The UAE and Saudi Arabia are among the most important export destinations for food, cosmetics and consumer goods from India, Sri Lanka and the wider region. Their retail markets are modern, competitive and well regulated. Labels are checked at the port, by importers and by retailers, and a missing Arabic line or an unclear expiry date can hold a container at the border.
This guide summarises the labelling requirements exporters most often encounter in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) markets, with a focus on the UAE and Saudi Arabia. It is a practical overview, not legal advice. Always confirm requirements for your product with your importer before printing.
Short answer: prepackaged food sold in the GCC generally needs Arabic labelling, either alone or alongside English, covering the product name, ingredients, net content in metric units, production and expiry dates, storage conditions, country of origin and the details of the manufacturer and importer. Many non-food products such as cosmetics and electrical goods also need registration or conformity marking before sale.
Key takeaways
- Arabic is required for key label information. Bilingual Arabic and English labels are the norm.
- Food labels usually need both a production date and an expiry date.
- Product registration with local authorities is often required before goods can be sold.
- Labels must withstand intense heat in transit and storage.
The core GCC food label requirements
The GCC Standardization Organization (GSO) sets common standards that member states adopt, including GSO 9 for the labelling of prepackaged foods. National authorities may add their own requirements.
| Element | What buyers check |
|---|---|
| Language | Arabic, or Arabic with another language such as English |
| Product name | A clear description of the food |
| Ingredients | In descending order of weight, with allergens and additives declared |
| Net content | Metric units, with drained weight where relevant |
| Production and expiry dates | Clearly printed, in a recognised day, month and year format |
| Storage conditions | Especially for products sensitive to heat |
| Country of origin | For example "Product of India" |
| Manufacturer and importer | Name and address details as required |
| Batch number | For traceability |
| Nutrition information | Required for many products, and expected by modern retailers |
Arabic text and stickers
Some importers apply Arabic stickers over existing labels. This may be accepted for some products, but the sticker must be accurate, firmly attached and must not hide other required information. Printing Arabic directly on the label gives a cleaner, more professional result and avoids extra handling at the destination. Ask a native Arabic speaker to check translations, and make sure your design software handles right-to-left text correctly.
Halal requirements
Meat, poultry and products containing animal-derived ingredients usually need halal certification from a recognised body, and products containing pork or alcohol face specific restrictions. Display certification marks exactly as the certifier specifies.
Exporting to the UAE or Saudi Arabia?
Send us your artwork and target markets. We will print bilingual Arabic and English labels on heat-resistant materials, with a quote within 24 hours.
Registration and conformity schemes
Beyond the label itself, many products must be registered or certified before sale. Common examples include:
- Food in the UAE: product registration through the relevant emirate's systems, such as Dubai Municipality's platforms, before import and sale.
- Food and cosmetics in Saudi Arabia: registration and notification with the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA).
- Regulated consumer products in the UAE: conformity assessment under the Emirates Conformity Assessment Scheme run by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology.
- Low voltage electrical products: GCC conformity tracking marks in participating states.
- Barcodes: retailers expect valid GS1 barcodes on consumer units.
Registration often requires label images, so finalise label artwork with your importer before printing large quantities.
Designing for Arabic and English
- Plan both languages from the start: Arabic text reads right to left and often needs a different layout rhythm.
- Use proper Arabic fonts: poorly supported fonts can break letter connections and make text unreadable.
- Balance the languages: many brands mirror the layout with Arabic on one side and English on the other.
- Keep dates prominent: production and expiry dates are checked first, so make them easy to find.
- Reserve coding space: leave an uncoated window if dates are added on your filling line.
Materials for Gulf conditions
Summer temperatures in the Gulf put labels through extreme heat in containers, trucks and warehouses. Film facestocks such as BOPP, acrylic adhesives and lamination or UV varnish keep labels attached and colours bright. Read our guide to labels for hot and humid climates for detailed recommendations.
Other product categories
Cosmetics need registration and Arabic content, covered in our guide to cosmetic label compliance for export. Spices and teas are a major export category, see spice and tea export labels. For equipment rating plates and safety labels, read durable labels for machinery and electrical equipment.
How Sai Impression supports exporters to the Gulf
Sai Impression has printed labels in Chennai since 2010 for more than 1000 brands and ships to over 25 countries, including the UAE and other GCC markets. We print bilingual Arabic and English labels from approved artwork, on heat-resistant materials, with Pantone-matched colours and premium finishes. Explore our food and beverage labels and our export labelling desk, or read our guide to importing custom labels from India.
Frequently asked questions
Is Arabic mandatory on food labels in the UAE?
Yes. Key label information must be in Arabic. Most products use bilingual Arabic and English labels, which suit both regulators and the UAE's diverse shoppers.
Do GCC food labels need a production date?
Generally yes. GCC markets usually require both a production date and an expiry date on prepackaged food, in a clear day, month and year format.
Can I use Arabic stickers instead of printing Arabic on the label?
Stickers may be accepted for some products, but they must be accurate, secure and must not hide other information. Printing Arabic directly on the label is the more reliable approach.
Are the rules the same across all GCC countries?
GSO standards create a common base, but each country can add its own requirements and registration processes. Confirm details for each destination with your importer.
Which label materials work best for the Gulf heat?
Film facestocks such as BOPP with a permanent acrylic adhesive and lamination or UV varnish. They resist heat, humidity and fading far better than uncoated paper.
Make your Gulf shipments label-ready
Share your products, pack sizes and destination markets. We will help you plan compliant bilingual labels and quote within 24 hours.
Sources and further reading: GCC Standardization Organization, UAE Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, Saudi Food and Drug Authority. Requirements vary by product and country, so confirm final label content with your importer.
