, where the most reasonable prices for all exotic fruits. Because of their delicacy, as a rule, tender seasonal figs are packaged in small wooden boxes, while large dark varieties with dense skin can be bought in bulk.

The development of agribusiness in the UAE is now one of the most promising areas in the country. The population and the number of tourists are growing, and the consumption of food is growing accordingly. By investing money in agribusiness in the UAE, you are guaranteed to receive profitable business for many years to come.

Currently, many businessmen are paying attention to the attractive investment climate in the UAE, complemented by a tax-free regime and government subsidies from the government of the Emirates. More than 80% of the country's population is made up of expatriates, some of whom are successfully doing business in the country. Investments in real estate, tourism, construction and manufacturing in the UAE are the key successful industries in the country in which investors are investing their money. However, what if your company specializes in agriculture or You decided to invest in agribusiness, having an idea of the favorable conditions for doing business in the UAE, but poorly imagining the possibilities of a country with an arid climate and desert lands. To do this, you need to figure out what the UAE produces, which emirates specialize in this industry, and what are the prospects and threats of opening such a business in the Emirates.

So, the UAE is located in an arid zone, where there is little rainfall, however, despite the large number of barren territories, nowadays in the UAE you can see forests, fields with wheat and palm trees in places where there were once only desert sands and wind ... Despite the heavy climatic conditions and water shortages, the UAE has managed to significantly develop agriculture, taking care of protecting environment and largely meet the country's food needs, making it less dependent on imports. This became possible thanks to the correct state policy and the implementation of modern methods agriculture, such as the construction of desalination plants and the introduction of new irrigation methods.

Despite the fact that the UAE imports about 80% of food products for the population, at present, the production of vegetables in the UAE covers more than half of the domestic demand. Even greater success has been achieved in the livestock and dairy industry. Milk production covers almost 85% of the demand, eggs - about 40%, red meat - about 30% and white meat - about 18%. Farmers grow tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplants, lettuce, cabbage and animal feed. The local hot climate is well tolerated by sweet potatoes, mangoes, asparagus and lemongrass. The UAE's lowest self-sufficiency is in meeting the demand for fresh fruit: only about 7% of domestic demand is met by domestic production. The only foods the UAE does not feel short of are dates and fish.

The UAE is the second largest food market in the Gulf countries after Saudi Arabia. With the growth of the population and the level of prosperity of citizens, the projected increase in food consumption in the UAE is 4.3% by 2017. Traditionally, cereals were the staple food in most of the peoples of the Gulf countries. Recently, due to rising incomes and urbanization, the consumption of protein-rich and high-cost foods such as meat and fruits has been on the rise. It is expected that by 2017 cereals will maintain their dominant position among food products however, increased consumption of fruits and meat is likely to reduce the share of cereals in total food consumption. Meat consumption will increase by an average of 3.9%, demand for fruits, vegetables, milk and cereals - by an average of 3.7%, 3.4%, 3.1% and 2.5%, respectively. Consumption of foods such as pulses, sugar, butter, fish, eggs and potatoes is expected to grow by an average of 4.0% by 2017.

The country is a major tourist destination and attracts foreigners from all over the world. In addition to strong macroeconomic and demographic factors, tourism plays and will play a vital role. important role in increasing food consumption in the UAE, which is what local producers and farmers are betting on.

Key branches of agricultural production

To improve agricultural management, the former Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (now the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources) conditionally divided the emirates into three zones as follows: Eastern (Fujairah and Sharjah), Central (Dubai, part of Sharjah, Umm Al Quwain , Ajman and part of Ras Al Khaimah) and the North (most of the territory of Ras Al Khaimah). These zones do not include the largest emirate of agricultural products in the UAE - Abu Dhabi. Of the total number of farms in the UAE, 60% are in Abu Dhabi, 16% are in the Central and Eastern zones, the rest in the North. Each of the three zones has a farmer support center with engineers and technicians. The government provides subsidies to farmers, for example, for growing food (free), protecting crops (50 percent free, some completely free), veterinary services, and fertilization (50 percent free).

