DAFZ Showcases Services and Investment Perks at Gulfood 2024

The Dubai Airport Free Zone (DAFZ), under the umbrella of the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ), has officially announced its participation in the 29th edition of Gulfood 2024. This event, renowned as the world's largest gathering for food and beverage suppliers, is set to take place from 19th to 23rd February at the Dubai World Trade Centre. DAFZ aims to utilize this platform to showcase its comprehensive range of services and competitive investment advantages, reinforcing its status as a leading gateway for businesses looking to penetrate regional markets.

At Gulfood 2024, DAFZ will not only highlight its exceptional services tailored specifically for the food and beverage sector but also its strategic position as an ideal platform for companies aiming to establish and expand their businesses into promising markets globally, with a particular focus on the abundant opportunities within the UAE market. Located at pavilion No CCR-57, near the entrance to Hall No 7, DAFZ will provide visitors with insights into its world-class facilities, exceptional handling services, and attractive incentives designed to streamline business operations.

Maitha Al Mheiri, Director of Marketing and Business Growth at DAFZ, emphasized the significance of their participation in Gulfood 2024. She stated, "DAFZ's involvement in this prestigious global event underscores our commitment to promoting Dubai as a thriving global investment hub. It also serves as a vital platform for expanding business networks and fostering commercial relations between Dubai and various international markets." Al Mheiri further highlighted DAFZ's role in strengthening connections between markets in the Middle East, Europe, the Indian subcontinent, and the Far East, thereby promoting growth and prosperity across these regions.

DAFZ's presence at Gulfood is part of a strategic effort to attract more international companies by showcasing its advanced facilities and world-class benefits. The event offers an opportunity for DAFZ to engage with companies involved in manufacturing, distribution, and trade of food and beverages, keeping abreast of industry trends. This insight is crucial for understanding the current and future needs of companies operating from DAFZ, ensuring high standards of quality and excellence are met.

DAFZ is home to several companies specializing in the food, beverage, and agricultural commodities sectors, hosting renowned international brands such as Heinz MEA, Red Bull Asia, Haribo ME, Kägi Söhne AG among others. The participation in Gulfood 2024 aligns with the event's global stature, expecting over 5,500 exhibitors and visitors from more than 190 countries. This coincides with a notable increase in the value of food product trade in the UAE, which reached AED 130 billion in 2022, marking a significant 24 percent growth from the previous year. Food trade now constitutes 5.7 percent of the UAE’s non-oil trade, highlighting its critical role in the nation's economy.

Looking ahead, projections indicate that consumer food service outlets in the UAE are set to achieve sales of AED 86.4 billion by 2027. Additionally, nationwide retail food sales in supermarkets are anticipated to reach AED 19.7 billion in 2026. In 2022 alone, sales from food services at restaurants in the UAE amounted to AED 32.5 billion.

The participation of DAFZ in Gulfood 2024 not only showcases its commitment to supporting the growth of the food and beverage sector but also highlights its strategic initiatives aimed at fostering economic development through international trade and investment opportunities.

With inputs from WAM