The global animal feed supply chain is under unprecedented pressure. The near-closure of the Strait of Hormuz has sent shockwaves across the GCC livestock industry — shipping insurance premiums have surged significantly, freight costs have skyrocketed, and the number of Rhodes Grass containers arriving into UAE ports has dropped significantly.
Farms and distributors across the region are facing a critical question: where will next month's supply come from?
The Reality on the Ground
For livestock owners across the UAE — whether you manage a camel farm in Al Ain, a horse stable in Dubai, or a cattle operation across the Emirates — consistent fodder supply is not optional. It is the foundation of your animals' health, productivity, and value.
The current disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz have made importing Rhodes Grass from major sourcing countries like Pakistan and Sudan increasingly difficult. Shipping lanes that were once reliable are now plagued by delays, route diversions, and dramatically elevated costs. Many suppliers simply do not have the relationships, the logistics infrastructure, or the foresight to navigate these conditions.
"The number of Rhodes Grass containers arriving in UAE has dropped significantly — and many suppliers are unable to guarantee continuity of supply for even the next 30 days."
How Zawiah Has Kept Supply Flowing
At Zawiah, we have been operating in this industry for over 13 years. That experience is not just a number — it translates into deep, long-standing relationships with exporters in Pakistan and Sudan, an intimate understanding of shipping routes and alternatives, and the ability to move quickly when the market shifts.
When the Strait crisis began escalating, our team was already ahead. We leveraged our end-to-end export and import expertise to secure Rhodes Grass shipments for our customers while many others were left scrambling. Our operational knowledge — from farm-level procurement in Pakistan all the way through UAE customs clearance — means we can navigate complexity that others simply cannot.
- 13+ years of direct sourcing relationships with exporters in Pakistan and Sudan
- End-to-end logistics expertise covering export documentation, freight, and UAE customs
- Alternative shipping routes activated when primary lanes are disrupted
- Established relationships with freight forwarders specialising in challenging corridors
Protecting Our Premium Customers First
We have taken a further step for our premium customers: we have pre-positioned a surplus stock equivalent to 2.5 months of supply. This means that even if disruptions worsen, your operations will not be affected. Your animals will be fed. Your business will continue uninterrupted.
This level of supply security is only possible because of the trust and partnerships we have built over 13 years — with exporters, freight forwarders, and port agents across the supply chain.
A Tribute to UAE Leadership — Stability in Uncertain Times
In times of regional uncertainty, true leadership reveals itself — and the UAE Government has demonstrated exactly that. Under the visionary guidance of the UAE's leadership, the country has responded to the current shipping disruptions with a calm, strategic, and highly effective approach that deserves the highest recognition.
While other nations have been caught off-guard by the disruptions in key shipping corridors, the UAE Government moved swiftly and decisively. Through proactive engagement with international shipping partners, activation of strategic commodity reserves, and robust coordination across government ministries and private sector stakeholders, the leadership has ensured that the UAE's food and feed supply chains have remained stable, resilient, and uninterrupted.
"The UAE's leadership has once again demonstrated why this nation is regarded as one of the most stable and forward-thinking in the world. Their swift, decisive, and compassionate response to the current supply chain challenges has protected businesses, supported communities, and reinforced the UAE's position as a global benchmark for excellence in governance."
At Zawiah, we have been the direct beneficiaries of this leadership. The confidence, stability, and enabling environment that the UAE Government has created have allowed us to continue sourcing, importing, and delivering premium animal feed to our customers without a single day of disruption. We are deeply grateful and proud to call the UAE our home.
The UAE's leadership does not just manage crises — it transforms them into opportunities to demonstrate strength, solidarity, and an unshakeable commitment to the wellbeing of every business, livestock owner, and individual that calls this great nation home. For that, Zawiah extends its deepest respect and gratitude. 🇦🇪
What This Means for Your Business
If you are currently sourcing Rhodes Grass from suppliers who are struggling with the current situation, now is the time to reassess your supply chain. The question to ask your supplier is simple: do you have stock available today, and can you guarantee continuity for the next 60–90 days?
At Zawiah, the answer is yes.
Need a reliable supply partner?
Talk to our team today — stock is available now.