Producing fresh milk in a hot desert environment requires sophisticated animal housing, cooling, nutrition, veterinary care and cold-chain infrastructure. Yet the United Arab Emirates has developed a substantial domestic dairy industry ranging from large commercial cattle farms to specialist Jersey, A2A2 and camel-milk operations.
The leading dairy farms UAE consumers encounter today are not simply milk-processing facilities. Many manage cattle or camel herds locally, operate modern milking systems and integrate farming with processing and distribution.
Al Ain Farms, Al Rawabi and Marmum represent some of the country’s established large-scale dairy operations. National Dairy Farm and Masaken Dairy Farm concentrate heavily on raw-milk production in Al Ain, while Mleiha Dairy Farm in Sharjah has developed a distinctive A2A2 cattle operation. Rumailah Farm specializes in Jersey cows, and Camelicious operates a major camel-dairy system in Dubai.
This guide highlights 10 active dairy farms and farming operations in the UAE. The numbering is designed for navigation and comparison rather than representing an absolute ranking from best to worst.
How We Selected the Best Dairy Farms in the UAE
The selection focuses primarily on farms that actually raise dairy livestock in the UAE rather than brands that only import, process or distribute milk.
Important considerations included:
- Active UAE dairy farming
- Locally managed cattle or camel herds
- Raw-milk production
- Breed specialization
- Modern milking infrastructure
- Animal-health management
- Local dairy processing
- Farm-to-market integration
- Contribution to domestic food production
- Availability of reliable information about current operations
The farms differ significantly in scale and purpose. Some operate thousands of cattle and industrial processing facilities, while smaller businesses emphasize specialty breeds, traditional dairy products or direct farm-to-consumer production.
Top 10 Dairy Farms in the UAE
1. Al Ain Farms
Al Ain Farms is one of the most established names in UAE dairy production. Founded in 1981, it was the first dairy company established in the country and continues to operate its dairy business from Al Ain.
The company combines cattle farming, milking, processing and nationwide distribution while also operating camel-milk and poultry businesses.
Key Dairy Operations
Al Ain Farms uses modern systems for feeding, milking and processing its cattle. Its official farm information describes the operation as using international dairy technology and modern production infrastructure.
Its dairy portfolio includes fresh and long-life milk as well as flavored milk and other dairy products.
Why It Stands Out
Longevity and vertical integration distinguish Al Ain Farms.
The business has participated in local dairy production since the early development of the UAE’s commercial dairy industry and has continued expanding its farm and processing capabilities.
Its operation also extends beyond cow milk into camel milk, poultry and other locally produced food categories.
Location and Dairy Focus
Al Ain Farms is based in Al Ain in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Its principal dairy operation focuses on locally produced cow milk, while the wider company also operates camel-milk production.
2. Al Rawabi Dairy Company
Al Rawabi operates one of Dubai’s best-known dairy farms from Al Khawaneej.
The company’s story began in 1989 with 500 imported cows. Its current farm information says its 300-acre operation is now home to approximately 16,500 cows.
Key Dairy Operations
Al Rawabi’s farm manages cattle, milking and dairy production as part of an integrated local operation.
Its current farm information states that the cows are milked three times daily and monitored by veterinary and animal-care teams.
The company produces fresh milk, laban, yogurt and other dairy products alongside its juice business.
Why It Stands Out
Al Rawabi’s biggest differentiator is the scale of its Dubai dairy operation.
A herd of approximately 16,500 cows combined with a 300-acre farm makes it one of the country’s substantial locally based cattle operations.
The company also opens its farm to educational and family visits, giving visitors an opportunity to see calves, milking operations and dairy production.
Location and Dairy Focus
Al Rawabi operates in Al Khawaneej, Dubai, and focuses principally on cow-milk dairy products alongside juices and other beverages.
3. Marmum Dairy Farm
Marmum Dairy Farm operates a substantial dairy herd in the UAE and is particularly associated with Holstein cattle.
Its current farm information reports more than 5,000 Holstein cows housed in specially designed cooling barns.
Key Dairy Operations
Marmum integrates dairy cattle farming with milk processing.
Its herd is supported by climate-management systems designed to maintain cattle comfort in the UAE’s hot environment. The company says trained dairy personnel continuously monitor its animals.