Dairy industry

The UAE's dairy industry is currently one of the most competitive in the world. Per capita consumption of dairy products is quite high - about 80 - 85 kg per year, and, accordingly, this lucrative sector is extremely dynamic and competitive. The industry leader is the Al Ain dairy farm. Dairy producers are currently looking to form an alliance to establish a common policy and work together to shape a common strategy in an internationally competitive environment.

Poultry

The UAE is one of the leading producers of poultry products in the region. Until the late seventies, all consumer demand was imported. Domestic production now covers about 20% of demand and is more focused on meat rather than egg production. At the same time, a large number of small poultry farms have led to the development of poultry and animal feed companies.

The demand for white meat is quite high as it meets the religious requirements of the UAE, contains low cholesterol levels and is included in the diet of almost all nationalities that live in the country. The growth in demand for products and their development is largely due to the growth in population. Poultry consumption per capita remains stable at 50 kilograms per person per year. There are 6 large and 4 medium-sized poultry farms in the Emirates, as well as a large number of small poultry farms throughout the country. In addition to poultry meat, some of these farms also sell eggs and live chicken. Given the huge demand for poultry meat, imports continue to dominate the market.

Sugar

A couple of years ago, the demand for sugar in the UAE came mainly from households, but now there is a significant demand for sugar in manufacturing (in particular, soft drinks), as well as in restaurants and bakeries, which appeared thanks to economic growth and tourism development. The key sugar product in demand in the UAE is white crystalline sugar from sugar cane (the need for maple and beet sugar is almost negligible). Sugar production in the UAE is limited to the processing of sugar from unrefined sugar for both domestic and foreign markets. There is only one such plant in Dubai.

The tea bags market is largely (75%) occupied by Unilever with the Lipton brand, which has production in Dubai in Jebel Ali FEZ - one of the largest tea processing facilities in the world. Black tea is traditional in the region and continues to dominate the market. However, in recent years, other varieties such as green tea and fruit and herbal teas have begun to gain popularity. The tea market has grown mainly due to the increase in population. The current growth of the tea market is projected at around 7%.

A fish

The United Arab Emirates is a coastal country located on the southern side of the Persian Gulf, with extensive coastlines to the west and east, with access to the Persian and Oman Gulfs.

The fishing industry in the UAE is mostly artisanal. Local fishermen are encouraged by the government by providing boats and equipment to promote the fishing industry in the country. Under the 1999 law, fishing on motorized boats such as trawlers, purse seiners or long liners is completely prohibited. Fishing is permitted only on motor boats (with outboard motors). It is also not allowed to fish in the waters of the UAE without local fishermen on board. Fishing is strictly prohibited during the spawning season. No company is allowed to export local fish, with the exception of local fishermen who have a valid permit from the competent authorities, but the permit is only valid from November to April. Al Gharbiya (Abu Dhabi), with its long coastline, is considered one of the key fishing grounds.

Potato

The Abu Dhabi Food Control Administration (ADFSC) aims to triple local potato production by nearly 2,500 tonnes this year, up from 900 tonnes last year at 45 Al Ain and Abu Dhabi farms. The quality of the grown potatoes is comparable with the imported ones or even surpasses it; among the local population it is more preferable than the imported products.

Halal products

Halal food (sanctioned by Muslims) continues to grow in popularity in the Middle East. Meat and halal products are currently imported from many countries, including Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Brazil, Canada, and the United States. Most of the distributors of halal products do not come from Muslim countries - many international manufacturers value the potential of the market and are willing to invest in it. It should be noted that soon in Dubai will open International Center halal food and product accreditation in accordance with Islamic law. The center will conduct the necessary testing for halal food and other products to ensure that they do not contain any chemical or artificial additives that do not comply with Islamic law, with the aim of being the first international benchmark in Food Industry in this area. It is important to note that red meat and poultry products must be Halal certified before being sold in the UAE. Brands are perceived differently by consumers, so local companies tend to be preferred. The fish does not need this certification.

