National SMEs Showcase Their Innovative Products At Global Food Week In The UAE

Global Food Week in the UAE is a key event that unites global experts and national initiatives to create a sustainable food system. It provides a platform for small and medium enterprises to display their products, promote their businesses, and engage with the international food community.

The event highlights four main areas: procurement and supply chains, innovation in food industries, sustainable solutions, and market access opportunities in the UAE and the region. This variety showcases the growth of the country's food and beverage sector, from agricultural technology to local production and global trade.

AlNoud Farm in Al Ain's Al-Foah area was notable among participants. Manager Ghalia Albannai emphasized their dedication to supporting local agriculture with products like honey and dates. She stated: "We seek to encourage the community to support local products, and during Global Food Week we have seen great interest from visitors and business owners to contract with us."

Noura Khalifa Al-Jabri managed Azbat Brida Products, showcasing over 150 locally produced items such as eggs and butter. She acknowledged her participation was invited by the Mansour bin Zayed Agricultural Excellence Award, praising leadership support for empowering women across all sectors.

Bu Theeb Nursery & Fruits Farm, overseen by Salah Sayed, presented unique varieties of dates and fruits like Medjool and Ikhlas. He explained their participation aimed at gaining knowledge and marketing products, noting they received three awards from the Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Award.

Mona Al-Mansoori introduced her project By Gezelle, offering dates mixed innovatively with nuts like pistachios. She confirmed their goal was promotion, marketing, and networking with business owners.

Empowering Women in Agriculture

Maryam Khalifa AlZaabi showcased her home-based perfume and incense project supported by the Women’s Union. Using raw materials from India, she said: "We promote our products through social media and participation in events, and we hope our business will flourish soon."

In agricultural technology, AlFafa Agricultural LLC managed by Naser AlZaabi stood out as a strawberry farm using artificial intelligence. The project produces over 1,200 tonnes monthly with ambitions for 5,000 tonnes annually. He noted: "Local agriculture provides an economic alternative to imports and reduces the risks associated with them."

Government Support for Food Security

Participants stressed leadership support for women's empowerment. Platforms like Global Food Week motivate them to develop products, expand businesses, and contribute to food self-sufficiency. They highlighted government backing as crucial for enhancing food security through investment encouragement in agriculture.

Global Food Week 2025 signifies Abu Dhabi's commitment to agricultural innovation and trade. It supports sustainable food security efforts for future generations.

With inputs from WAM