Marmum’s consumer range includes fresh dairy products alongside juices.
Why It Stands Out
Heat management is one of the most interesting aspects of Marmum’s operation.
Housing high-producing dairy cattle in the UAE requires more than conventional barns. Marmum’s facilities incorporate specialized cooling systems designed around cattle comfort and animal health.
The company also completed a major modern dairy-processing plant and farm development in 2020.
Location and Dairy Focus
Marmum Dairy Farm identifies its farm operation with Al Ain and maintains its commercial office in Dubai.
Its livestock focus is primarily Holstein dairy cattle.
4. Mleiha Dairy Farm
Mleiha Dairy Farm in Sharjah is one of the UAE’s most distinctive recent dairy developments.
The farm specializes in A2A2 cattle and received Guinness World Records recognition in December 2025 as the world’s largest A2A2 cattle farm.
Key Dairy Operations
Mleiha’s operation combines dairy farming with a modern milk-processing facility in Sharjah.
The project’s defining feature is its herd genetics, with the operation specifically developed around cows producing A2A2 milk.
Sharjah’s Department of Agriculture and Livestock identifies Mleiha Dairy as one of its flagship projects and reports that the farm has been developed as part of the emirate’s local food-production strategy.
Why It Stands Out
Mleiha differs from conventional dairy operations because the genetics of its cattle are central to the farm’s identity.
Rather than building a generic commercial herd, the project has deliberately focused on A2A2 cattle.
The farm’s December 2025 inauguration also placed it among the UAE’s newest major dairy developments.
Location and Dairy Focus
Mleiha Dairy Farm is located in the Mleiha region of Sharjah and concentrates on locally produced A2A2 cow milk.
5. National Dairy Farm
National Dairy Farm is an Al Ain dairy operation owned by Emirates Food Industries.
Together with sister company Masaken Dairy Farm, it is described by EFI as one of the UAE’s major standalone dairy-farming operations.
Key Dairy Operations
National Dairy Farm focuses heavily on:
- Dairy cattle
- Livestock breeding
- Raw-milk production
- Herd management
- Commercial milk supply
National Dairy Farm and Masaken Dairy Farm together maintain approximately 5,000 cattle and produce around 30 million liters of milk annually, according to Emirates Food Industries.
Why It Stands Out
Unlike consumer-facing dairy companies built primarily around supermarket brands, National Dairy Farm has historically been strongly oriented toward raw-milk production and supply.
Its parent company describes the farm as part of an integrated agricultural value chain extending from animal feed through dairy farming and dairy products.
Location and Dairy Focus
National Dairy Farm operates in Al Ain in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and specializes in commercial cattle farming and raw-milk production.
6. Masaken Dairy Farm
Masaken Dairy Farm is the second major Al Ain dairy operation managed by Emirates Food Industries.
It operates alongside National Dairy Farm and forms part of EFI’s food, agriculture and dairy portfolio.
Key Dairy Operations
Masaken’s principal activities include:
- Dairy cattle management
- Livestock breeding
- Raw-milk production
- Commercial dairy supply
EFI reports that Masaken and National Dairy Farm together have a herd of around 5,000 cattle producing approximately 30 million liters of milk annually.
Why It Stands Out
Masaken is notable as a dedicated standalone dairy farm rather than simply the farming department of a consumer dairy brand.
Emirates Food Industries specifically identifies both Masaken and National Dairy Farm as significant UAE livestock-breeding and raw-milk-production operations.
Their connection with EFI’s animal-feed business also links dairy farming to a broader agricultural supply chain.
Location and Dairy Focus
Masaken Dairy Farm is located in Al Ain and focuses primarily on cattle and commercial raw-milk production.
7. Rumailah Farm
Rumailah Farm in Fujairah offers a notably different dairy model from the UAE’s large Holstein-dominated commercial farms.
It identifies itself as the UAE’s first Jersey cow milk farm and produces dairy products using locally raised Jersey cattle.
Key Dairy Operations
Rumailah’s production is based around Jersey cow milk.
The company uses locally raised cattle to produce fresh dairy products, which are also sold through its branded outlets and cafés.
The farm states that it has been producing dairy from locally raised Jersey cows since 2018.
