Well, it is more expensive than a normal cooking oil, but olive oil is totally worth it. After all, many studies have proved that olive oils are one of the healthiest cooking oils that you can use. It can be said that your kitchen will look incomplete without a healthy selection of oils, including a jar of olive oil. From regular cooking to specialty dishes, olive oils can elevate the deliciousness. With the regular and appropriate use of olive oils, it is possible to prevent diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, certain types of cancer and metabolic syndrome. 

This oil is not just limited to cooking; the right type of olive oil can also be used solo with bread. Besides, you can also use that as a healthy and delicious topping for your fruit salads, soups as well as pasta. Olive oils are a healthy flavour enhancer and are available in different varieties. Besides, some olive oils are created for particular situations. All these things can create confusion when it comes to buying the best olive oil in UAE. So, how to pick the best one? From well-known Spanish and Italian brands to locally made options, you will find a lot of options. Well, don’t worry at all, as here we have covered some of the best Olive oils that you can buy in the UAE and enjoy all the health benefits that these oils offer. So, let’s have a look at the list of our top-pick olive oils in the UAE and some other important information regarding olive oils. 

Best and Popular Olive Oils In the UAE- Our Top Choices

Now, let’s explore more about these products and understand why you should buy these oils in the UAE. We can assure you that these oils are the best.  

Figaro Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Undoubtedly, olive oil from Figaro is one of the best olive oils you can buy in the UAE. The brand is known for producing superior quality olive oil using the finest quality olives. This brand has been producing olive oil for more than 60 years. With their olive oil, you can witness a mellow and smooth flavour that will instantly enhance the taste of your dishes. Just add a few spoons of Figaro olive oil and turn your dull meals into delicious ones. You can also use this oil for roasting and sauteing as the flavour will be more under intense heat. We must say that this is something that will suit every palate. Go on and give it a try now. 

Why We Like It:

  • Offers an exquisite aroma as well as flavour
  • No added chemicals are used
  • Ideal for all types of recipes 
  • Comes in a durable packaging 
  • Rich in PUFA, MUFA and antioxidants 

Borges Original Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Another best olive oil in UAE is Borges extra virgin olive oil. With more than 100 years of experience in this industry, this brand offers different types of olive oils, but the most popular type is its original extra virgin olive oil, which is made of Borges’ superior quality olives. You can use it for raw cooking, dressings and salads. Instead of butter, you can opt for this as a healthy option. Whether you wish to have a luxury gourmet experience or want to make a simple dish, this oil can be your ideal option. You will definitely love this oil and the Mediterranean taste it adds to your foods. 

Why We Like It:

  • Oil consistency is very light
  • Comes in a sturdy bottle
  • The taste and aroma are very impressive 
  • 100 percent vegetarian
  • More than 20 months of shelf-life

Disano Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Are you searching for a healthier alternative to your regular cooking oil? If yes, then you will never go wrong with this extra virgin olive oil by Disano. This high phenolic extra virgin olive oil is made with selected olives from Italy, Greece and Spain. Made using the latest techniques, the natural flavour of olives can be experienced for a longer time. With this product, you can witness the real taste of Souri olives. The best part is that the oil has received multiple awards, such as the IOOC- Evo International Olive Oil Contest Gold Medal for 2020, 2022 and 2023. Produced and professionally packed in Spain, this oil offers a rich flavour. You can use it as your salad dressing and for cooking.

Why We Like It:

  • Rich in Vitamin E and healthy antioxidants 
  • Zero cholesterol 
  • Includes healthy fats such as PUFA and MUFA
  • 100 percent organic 
  • 2 years of shelf-life 
  • Easy to carry and store 

Bertolli Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Bertolli’s extra virgin olive oil has been a popular and reliable kitchen staple in the UAE for more than 60 years. This oil is carefully and mechanically extracted from the finest and 100 percent organic olives. We can say that this oil (non-GMO) is a healthy substitute for vegetable oils and butter. When it comes to adding a unique flavour to the dishes, you can always go for it. The oil is rich in PUFA, MUFA, antioxidants, Vitamin E and more. With this, maintaining a healthy lifestyle will not be that difficult for you. You can use it on soups, pasta, salads, marinades or use it as a tasty dip. 

