Armenia has dispatched its first shipment of fresh fruit to the United Arab Emirates, marking another step in the country's efforts to diversify its agricultural exports and reach new international markets.

The shipment was announced by Araratyan Farm, which said the first batch is now on its way to the UAE, The Caspian Post reports via Araratyan Farm's message on Facebook.

The export comes as Armenian producers increasingly seek alternative destinations for their products following trade restrictions imposed by Russia.

Since May 21, the Russian Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Supervision (Rosselkhoznadzor) has gradually introduced import bans on a wide range of Armenian goods, including brandy, flowers, fruits, vegetables and fish. The restrictions were later expanded to cover nearly all Armenian quarantine-controlled products, with the exception of canned goods, and also apply to the transit of such products through Russia to other Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) member states.