Why It Stands Out
Breed specialization makes Rumailah distinctive.
Most large UAE dairy operations focus strongly on Holstein or Friesian-type commercial cattle. Rumailah instead built its identity around Jersey cows and a more specialized local dairy proposition.
Its integration of farming with its own retail outlets also gives it a particularly direct farm-to-consumer model.
Location and Dairy Focus
Rumailah Farm is based in Fujairah and specializes in Jersey cow milk and locally produced dairy products.
8. Camelicious
Camelicious demonstrates that dairy farming in the UAE extends beyond cattle.
The company, operated by Emirates Industry for Camel Milk & Products, runs a major integrated camel-milk farm and production facility in Dubai. Its current company information reports a herd of about 7,000 camels.
Key Dairy Operations
Camelicious produces:
- Fresh camel milk
- Flavored camel milk
- Camel milk powder
- Camel milk ice cream
- Other camel-milk products
Its operation incorporates the camel herd, milk production and processing within an integrated local facility.
Why It Stands Out
Camelicious occupies a category of its own within UAE dairy farming.
Its farm combines one of the country’s traditional livestock species with modern commercial dairy technology.
The company currently describes its herd as numbering around 7,000 camels and its operation as a highly advanced integrated camel-milk production facility.
Location and Dairy Focus
Camelicious operates at Madinat Hind 3 on the Dubai–Al Ain Road and specializes exclusively in camel-based dairy production.
9. Digdaga Dairy Farm
Digdaga Farm for Dairy Products is a longstanding dairy operation in Ras Al Khaimah.
Official company information identifies the business as the Arab Company for Animal Production in Ras Al Khaimah and states that Digdaga Dairy Farm was established in 1979.
Key Dairy Operations
Digdaga operates several connected agricultural facilities:
- Dairy farm
- Dairy-processing plant
- Automatic milking
- Fodder farm
- Fresh-milk production
Its products include fresh milk, yogurt, laban and other dairy beverages.
Why It Stands Out
Digdaga’s integration of dairy farming with fodder production is especially relevant.
Feed production is a critical part of commercial dairy farming, particularly in an environment where locally available forage is limited.
Its official site separates the operation into dairy, processing and fodder-farm components, illustrating a relatively integrated agricultural model.
Location and Dairy Focus
Digdaga Dairy Farm operates in Ras Al Khaimah and focuses on fresh cow milk, yogurt, laban and related locally produced dairy products.
10. Albaan Sha’am
Albaan Sha’am is a smaller Emirati dairy operation in Sha’am, Ras Al Khaimah, and provides a useful contrast to the large industrial farms elsewhere on this list.
The farm was founded by Emirati farmer Yasser Mohammed Ali Saleh Al Shehhi, beginning as a small livestock project with two cows before growing into a commercial dairy operation with around 70 cows by May 2026.
Key Dairy Operations
Albaan Sha’am produces several traditional and fresh dairy products, including:
- Fresh milk
- Laban
- Yogurt
- Butter
- Ghee
- Cheese
- Traditional Jami
- Camel milk
- Goat dairy products
The farm collects cow milk twice daily and makes its dairy products locally.
Why It Stands Out
Albaan Sha’am represents smaller-scale Emirati dairy entrepreneurship rather than industrial dairy farming.
Its herd includes Jersey cattle, and the farm also combines production with an agricultural visitor experience.
In 2026, its founder received second place in the fourth Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Agricultural Excellence Award, following assessments that included production quality, animal welfare, cooling and feed management.
Location and Dairy Focus
Albaan Sha’am is located in Sha’am, Ras Al Khaimah, and concentrates on locally produced cow, goat and camel dairy products.