Why We Like It:

  • Chemical-free
  • An all-purpose olive oil
  • You can reuse for up to 6 times  
  • Filtered to produce a light-taste 

Nefeli Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Nefeli olive oil is produced using olives sourced from Greece. In every drop of this oil, you will experience the real Mediterranean taste. As it is created using 100 percent organic olive oil, it offers a unique and special flavour that will surely satisfy your taste buds. You will not find any preservatives or additives in this product. The oil has useful antioxidants and nutrients that can offer various health benefits like better heart health, reduced inflammation, and improved digestion, and you can also control your cholesterol levels with this. In terms of use, you can use this oil for sauces, salads, sautés, marinades and more. As the oil has the PGI status, you don’t have to worry about its authenticity. What’s more? Nefeli olive oil has omega 9, omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids along with ALAs, PUFA and MUFA. 

Why We Like It:

  • Perfect for cooking and dressing
  • Decent shelf life 
  • Helps improve digestion
  • Made of 100 percent organic olives 

Abu Sheba Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Abu Sheba extra virgin olive oil is a perfect alternative for your vegetable oil. Made using the finest quality olives, during the production process, no chemicals or heat are used for oil extraction. When you open the bottle, you can instantly experience the mild flavour of olive that will take your simple dishes to a whole new level. Apart from being flavourful, this extra virgin olive oil is quite healthy as it has a sufficient amount of healthy fatty acids. With a perfect combination of various antioxidants and healthy monounsaturated fats. This flavourful oil is an excellent option for any recipe, such as salads, stir-fries, soups and pasta. On the other hand, this product comes with a very convenient packaging. So, there is no need to worry about messes or spills while using it.  

Why We Like It:

  • Up to 24 months of shelf-life
  • Ensures great flavour 
  • Obtained using strict processing of finest olives 
  • Zero chemical and preservative 

Rahma Extra Virgin Olive Oil

When searching for the best olive oil in UAE, you can’t ignore this quality extra virgin olive oil from Rahma. While offering a Mediterranean aroma, this oil will instantly elevate the flavour of any meal. We suggest this oil due to its quality and exceptional taste. During the test, we found that the oil is well balanced for different dishes, and its natural fruity flavour will surely impress you. Whether you need olive oil for cooking, frying or salad dressing, this is an oil that you can count on. It may be noted that this olive oil won the “World’s Best Olive Oil” award in the NYIOOC- New York International Olive Oil Competition 2018. The oil has around 20 percent freshness, 20 percent bitterness, 30 percent spiciness and 50 percent fruitiness. 

Why We Like It: 

  • The oil is very light and has a neutral flavour and taste 
  • Ideal for different types of UAE cooking 
  • Beneficial for skin as well as hair 
  • The Gold Award winner olive oil 

HANAHANIM Turkish Olive Pomace Oil

Well, this olive oil tastes a little different as the oil is chemically and carefully extracted from the finest olives pulps following a physical extraction. You will find it very light as well as tasteless. If you are looking for an ideal olive oil for frying and baking, then go for it, as the oil’s smoke point is 238 degrees C. However, you should keep in mind that you can’t use it for dressing or salads. The oil is perfectly filtered. If you love pulp-free orange juice, then you will definitely like this filtered olive pomace oil, as you will not find any sediments in this. You can use it in the palace of margarine or butter in various recipes like potatoes, vegetables, rice and more. 

Why We Like It:

  • An excellent option for frying
  • Crystal clear
  • 2-year shelf-life
  • Comes in a tin box for easy storage

Zejd Extra Virgin Olive Oil

It will be not wrong to say that Zejd’s extra virgin olive oil is getting popular in the UAE’s cooking oil industry. Well, the major reason behind this is its rich aroma. This is an authentic Lebanese olive oil that offers a fruity along with a mild, sweet flavour. The oil is created using handpicked, finest and ripe Souri olives to provide you with a unique taste. As per the information mentioned on the manufacturer’s website, this oil is an ideal option for bread, salad, fish and fried eggs. What’s more? You can also use it for roasting, baking and sauteing. If you look at the ingredients list, you will find that this product is non-GMO, gluten-free and doesn’t include any artificial flavours. The production process of this olive oil combines the latest technology, craftsmanship, industry standards and tradition. 