Organic food production

The Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA) has announced the demand for organic food production. The UAE Ministry of Environment and Water reports that there are currently 40 organic farms operating in the country with an area of 3,980 hectares. They grow dates, tomatoes, green beans, and other fruits and vegetables. At the moment, the government plans to reduce prices for organic products, since they exceed the cost of conventional products three times (in Europe twice) and work towards increasing their competitiveness. The Ministry of Environment and Water Resources is encouraging organic farming by farmers and is taking steps to support this farming method.

Some key steps taken by the government to support the industry:

Creation of two marketing centers in Dubai;
Providing 600 thousand bags of organic fertilizers to 10 thousand farmers;
Participation of farmers in training programs and learning the basics of organic farming.

Organic Certification Scheme

The UAE Organic Certification Scheme was launched in 2012 and acts as an assessment of organic products and raw materials that are produced locally or imported. The certification guarantees compliance with the mandatory requirements for organic food. Products include fresh, chilled, frozen fruits and vegetables, canned food, fresh and canned juices, meat and fish, eggs, milk, dairy products, cheese and honey.

The organic niche in the UAE market continues to grow slowly following the recent certification of imported organic products and organic farms from the UAE by the Emirates Office of Standardization and Metrology (ESMA).

The scheme implies that all certified organic products must have a certification logo so that customers can be sure that they are truly organic. So far, 17 organic farms have been certified in the UAE and six more are in the process of certification.

Conformity assessment procedures and certification

The company must submit a statement with all necessary documents for an expert conformity assessment agency that is registered with the Ministry and accredited by the Standardization and Metrology Body or any other body recognized by the National Accreditation System of the Emirates.
An expert agency will review the application and appoint an inspection committee to audit and verify the manufacturer to ensure that it complies with all mandatory requirements. The manufacturer must provide the commission with all the necessary data to carry out the check at any time.
The inspection committee will submit the inspection report and recommendations to the expert agency, which will notify the manufacturer of its results.
The manufacturer must take the necessary steps to correct the nonconformities within the agreed time frame, if any.
The expert conformity assessment agency will issue an organic food certificate, a license to use the brand and an identification code for it. The manufacturer pays all necessary costs associated with the application process, testing, inspection activities, assessment and services related to the assessment and certification process.
In case of non-conformity of the product during the check, the manufacturer is informed about this in writing within two weeks from the date of receipt of the report of the inspection commission.
The license to use the organic food logo will be valid for three years; it can be extended for an additional three years, depending on the organization's request, following an ongoing assessment of product compliance with legal requirements.

State support for agricultural business

Agriculture in the UAE is heavily supported and subsidized by the government. The federal government provides farmers with irrigation and spraying equipment, crop protection equipment, and Maintenance and also provides seeds, pesticides and fertilizers free of charge.

Given the unfavorable climate for agriculture, in recent years the government has been looking for ways to increase agricultural production by expanding arable land and using new production methods. These measures to date include the reclamation and redistribution of agricultural land to provide support to farmers, extensive training programs and the provision of necessary equipment... In addition, the government has launched a palm planting program to create shaded areas. Recently, the UAE government has also begun to support organic agriculture initiatives.

One of the latest initiatives in UAE agriculture came from the Abu Dhabi government, which has allocated AED 100 million to a fund to support and finance agricultural projects by the end of 2017. Farmer Assistance Center (ADFSC) - government agency, responsible for the modernization of agriculture in Abu Dhabi, created an investment fund that will pay for agricultural technology, including greenhouse hydroponics (hydroponic technology in greenhouses helps to grow plants using mineral nutrient solutions in water without soil in order to produce the largest amount of production of a higher quality while taking up less space) ADFSC was established in 2009 to implement strategic agricultural reform in Abu Dhabi to provide farmers with technical and operational support to help them grow and market their products.

