The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, in force since February 28, has created serious food security concerns in Dubai and across the entire Persian Gulf region. Dubai and the broader Gulf region import between 80 and 90 percent of their food, and 70 percent of food products in Gulf countries pass through the Strait of Hormuz.

Fresh produce — berries, tomatoes, vegetables, dairy products — cannot survive the alternative route around the Cape of Good Hope, which extends transit times to 4 to 6 weeks. In contrast, dry goods, frozen food and grains — which the UAE stores in silos in Fujairah with a capacity of 300,000 tons — provide a 4 to 6 month supply.

The fresh food crisis is acute. Air cargo capacity to the Middle East fell by 22 percent between February 28 and March 3, and Jebel Ali port, which serves 50 million residents, has been hit by disruptions. Supermarket shelves in parts of Dubai are already beginning to empty.

Analysts warn that continued crisis will trigger shortages and price increases not only in Dubai but also in Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Iraq and the UAE.