Why We Like It:

  • No additional preservative
  • Decent shelf-life
  • Offers a Lebanese flavour 
  • An affordable yet finest quality olive oil

Iliada Golden Selection Kalamata DOP Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Iliada extra virgin olive oil is one of the best olive oils in the UAE that produces a great aroma and grassy tones. The oil is super healthy and has healthy fats to support your heart health. Produced using the finest quality and 100 percent natural olive oils, this will instantly enhance the taste of any dish. This Kalamata DOP extra virgin olive oil is perfect for cooking, roasting, and marinating grilled red meat, fish, vegetables, pasta and more. The oil is created from freshly pressed olives within a few weeks of harvest to ensure the oil has sufficient amounts of Polyphenols, Vitamin E and more. 

Why We Like It:

  • Good for heart health
  • Oil is cholesterol-free
  • Helps convert fats into energy
  • Consistent taste 
  • Perfect for grilling, roasting and stir-frying 
  • Contains monounsaturated fatty acids

Rincon De Le Subbetica Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Made from the purest juice of olives, this extra virgin olive oil has a rich taste and unique taste. It is super healthy for your health. The brand always works closely with local olive producers to source the finest quality olives to maintain oil quality. This is an award-winning olive oil and has won many awards in Spain. As per our test, we can say that this is 100 percent originally manufactured olive juice. The oil has 338 mg/kg polyphenols and 0.14 percent acidity. When you open the cap, you can witness the impeccable odour and taste. 

Why We Like It:

  • Great aroma
  • Naturally produced olive oil
  • Contains Vitamin E
  • Spain’s most award-winning oil

Getting the best olive oil in UAE is crucial for both health and taste. With these products listed here, we can guarantee that you will enjoy all the health benefits of olives. Now, let’s discover some more information related to olive oil.

How To Store and Use Your Extra Virgin Olive Oil?

 Even though olive oils are versatile and healthy, not all oils are the same. Here, we have listed down some useful tips to use and store your olive oil properly. 

  • For Cooking- Olive oil can be used for roasting, frying as well as sauteing as this oil will not burn in high heat. Besides, it can also add amazing flavour to dip, dressing and marinades. 
  • For Salad Dressing: For the dressing, you can mix a few drops of extra virgin olive oil with herbs, lemon juice, vinegar, as well as spices to create healthy and delicious salad dressings. 
  • For Finishing Touch: You can sprinkle your olive oil over your bread, veggies and pasta to increase their overall taste with robust and fruity flavours. 
  • For Hair Care and Beauty: You can also use extra virgin olive oil on your hair and skin as a natural moisturizer. Some say it can lower wrinkles. 

Speaking about the storage procedure, it is advisable to store your olive oil in a dark and cool place to maintain the consistency of flavour and aroma. The oil should be stored in a dark bottle, and don’t expose it to light. Try to use your olive oil within a few months, around 5 to 6 months, once opened. Always check the date of expiry before using your oil. If the oil smells or tastes bad, don’t use it. Don’t overheat your olive oil, as excessive heat will damage the nutritional properties present in the oil.

A Simple Guide to Pick the Right Type of Olive Oil

Buying the best olive oil in UAE for cooking will depend on various factors, such as the smoke point of the oil, your cooking method and the flavour you want to have in your dishes. Well, here are some crucial points that you need to consider while buying olive oil to ensure that it will meet your cooking needs. 

  • Oil’s Smoke Point

In simple words, the smoke point of the olive oil is the temperature at which it will begin to produce smoke. However, you should keep in mind that at this stage, the oil will produce harmful compounds, and you can smell a burnt flavour. If you prefer to cook at a higher temperature or want to use the oil for deep frying, then ensure that the smoke point of the olive oil is high. For example, light or pure olive oil. Extra virgin olive oils are not suitable for deep frying. 

  • Cooking Purposes

Always keep in mind that different cooking styles will require different types of olive oil. For instance, you need to use a high smoke point olive oil. For roasting and sauteing, we would suggest you use extra virgin or flavoured olive oil. 