Top 10 Dairy Farms in the UAE Compared
| Dairy Farm | Main UAE Location | Main Dairy Focus | Particularly Known For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Al Ain Farms | Al Ain | Cow and camel milk | Long-established integrated dairy operation |
| Al Rawabi | Dubai | Cow milk | Large Al Khawaneej dairy herd |
| Marmum Dairy Farm | Al Ain / Dubai | Cow milk | Holstein cattle and cooled barns |
| Mleiha Dairy Farm | Sharjah | A2A2 cow milk | Specialized A2A2 herd |
| National Dairy Farm | Al Ain | Raw cow milk | Large standalone dairy farming |
| Masaken Dairy Farm | Al Ain | Raw cow milk | Commercial cattle and milk production |
| Rumailah Farm | Fujairah | Jersey cow milk | Jersey breed specialization |
| Camelicious | Dubai | Camel milk | Integrated camel dairy |
| Digdaga Dairy Farm | Ras Al Khaimah | Cow milk | Dairy and fodder integration |
| Albaan Sha’am | Ras Al Khaimah | Cow, goat and camel dairy | Small-scale Emirati farm production |
The farms operate at very different scales, so this comparison reflects their documented specialization rather than an objective quality ranking.
Types of Dairy Farms in the UAE
Commercial Cow Dairy Farms
Large commercial cattle farms account for a significant part of domestic fresh-milk production.
Al Ain Farms, Al Rawabi, Marmum, National Dairy Farm and Masaken represent this category.
These farms require sophisticated feeding, cooling, veterinary and milking systems to maintain dairy herds under UAE climatic conditions. Al Rawabi currently reports around 16,500 cows, while Marmum reports more than 5,000 Holstein cattle.
Jersey Cow Dairy Farms
Jersey cattle represent a more specialized part of the UAE industry.
Rumailah Farm has deliberately built its dairy operation around Jersey cows, while Albaan Sha’am also introduced Jersey cattle into its herd.
Breed selection can influence factors such as milk composition, feed requirements and farm-management strategy.
A2A2 Dairy Farms
Mleiha Dairy Farm has created a distinct category through its focus on A2A2 cattle.
The Sharjah operation received Guinness World Records recognition in December 2025 for the scale of its A2A2 herd.
This demonstrates how genetics are becoming increasingly important within specialized dairy production.
Camel Dairy Farms
Camel dairy remains one of the UAE’s most distinctive agricultural sectors.
Camelicious maintains a herd of approximately 7,000 camels and operates an integrated camel-milk production facility in Dubai.
Al Ain Farms also operates camel-milk production alongside its conventional cattle dairy business.
Small and Traditional Dairy Farms
Smaller farms also contribute to the diversity of UAE dairy production.
Albaan Sha’am in Ras Al Khaimah combines commercial milk production with traditional Emirati dairy foods such as Jami, laban, butter and ghee.
These farms offer a different model from large supermarket-oriented dairy businesses.
What Makes Dairy Farming in the UAE Different?
Managing Extreme Heat
Heat management is one of the defining challenges of dairy farming in the Emirates.
High-producing cattle need appropriate housing, ventilation, cooling, water and continuous monitoring.
Marmum’s farm, for example, houses its Holstein cattle in specially designed cooling barns, while Al Rawabi uses substantial modern farm infrastructure for its large herd.
Maintaining Reliable Feed Supplies
Cattle require consistent feed throughout the year.
Some UAE dairy businesses therefore integrate feed production or sourcing into their wider agricultural operations.
Digdaga runs a dedicated fodder farm alongside its dairy operation, while Emirates Food Industries combines its dairy businesses with a large animal-feed division.
Animal Health and Monitoring
Commercial farms increasingly rely on veterinary teams and technology to track animal health and productivity.
Al Rawabi states that its herd is monitored by veterinary and care staff, while large Al Ain dairy operations use structured herd-management practices.
Cold-Chain Distribution
Fresh milk must move quickly from the farm through processing and refrigerated distribution.
This makes proximity to major population centers and efficient logistics important components of successful UAE dairy farming.
Integrated companies such as Al Ain Farms and Al Rawabi combine farming with downstream processing and distribution rather than selling raw milk alone.
How to Choose a Dairy Farm or Supplier in the UAE
Decide Which Type of Milk You Need
The UAE market now provides several locally produced options.
These include:
- Conventional cow milk
- Jersey cow milk
- A2A2 cow milk
- Camel milk
- Goat milk
- Organic dairy products
- Traditional Emirati dairy products
A restaurant sourcing fresh cow milk has very different requirements from a retailer looking for camel milk or a specialty café interested in Jersey dairy.
Confirm Local Production
A dairy brand operating in the UAE is not necessarily a dairy farm.
