Iranian exporters target Qatar’s fresh produce market as Al Ruwais Port reopens
On 5 July, Abdolkhani announced that Al Ruwais Port had resumed accepting Iranian goods after a suspension of about five months.
IRAN – The reopening of Al Ruwais Port has created a significant opportunity for Iranian exporters to supply Qatar with a wide range of fresh produce, as Qatar’s limited agricultural resources mean it relies heavily on international trade to meet domestic demand.
According to Iran’s Trade Promotion Organization, Commercial Attaché Abbas Abdolkhani said Qatar’s limited water resources and agricultural output mean that much of its fruit demand is met through imports.
He added that Iran’s climatic diversity, year-round production, and short shipping distance enable products such as grapes, peaches, nectarines, apricots, plums, cherries, figs, pears, apples, and kiwifruit to compete in the Qatari market.
Therefore, the sea route from Dayyer Port to Al Ruwais Port helps maintain product freshness and reduce waste thanks to the short transit time.
Furthermore, Iran is uniquely positioned to dominate this market due to its short maritime shipping distance and diverse seasonal harvests. However, officials emphasize that product quality alone will not guarantee success against global competitors.
Abdolkhani noted that exporters from Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, South Africa, India, Pakistan, and Europe have strengthened their presence in Qatar by investing in packaging, branding, and marketing.
Additionally, he added that product quality alone is insufficient for success and said exporters should focus on sorting, grading, packaging, cold chain management, refrigerated containers, consistent supply, and direct cooperation with importers, distributors, and retail chains.
On 5 July, Abdolkhani announced that Al Ruwais Port had resumed accepting Iranian goods after a suspension of about five months. The reopening of the route between Dayyer Port and Al Ruwais Port is expected to facilitate trade, reduce transport costs, and increase the flow of goods between the two countries.
Fresh fruits and vegetables, along with dried fruit, are among the main products exported from Iran to Qatar via this route. The primary opportunities for Iranian exporters include geographic proximity, diverse production seasons, and reduced shipping costs.
However, challenges include competition from established suppliers with stronger branding and marketing capabilities, and the need to invest in modern logistics infrastructure.
Qatar’s limited agricultural resources mean demand remains consistently high, offering Iranian exporters a stable market opportunity.
Lastly, this restored trade route represents a significant opportunity for Iran to expand its regional export footprint while meeting Qatar’s growing demand for fresh produce.
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