Executive Director for Agricultural and Animal Affairs, Ministry of Environment and Water Abdullah Al Janan told Arabic daily Al Ittihad that the UAE will start exporting the milk next year and will be among the first suppliers of the product to the EU.

“We have received a letter of approval from the EU on the UAE plan on safety and quality of camel milk,’’ he added, indicating that the EU said the data and information submitted by the UAE were complete,” said Al Janan.

“As of the current month, 10 analyses and tests on camel milk will be conducted every month (120 tests per year) and their findings will be sent to the EU to match them with its export regimes.”

Camel milk is reportedly more nutritious than cow’s milk because it is lower in fat and cholesterol and richer in potassium, iron and minerals such as sodium and magnesium, according to a paper presented at the 5th Dubai International Food Safety Conference, which was held in Dubai last February.

Camel milk is also a rich source of proteins with potential anti-microbial and protective activity and it is not necessary to boil it. The milk also has a longer shelf life than other types of milk due to the presence of some special compounds.

                                                                              Cecilia Helland