In the first phase, the foundation will support the development of hydroponics in the emirate. The purpose of the fund is to help improve and strengthen food security and agricultural development in Abu Dhabi.

The fund will provide concessional loans to finance agricultural projects - 50% of the total cost, while the farmer will cover the rest of the costs. The farmer must pay the cost of the interest-free loan over five years. If the farm has existing greenhouses, then they must meet the criteria and specifications approved by the ADFSC. In the case of installing new greenhouses, the farmer must pay 50 percent of the total cost of the greenhouses and the hydroponics system in advance. Applicants must be a member of the ADFSC and allow it to follow the progress of the project. Their farms must also meet water and electricity requirements. The center will work to develop its farms, introduce the latest technologies and methods to reduce water consumption and improve product quality. Farmers who wish to register for the project must sign a five-year draft work plan with the center and an agreement to secure loan repayment.

ADFSC will provide all types of technical support farmers and encourage them to introduce the latest agricultural technologies to reduce water consumption and improve food security in the UAE.

SWAT analysis

The strengths of agribusiness in the UAE:

The relatively high level of income of the population and orientation towards foreigners makes the UAE an ideal market for high quality food;
Consumers are loyal to new brands and receptive to new trends and innovations in the local market;
Self-sufficiency in the industry is gradually being achieved through government subsidies and international investment.

Weak sides:

Housekeeping options may vary from emirate to emirate;
Production different types products also depends on the location of the emirate.

Business development opportunities:

Establishing a company in the UAE opens up a huge market for the Gulf countries to entrepreneurs;
Steadily growing demand for organic food;
A shortage of manufactured products and a high level of imports opens up opportunities for the development of a local agricultural company;
The subsidies and low-interest loans provided by the UAE government reduce the level of production costs and guarantee the development of the company.

Threats:

Business profitability can suffer due to the government's imposition of an upper cap on the prices of basic food products and the threat of imposing fines if they are not respected.

After conducting this analysis, it can be argued that investing in agribusiness in the UAE is not such a lost cause. On the contrary, manufacturers are subsidized by the state in every possible way, receive subsidies from various funds and government programs on the development of agricultural products to ensure the food security of the country. Given the fact that the UAE is experiencing a deficit in almost all types of products, investors can choose the most profitable niche for themselves and rely on a large domestic sales market, as well as on the markets of the Persian Gulf countries.

Of course, there are a huge number of countries where doing agribusiness seems more attractive due to the favorable climate and rich water resources, but the high level of taxation, problems with sales markets, as well as insecurity at the state level reduces the prospects successful development... At the same time, the UAE, open to foreign investors with a tax-free regime, low-interest loans and government support, will help to profitably establish production using the latest technologies in a country with a stable macroeconomy and excellent infrastructure.

The company website provides all the necessary advice on starting an agribusiness in the United Arab Emirates. We are ready to research the market for your niche, provide reliable contractors and help in concluding the necessary contracts. Our experts will help you go through the registration procedure quickly and profitably for further business.

The first association that comes to mind when talking about the UAE is, of course, “oil, but what about exotic fruits,

The first fruit I will tell you about will be Sapodilla or Chico. In the common people, this fruit is called wood potato. This fruit has a brown skin, slightly grainy, sweet, reddish brown flesh. The fruit is of 2 varieties, on which its shape depends: either oval or more round.

Sapodilla seeds are not eaten.

This fruit is also notable for the fact that, in excess of its shelf life, Sapodilla grows all year round, as a result of which farmers love to grow it. For a year, an adult tree can give about 2-3 thousand fruits.

The cost of this fruit is about AED 30 per kilogram.

The next fruit will be Longon.

Longon is sold in bunches, much like grapes. Covered in a tough brown film that can be easily broken by hand, the flesh is almost transparent, sweet and very juicy, there is a large bone in the core.

When buying this fruit, make sure that the fruits are not green.

The cost of this fruit is approximately 14 dirham per 500 grams.

The harvest season for this fruit is from May to July.

