Dubai's largest free zone is expanding into food security and agricultural commodities, signaling a shift away from traditional gold and diamonds trading amid global supply chain concerns.

What happened: Dubai Multi Commodities Centre has developed new trading hubs for cacao, meat and protein, honey, and saffron over the past year. The free zone, which hosts nearly 27,000 companies and accounts for 7% of the emirate's GDP, is pursuing what its CEO Ahmed Bin Sulayem described as a more "aggressive" expansion strategy.

Why it matters: Global supply chain vulnerabilities have been exposed by recent geopolitical tensions, making food security a pressing concern for traders. The expansion positions Dubai to deepen trade ties with Africa, India, and Sri Lanka—regions with significant agricultural resources.

What to watch: The UAE is working to reduce its dependency on the Strait of Hormuz by developing alternative trade routes and infrastructure, with Fujairah (an east coast emirate outside the strait) expected to grow rapidly in the coming years.