  • Check the Flavour

The flavour of the olive oil will vary from one olive oil to another, and the flavour may range from robust to mild. If you want to make your dish more flavourful, then go for olive oil that is more powerful, such as extra-virgin olive oil. For a neutral flavour, opt for a light olive oil.

  • Check the Quality

We always suggest to check the quality of olive oil before buying it. For maximum benefits, buy extra-virgin and cold-pressed olive oils. It shows that the oil is extracted from olives without using heat. Some olive oil makers use heat for oil extraction, but it may damage the aromas and flavours. It will be better for you to avoid oils marked as pure and light as these oils are highly processed. Besides, they also may have some additives.  

  • Filtered vs. Unfiltered Olive Oil

Filtering technique used to remove the remaining particles from the oil. That’s why unfiltered oil can be opaque and more flavourful compared to filtered olive oil. Well, this process will not affect the olive oil’s quality, and it is not that completely bad or good for your health. In fact, the remaining particles can add some more flavour to your oil, but they can reduce the oil’s shelf-life as well as the smoking point. To make your salad dressing and dipping sauce more flavoursome, you can use this type of olive oil, but for cooking, go for filtered extra-virgin olive oil. 

  • Check the Country of Origin

In general, olive oils can be imported from different countries, like Morocco, Tunisia, Spain, Italy, Turkey and Greece. Every country’s unique harvesting method, climate and soil, can influence the oil’s nutritional and flavour profile. Always prefer to buy olive oil that is from a well-known country popular for olive production. 

  • Price of the Oil

If the olive oil is priced at an affordable price, then you should stay away from that. Olive oils cost more than your regular cooking oils as they are costly to produce. So, when buying one, be ready to pay more. You may find an affordable one for cooking, but for raw use, you should buy the best one. By spending more, you can expect to get 100 percent authentic olive oil sourced from popular olive production countries. 

  • Estate Production and Farmer-Producer Brands

We would suggest buying olive oils from a brand that actually produces olive oil. Generally, estate production means that the brand has used its own olives to make oil. There are many extra-virgin olive oils that are estate-grown and bottled. On the other hand, farmer-producer brands always work closely with farmers, and they know about quality control. So, with them, you can expect to get superior quality products. Before buying one, check the brand’s official website to explore more about their production process. 

  • Storage Requirements

You should store the olive oil in a dark and cool place, protected from heat and light. Exposure to heat and light can cause rancidity, and the oil will lose its natural flavour, making it smell like vegetable oil. So, while buying one, ensure that it comes packed in dark glass bottles on tin containers. 

  • Oil’s Acidity Level 

To quality of the olive oil will depend on the acidity level. Go for olive oil with a low acidity level, around 0.8 percent. If the acidity level is low, you can expect that the oil quality is good and fresh. 

  • Awards and Certifications

Check the certifications and awards received by the oil to ensure that you are getting the best one. These things ensure that the oil is tested by highly professional testers. Check for certifications from OOCC- Olive Oil Commission California, EVA- Extra Virgin Alliance, NAOOA- North American Olive Oil Association or the IOC- International Olive Council. Olive oil brands awarded and recognized by them are the best.  

Difference Between Light, Virgin and Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

This is the top quality and expensive olive oil that is extracted through pressing and grinding fresh olives. No other processes, heat or chemicals are used for this. This oil has low levels of oleic acid. In terms of appearance, this oil has a colour that stands between a dark green and a golden yellow. For better flavour with a unique spiciness, you can go for this oil. 

Virgin Olive Oil

The second top-quality olive oil is virgin olive oil. The production process is the same as the extra-virgin olive oil, but it has a few flaws. However, the flavour is good, and it is less pricy compared to the extra virgin olive oil. 

Light Olive Oil

With this oil, you will experience a neutral flavour. It is generally created utilizing heat after the extraction of oil by pressing the olives. It has a golden yellow colour, and the smoke point is also high. However, light olive oil has fewer nutrients. 

Why Should You Start Using Olive Oil?

  • Amazing Nutritional Value

As per some studies, 100ml olive oil can offer around 850 calories of energy. Besides, this oil is packed with polyunsaturated and monosaturated fatty acids. Apart from that, it has oleic acid, Vitamin K, Vitamin E, squalene, tocopherols, polyphenols and more. Olive oil has two types of polyphenols, i.e., Oleocanthal and Hydroxytyrosol. These have anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, antimicrobial and cancer-fighting properties. 