Now Tamarind is next.

In appearance, this fruit resembles a pea pod, they are similar in appearance, there are several seeds in the shell. This fruit may not be attractive outwardly, but sweet and juicy pulp is hidden under an unattractive shell.

Tamarind harvesting season is from December to March.

The cost of this fruit in the UAE is about 17 dirham for a package of 300 grams.

Dragon Fruit or Patakhaya.

This fruit has a very attractive appearance... Red-green color, thorny growths, similar in size to a large apple. But inside this fruit is not so good, under the peel of this fruit there is a pulp, which is dotted with seeds, these seeds are not accepted to eat. The pulp is practically tasteless and odorless.

Depending on the type of plant, the color of the peel and pulp of the fruit may vary slightly.

You can eat this fruit either by cutting it in half, and then eating the pulp with a spoon, or completely peel the skin, and then cut the pulp into pieces.

The price of this fruit is about 20 dirhams per package in which 2 fruits weighing about 500 grams.

Mangosteen will be next on our list!

The shell of this fruit is dark brown, the shell should be elastic, when buying Mangosteen, squeeze it lightly in your hand, the shell should not be as hard as wood, but it should not be too soft.

Under the peel-shell, white flesh in the form of garlic is hidden, but the similarity is only external, the flesh of Mangosteen is very sweet, aromatic, jelly-like and melts in the mouth.

The harvesting season for this fruit is from March to November.

The price is about 16 dirhams per pound.

Rambutan or hairy fruit.

This fruit is pink on the outside and covered with hair. The pulp of this fruit is very juicy, sweet, firm and translucent. Rambutan is separated from the peel quite simply, by making a longitudinal incision, you simply peel off the peel. There is a bone inside the pulp, which sometimes grows into it very strongly.

When buying this fruit, make sure that the color of the fruit is as rich as possible, and the color of the tip of its processes is greenish. But too dark fruits are also not worth buying.

The harvesting season for Rambutan is from May to October.

The price is about 13 dirhams per pound.

Now famous even in Russia Mango.

You can eat Mango right as it is, after having washed the fruit (approximately like an apple or a pear), you can peel off the peel, or you can cut the fruit into pieces. In order to cut the fruit into pieces, you will need to find a place with a knife in the Mango bone, by acting on which you can split this bone in two. this trick will easily take place only with ripe fruit.

Mango in the Emirates is distinguished by its taste. They are very tasty and juicy there, for sure this fruit will become your favorite.

The price for it is about 12-15 dirhams per kilogram.

The next "miracle" froct will be Durian.

Durian is a very specific fruit. Its shell is very dense and thick, dotted with very terrible thorns. The rind is greenish brown. There are one or two brown durian seeds under the skin.

It is believed that the smaller these seeds are, the stronger the smell of the fruit and the more edible pulp. Ripe fruit should be firm to the touch, and if it is overripe, then its rind will be cracked.

The taste and smell of Durian is impossible to convey in words. One Englishman who tasted this fruit in the 19th century described his experience as follows: "It is akin to eating herring with moldy cheese over an open manhole."

Malaysians say it smells like hell and tastes like heaven.

Some hotels even forbid entry with Durian due to its smell.

If you decide to try this fruit for the first time, then it is better to do it outdoors, and do not eat too much of it.

Lychee or dragon eye.

Also, these fruits are called paradise grapes. The small fruits are round or slightly oval in shape, approximately 3-5 cm long. The hard skin of this fruit is covered with small red thorns, under this skin there is a soft, translucent sweet pulp, and under the pulp there is a stone.

Lychee can be dried to form a Lychee nut.

When choosing, you need to look so that the fruit has a hard, undamaged skin.

The harvest season is from April to May.

The price is approximately 30 dirhams per kilogram.

Along with these exotic fruits, you can easily and in abundance in the United Arab Emirates find watermelons, apples, melons, pears, pineapples, coconuts, strawberries and other berries and fruits.

