Residents in Sharjah start lining up as early as 6am to secure a bottle of this popular organic milk brand. On most days, the daily batch of approximately 4,000 litres is completely sold out by 10am. Mleiha Organic Milk was introduced at Sharjah Cooperative Society in August and is free from artificial additives, available in various sizes. The rapid success of the product has prompted its producers to arrange daily deliveries to ensure consistent availability. It has now expanded its reach to Dubai and will soon be available at Union Coop stores.
Despite its expansion, residents from other emirates have been known to travel long distances to get their hands on this sought-after milk. Alzain from Dubai recounted her struggle, having to visit Sharjah multiple times before finally securing a bottle. "The situation was very challenging initially. Every time my friend and I went to a store in Sharjah, it was already sold out. I was advised to go early in the morning, but work and family commitments made that difficult. Last week, I finally managed to find some and bought them, distributing them among my family members," she told Khaleej Times.
"Mleiha milk is not only healthy but also delicious. I’ve enjoyed it in my daily drinks, like with Karak tea, and it pairs wonderfully with cornflakes and honey. It’s gentle on the stomach and doesn’t spike blood sugar levels, making it a staple for us," she added. Due to the buzz surrounding its health benefits, Maryam Al Hamadi from Ras Al Khaimah also made the trip to Sharjah to try it. She shared a similar experience, stating that the milk was "difficult to find because it sold out quickly, but I eventually managed to get it."
"The price is slightly higher, but it’s reasonable considering the quality," Al Hamadi noted. Mleiha milk is priced at Dh9.95 AED for 1 litre, compared to around Dh6 for other brands. The 2-litre bottle costs Dh17.95, while competitors are priced at about Dh12. However, consumers appreciate that the quality of Mleiha milk justifies the higher price.
"The taste is delicious and light, and its effect on the stomach is different from other types of milk. I now visit the store daily for my portion, and I’m proud of our local industries," added Al Hamadi. Rayan Ahmed Al Jabri from Sharjah mentioned, "We faced difficulties initially due to the high demand for Mleiha Milk, which led to crowding and rapid selling out. But now, specific distribution times have been organized to ensure availability in Sharjah Cooperative Societies for everyone."
Fatima Saeed Al Hamoudi from Khor Fakkan expressed her gratitude for the product’s local roots, stating: "I’m thankful to the Sharjah Ruler for bringing fresh milk from our local farms. The demand has been high, and we’ve seen customers rush to buy it as soon as the store opens. The taste is authentic, with no added sugars or preservatives. It’s truly a natural product."
A directive to increase the core herd at Mleiha Dairy Farm from 5,000 to 8,000 was recently issued by Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah. During the launch event of Mleiha Milk in Dubai, hosted by Union Coop at its Mirdif branch, Dr Khalifa Al-Tunaji, Head of the Agriculture and Livestock Department, spoke to Khaleej Times: "We never expected this level of momentum and demand. Initially, we were conducting a risk assessment regarding the quantity of returns and alternative policies. However, what we observed in the market was a strong thirst for healthy organic products."
He added, "The benefits highlighted by the Ruler of Sharjah regarding this milk and its products resonated with people, leading to increased demand." Dr Khalifa Al-Tunaji announced plans to diversify Mleiha dairy’s offerings, introducing yogurt, flavoured infant milk, and long-life milk by the end of the year. Additionally, Mleiha dairy aims to launch organic vegetables, fruits, and honey products, along with a new range of organic free-range poultry set to debut in June.
The milk stands out for its high-quality composition, containing over 4 per cent fat and 3.5 per cent protein, as well as A2A2 protein, known for easy digestibility and minimal intestinal discomfort. Mohamed Al-Hashimi, CEO of Union Coop, reiterated the cooperative’s commitment to supporting local products and ensuring their availability across Dubai, with plans for further expansion. As consumer awareness continues to grow, Mleiha milk not only satisfies a demand for quality but also fosters a deeper connection between local producers and the community.