  • An Ideal Oil for Cardiovascular Health

As per the health experts, with the regular use of olive oil, it is possible to lower the LDL cholesterol levels. This oil has polyphenols that lower your blood pressure. That’s why olive oil is quite useful for people suffering from hypertension. As per a report from the FDA, taking 1 ½ tablespoons of olive oil every day can help people lower the chances of developing coronary heart issues.

  • Can Lower the Chances of Cancers

While there is no food that can work great in preventing cancer, olive oil may help you with that. A study conducted in the year 2020 informed that olive oil, especially extra virgin olive oil, influences the gut bacteria that can lower the risk of developing colorectal cancer. Besides, this oil can also help reduce the risk of breast cancer and colon cancer. Various components present in olive oil have anti-cancer properties, like Hydroxytyrosol, squalene, oleic acid, oleocanthal and more. 

  • Can Support Healthy Brain Function and Memory

Oxidative stress can trigger various neurodegenerative diseases, like Alzheimer’s disease. However, olive oil has polyphenols and antioxidants that can help you with this. A study conducted in the year 2019 informed that olive oil reduced neuro-inflammation, slowing down the Alzheimer’s progression. 

  • Good For a Healthy Gut Microbiome

From mood to digestion to the skin’s appearance, all these things can be influenced by the gut microbiome. Polyphenols present in olive oil can lower GI tract inflammation and support good bacteria growth. Experts say consuming around 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil every day can trigger the growth of good bifidobacterial. 

  • Helps In Weight Management

Extra virgin olive oils are expensive and healthy. As these oils can keep your blood sugar levels low, your carving for curb will be low. That’s why you should start using extra-virgin olive oil for your salad dressing. As this oil provides you with a feeling of fulfilment and satiety, you will not feel like eating more food. As olive oil is a calorie-rich oil, you can use it to replace those less healthy fats. 

  • The Besta and Healthiest Cooking Oil You Can Use 

Different studies suggest that olive oil is one of the most stable and healthy cooking oils, and it also degrades slowly at a higher smoke point. That means this oil is an excellent option for stir-frying, sauteing, frying and baking. Besides, it has polyphenols and MUFAs that lower the oxidative stress. Another study conducted in the year 2015 informed that vegetables such as pumpkin, eggplant and tomato when cooked using olive oil, can increase those vegetables’ antioxidant content. 

  • Helps in Pain Management

Olive oil has oleocanthal, and this element has amazing anti-inflammatory effects. It can lower spasms, swelling and inflammation, lowering the pain. Opting for a regular massage using olive oil on the knees can help a lot in lowering pain if you have osteoarthritis. Besides, this oil can boost bone formation and also help maintain a good bone mineral density. 

Olive Oil’s Benefits on Your Skin

No matter what type of skin you have, you will enjoy a lot of impressive benefits from using olive oil. Antioxidants and Vitamin E present in the oil can support healthy skin. Some other positive effects of this oil on your skin are:

  • Effectively moisturizes and hydrates your skin. 
  • You can use it while removing your makeup.
  • A natural and skin-friendly exfoliator. 
  • Can repair your cracked heels. 
  • Quite useful in preventing acne, wrinkles and fine lines. 
  • Can lighten your stretch marks and scars

Olive Oil’s Benefits on Your Hair

  • Lowers dryness and itching.
  • Keeps your scalp hydrated for hours. 
  • Can lower dandruff 
  • Use it regularly to make your hair shiny and healthy 
  • Can help in hair fall management 
  • Supports hair growth 

Final Verdicts

Olive oil plays an important role in baking, food dressing and cooking. Its impressive health benefits and unique flavour make it an amazing choice for different dishes. For maximum benefits and amazing taste, you should go for extra virgin olive oil. Besides, while buying the best olive oil in UAE, you should always check the purity and quality of the oil. As a consumer, you should always make informed decisions, and we hope that this guide can help you with that. You can always follow the buying tips mentioned here to pick the best olive oil, or you can go for any of the products listed above. Pick the best one, and you will enjoy a delicious and healthy diet.