Successful travels and lots of emotions!

All products in the Emirates are imported, so the food is relatively expensive. If you eat in inexpensive cafes in shopping centers, it can cost 169 - 423 rubles to eat. (20.00 - 50.00 AED) per person. For example, a combo lunch in a fast food like McDonald's or KFC costs - 127 - 169 rubles. (15.00 - 20.00 AED) But it should be noted that the portions are large. The prices are higher in the dubai mall or mall of emirates.

Examples of prices for food in a cafe in the UAE

For example, eat rice, chicken and salad in mall together cost - 593 p. (70,00 AED)
The second dish in a restaurant in the center - 169 - 339 rubles. (20.00 - 40.00 AED) salad - 85 rub. (AED 10.00) drink - RUB 42 - 85 (5.00 - 10.00 AED)
In an Italian pizzeria, pizza (a quarter) can cost - 110 rubles. (13.00 AED) juice with ice - 59 rub. (7,00 AED)
In the Indian cafe to eat seafood, drink tea with a flatbread - 635 rubles. (75,00 AED)
Not in a tourist place, not on the central streets, in a restaurant you can have a good meal together for - 254 - 339 rubles. (30.00 - 40.00 AED)

What you can eat in Dubai

Cappuccino in a cafe - 102 rub. (12.00 AED) expresso - 68 rub. (8.00 AED) iced tea - RUB 68 - 85 (8.00 - 10.00 AED)
Shawarma on the street - 34 r. (4,00 AED)
Hamburger at McDonald's - 34 rubles (4,00 AED)
Ice cream in a supermarket or McDonald's - 8 - 17 rubles. (1.00 - 2.00 AED)
a bottle of water on the beach 0.5 - 17 rub. (2.00 AED)
Ice cream on the beach costs 59 - 68 rubles. (7.00 - 8.00 AED)
in the night club shot - 254 - 339 rubles. (30.00 - 40.00 AED)

Examples of prices in a supermarket in Dubai

Vegetables and fruits, prices for 1 kg

Apricots - 212 RUB (25,00 AED)
Lychee - 195 p. (23,00 AED)
apples - 59 r. (7,00 AED)
oranges - 59 r. (7,00 AED)
potatoes - 25 - 34 rubles. (3.00 - 4.00 AED)
cucumbers - 42 r. (5,00 AED)
cauliflower - 68 RUB (8,00 AED)
peppers - 127 p. (15,00 AED)

Fish and seafood, cost per kg

shrimp - 381 RUB (45,00 AED)
crab - 212 p. (25,00 AED)
squid - 305 RUB (36,00 AED)
fresh fish - 85 - 254 RUB (10.00 - 30.00 AED)

Bread, milk

milk for 1 liter. - 34 - 42 p. (4.00 - 5.00 AED)
a loaf of bread costs 25 - 42 rubles. (3.00 - 5.00 AED)
10 eggs - 93 rub. (11,00 AED)
cheese 1 kg - 339 - 423 RUB (40.00 - 50.00 AED)
chicken breasts 1kg, fresh - 127 - 169 rubles. (15.00 - 20.00 AED)

Beverages

iced tea 0.3 - 34 rub. (4,00 AED)
aloe soda 0.3 - 25 rub. (3.00 AED)
1.5 liters of juice - 25 - 34 rubles. (3.00 - 4.00 AED)
freeze-dried chicken noodles - 22 p. (2.60 AED)

Table: Prices for goods and services in Dubai and Abu Dhabi (at the beginning of 2012)