If locally farmed milk matters to your purchasing decision, check whether the company actually maintains livestock in the UAE or merely processes imported ingredients.
Every operation included in this guide has evidence of active local farming.
Examine Production Scale
Large retailers and hospitality groups may need substantial, predictable volumes.
Operations such as Al Ain Farms, Al Rawabi, National Dairy Farm and Masaken are better aligned with large-scale commercial production, while smaller farms such as Albaan Sha’am offer a more specialized local model.
Consider Breed Specialization
The cow breed can be relevant for specialty dairy applications.
Rumailah concentrates on Jersey cows, Mleiha focuses on A2A2 genetics, and Marmum operates a Holstein herd.
Look at Distribution Capability
For business customers, a good dairy farm also needs dependable logistics.
Ask about:
- Delivery frequency
- Refrigerated transport
- Geographic coverage
- Minimum order quantities
- Packaging formats
- Shelf life
- Food-service packs
- Wholesale availability
The best supplier is not necessarily the largest farm; it is the operation that can consistently meet the buyer’s particular requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which are the best dairy farms in the UAE?
Notable dairy farms UAE consumers and businesses can research include Al Ain Farms, Al Rawabi, Marmum Dairy Farm, Mleiha Dairy Farm, National Dairy Farm, Masaken Dairy Farm, Rumailah Farm, Camelicious, Digdaga Dairy Farm and Albaan Sha’am.
They differ in scale and specialization, so the appropriate choice depends on whether the buyer needs conventional cow milk, Jersey milk, A2A2 milk, camel milk or smaller-batch local dairy.
Which is the oldest major dairy farm in the UAE?
Digdaga Dairy Farm states that it was founded in 1979, while Al Ain Farms was founded in 1981 and describes itself as the UAE’s first dairy company. The distinction depends on whether the comparison is being made between farm operations and incorporated dairy companies.
Which dairy farms operate in Dubai?
Al Rawabi operates its major dairy farm in Al Khawaneej, while Camelicious runs its camel dairy operation on the Dubai–Al Ain Road.
Which dairy farms operate in Abu Dhabi?
Al Ain is a major center for UAE dairy farming. Al Ain Farms, National Dairy Farm and Masaken Dairy Farm all operate there, while Marmum also identifies its farm in Al Ain.
Which UAE dairy farm produces Jersey cow milk?
Rumailah Farm in Fujairah specializes in Jersey cow milk and identifies itself as the UAE’s first Jersey cow milk farm. Albaan Sha’am in Ras Al Khaimah also maintains Jersey cattle within its herd.
Which UAE dairy farm produces A2A2 milk?
Mleiha Dairy Farm in Sharjah specializes in A2A2 cattle and was recognized by Guinness World Records in December 2025 as the world’s largest A2A2 cattle farm.
Which is the major camel dairy farm in Dubai?
Camelicious operates a large integrated camel dairy farm in Dubai. The company currently reports approximately 7,000 camels and produces fresh camel milk and several other camel-milk products.
Can you visit dairy farms in the UAE?
Some farms provide organized visitor experiences. Al Rawabi advertises educational and family farm visits, Camelicious offers farm and factory tours, and Albaan Sha’am combines dairy farming with a visitor-oriented farm park.
Visitors should confirm current opening arrangements directly before planning a trip.
Final Thoughts
The best dairy farms UAE consumers and businesses can consider demonstrate how varied the country’s dairy sector has become.
Al Ain Farms combines history with integrated local production, while Al Rawabi operates one of Dubai’s largest cattle farms. Marmum adds a sizeable Holstein operation supported by specialized cooling infrastructure.
National Dairy Farm and Masaken Dairy Farm remain significant Al Ain raw-milk producers, while Mleiha has created a distinctive A2A2-focused dairy operation in Sharjah. Rumailah brings Jersey cattle into the market, and Camelicious represents the UAE’s internationally distinctive camel-dairy sector.
Digdaga demonstrates the country’s long dairy-farming history in Ras Al Khaimah, while Albaan Sha’am shows that smaller Emirati farms can still build compelling local dairy businesses alongside much larger industrial operations.
The right farm or dairy supplier ultimately depends on product type, required volume, location, breed specialization, processing capability and distribution needs rather than size alone.
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