Finding Pork in Ajman – A Guide for Expats

As an expat living in the UAE, I know one of the biggest challenges can be finding familiar ingredients to make recipes from back home Pork, in particular, can be difficult to source in the predominantly Muslim country where it is not commonly eaten or sold.

But fear not – with the right knowledge, you can track down high-quality pork options in Ajman and surrounding areas. In this article, I’ll share everything I’ve learned about buying pork as an expat in the UAE!

Understanding Pork and the UAE

First, a quick cultural note. The UAE population is over 95% Muslim, and Islam considers pork to be haram (forbidden). So you won’t find pork products sold openly in grocery stores, food courts, etc.

However, the UAE does allow non-Muslims to purchase and consume pork. But availability is limited, and it’s sold designated shops. With a bit of research, expats can find where to buy pork in Ajman.

The city has a small but solid population of Filipino, Western, and Asian expats who do consume pork regularly. While unlikely to find in mainstream shops, look in neighborhoods with expat communities.

Top areas in Ajman for buying pork:

• Mushref – Large Filipino population
• Jurf Industrial Area – Numerous processing and cold storage facilities
• Ajman Free Zone – International business district

Now let’s dive into the specific places and tips for purchasing quality pork in these parts of town.

Grocery Stores and Supermarkets

Some grocery chains in the UAE cater to expats by offering pork sections:

Spinneys – Higher-end chain with a dedicated pork room. Check Ajman location at Sheikh Ammar Bin Humaid Street.

Carrefour – Look for the sign for the “Non-Muslim Room” at the Ajman branch in Al Jurf 3. Good selection of pork, ham, bacon, sausages.

Lulu Hypermarket – Big retailer popular with expats. Find pork selections at most locations including Mushref and Ajman Free Zone.

West Zone Supermarket – Smaller local chain but carries pork in a separate section. Check Al Nuaimiyah branch.

When visiting these grocery stores:

• Ask staff to point you to the pork room if unsure where located. It’s often in the very back.

• Check expiration and packaging. Pork goes bad quicker than other meats in UAE heat.

• Buy and freeze bulk options like pork shoulder or leg to save trips. Thaw overnight before cooking.

Butcher Shops and Meat Markets

For the best quality and cuts, visit a butcher shop or meat market:

• Meat House Butchery – Reputable butcher in Jurf Industrial Area. Call ahead to check pork stock.

• Al Malik Meat Trading – Cold storage butcher selling pork in Rashidiya.

• Al Bait Al Shami – Ajman butcher popular with Filipino expats for pork and sausages.

• MSA Meat Shop – Small market with pork hidden in the back freezer. Located in Rashidiya.

When buying pork from butchers:

• Ask to see the pork selection, it’s rarely on open display.

• Opt for thicker cuts like shoulder or leg for grilling or stews.

• Get ground pork for sausages, dumplings, etc.

• Request cryovacked sealing for max freshness.

• Buy in bulk amounts and freeze extra cuts at home.

Online Delivery Options

For added convenience, try ordering pork for delivery from:

• Kibsons – Online meat delivery service. Offers wide range of pork products.

• BulkWhiz – Bulk grocery delivery app. Has pork sections and decent prices.

• Instashop – On-demand shopper/delivery app. Can request pork pickup.

When doing online orders:

• Double check delivery area covers your location.

• Order pork a day or two in advance to allow processing time.

• Request cold-packed and fast shipping for freshness.

• Tip your shopper generously for handling pork!

Storing and Cooking Pork in the UAE

Once you’ve succeeded in tracking down quality pork, be sure to handle it properly back home:

• Immediately refrigerate pork upon returning home. Cold chain is crucial in UAE heat.

• Freeze extra cuts in airtight packaging to extend shelf life. Thaw in fridge before use.

• Cook pork thoroughly to safe internal temperatures – at least 145°F for whole cuts.

• Opt for wet cooking methods like braising rather than dry grilling. Keeps meat tender.

• Use pork within 2-3 days of purchase for maximum freshness and flavor. Don’t risk spoilage.

It may take a bit more effort, but finding and cooking pork in Ajman is very doable with this insider knowledge. From visiting tucked-away butcher coolers to perfecting your marinades for juicy home grilled pork, you’ll be an expat pork pro in no time!

Top Tips for Buying Pork in Ajman

To wrap up, here are my top pieces of advice for successfully purchasing pork as an expat:

• Check stores like Spinneys, Carrefour, and LuLu that cater to expats

• Visit legit butcher shops and meat markets in industrial areas

• Order delivery from pork-friendly apps like Kibsons or BulkWhiz

• Always inspect packaging date – pork goes off fast in UAE climate

• Cook pork thoroughly and use right away – don’t risk spoilage

• Ask around in expat communities for insider pork tips!