Product or service	Prices in Dubai, in AED	Prices in Abu Dhabi, in AED
Cigarettes "Marlboro", 1 pack	9-10 (72-80 rubles)	7-9 (56-72 rubles)
Cost of 1 trip by public transport	4-8 (32-64 rubles)	1,5-3 (12-24 rubles)
Petrol	1,7-1,9 (13.5-15 rubles)	1,4-1,8 (11-14.5 rubles)
Utilities (electricity, gas, water, garbage), per month	300-400 (2400-3200 rubles)	500-700 (4000-5600 rubles)
Cost of 1 minute of conversation by local mobile connection	0,3-0,4 (2.4-3.2 rubles)	0,4-1(3.2-8 rubles)
Levis 501 Jeans	350-450 (2800-3600 rubles)	450-550 (3600-4400 rubles)
Nike Sneakers	300-400(2400-3200 rubles)	250-300 (2000-2400 rubles)
Men's leather shoes	450-500 (3600-4000 rubles)	375-450(3000-3600 rubles)

Examples of prices for taxi rides in Dubai

Landing - 25 - 30 rubles. (3.00 - 4.00 AED) kilometer - 14 rubles. (1.60 AED) Minimum per trip - RUB 85 (10,00 AED)
A trip to the center of Dubai can cost - 254 rubles. (30,00 AED)
From the center of Dubai to Jumeirah Beach - about 508 rubles. (60,00 AED)
Cartoon - Dubai - 423 - 551 RUB (50.00 - 65.00 AED)
Abu Dhabi - Dubai - 2 964 RUB (350,00 AED)

Metro and bus prices in Dubai

Tickets are plastic cards that are valid on buses and metro. The cards are reusable and are replenished in machines.

One-time red card, the trip costs - 21 - 55 rubles. (2.50 - 7.00 AED) depending on the distance of the trip
Reusable silver card, the trip costs 19 - 49 rubles. (2.30 - 6.00 AED) the card costs 169 rubles. (20.00 AED) of which is credited to the account - 119 rubles. (14,00 AED)

Estimated prices for intercity buses in the UAE

Dubai - Sharjah - 59 RUB (7,00 AED)
Dubai-Abu - Dhabi 1 h 20 min - 169 RUB (20,00 AED)

Prices in Dubai and the Emirates for excursions and entertainment

entrance to the paid beach - 42 rubles. (5.00 AED) (there are also free beaches)
small umbrella (rent) - 42 - 85 rubles. (5.00 - 10.00 AED)
large umbrella (rent) - 85 - 127 r. (10.00 - 15.00 AED)
sunbed (rent) - 127 p. (15,00 AED)
an umbrella in a supermarket can cost - 212 rubles. (25.00 AED). You can buy your umbrella at the supermarket, use it, and then sell it.

Entrance prices to water parks

Wild wadi - RUB 1,736 (205.00 AED) (additionally paid for a cabin in the dressing room - 254 rubles. (30.00 AED))
Atlantis - RUB 1,694 (200,00 AED)
Dreamland - RUB 1,143 (135,00 AED)

Burj Khalifa

The largest skyscraper in the world Burj Khalifa A ticket bought in advance on the site, for a specific time - 847 r. (100,00 AED) but you can pay - 3 388 rubles. (400.00 AED) and go straight away. Free - there is a fountain show near Burj Khalifa, every hour, starting at 7pm. On weekends, every half hour.

Prices for excursions and attractions in the UAE (in Dubai and Abu Dhabi)

Desert Jeep Safari Tour - RUB 1,270 - RUB 2,033 (150.00 - 240.00 AED)
Sightseeing tour of Dubai - 847 RUB (100,00 AED)
Excursion around the night city by boat-restaurant, buffet - 2,372 rubles. (280,00 AED)
A helicopter flight over Dubai costs - 6 268 rubles. (740,00 AED)
Entrance to the large and beautiful park ALMamzar - 42 rubles. (5,00 AED)
Ferrari World (Ferrari amusement park), located in Abu Dhabi - 1 906 r. (225.00 AED) simulator rides in the honeycomb park - 635 rub. (75.00 AED) for 10 min

Other entertainment in Dubai

Aquarium and Zoo, the combined ticket costs 423 rubles. (50,00 AED)
ski complex Ski Dubai in the Dubai Mall Supermarket, a ticket for 2 hours includes ski equipment - 1,525 rubles. (180,00 AED)

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