For nearly five decades, Summit Trading has been the backbone of Japanese food in the UAE. Today, it supplies about 70% of all Japanese food products in the country. That’s a big deal for chefs, restaurants, and home cooks alike. Under the leadership of Shiro Ohkubo, the UAE’s first Japanese Food Goodwill Ambassador, the company has grown imports from 400 million yen to over 2.6 billion yen in just ten years.
A Logistics Legacy in Japanese Food UAE
Summit Trading set up shop in the UAE over 47 years ago and has become a trusted supplier of Japanese food in the UAE and across the GCC.
- Sources from manufacturers, cooperatives, and wholesalers
- Operates hubs in Dubai and Abu Dhabi
- Serves over 2,000 GCC clients, including airlines, hotels, and supermarkets
It also exports to more than ten countries. The company was first to bring halal-certified Japanese wagyu beef to Dubai (2014), Qatar (2015), and Saudi Arabia (2023). It also pioneered regular air-freight deliveries of fresh Japanese seafood to the region.
Championing Japanese Cuisine
Summit isn’t just about logistics — it plays a big role in promoting Japanese food UAE culture.
- Exhibits at Gulfood, Saudi Food Show, and other key trade events
- Helps Japanese producers enter the regional market
- Collaborates with local chefs and restaurants for menu innovation
During Expo 2020 Dubai, Summit managed logistics for the Japan Pavilion’s Sushiro restaurant, which subsequently achieved its highest-ever monthly sales across all its international branches.
Bringing Japan to Your Kitchen
In response to the rise in home dining, Summit opened Hinomaru Shokudo in Abu Dhabi, with further expansion planned for June 2024.
- Offers sushi, ramen, bento, and other classics
- Uses only authentic imported ingredients
It also launched the Summit Web Store — the first Arabic-language Japanese food e‑commerce site in the region. With over 2,000 products, it caters to a mix of UAE nationals, Western expats, and Asian communities.
Supporting Global and Local Events
From the FIFA World Cup 2022 to the AFC Asian Cup 2024, Summit has supplied Japanese cuisine to numerous significant events.
- Works with embassies and supports official visits
- Hosts workshops on reducing food waste and fusing Japanese with Middle Eastern flavours
In 2023, Ohkubo was awarded the UAE Golden Visa for his role in cultural and business development.
Building Culinary Confidence
Summit actively supports the growth of Japanese restaurants in the GCC.
- Offers training and workshops on authentic cooking techniques
- Provides direct connections to Japanese farms and producers
- Helps new businesses navigate the market
By doing so, it ensures authenticity is maintained while making Japanese cuisine more accessible.