Image: ahirao/stock.adobe.comThe 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. MLA regional manager for Europe, Middle East and Africa Darren Watson said Gulfood remains an important platform for the Australian red meat industry.

Source: The North Africa Journal February 08, 2026 22:56 UTC