Mansoor Bin Mohammed Opens Three Major Food Industry Events In Dubai To Address Food Security
H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Ports and Borders Security Council, inaugurated the ISM Middle East exhibition. This event, along with Gulfood Green and Private Label Middle East, is being held at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 24th to 26th September 2024. The exhibitions are expected to draw tens of thousands of visitors across eight halls.
The ISM Middle East exhibition is the region's largest trade event for the confectionery and snacks industry. Sheikh Mansoor toured this event alongside Gulfood Green, accompanied by Helal Almarri, Director-General of Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism and Director-General of the Dubai World Trade Centre Authority (DWTCA).
Following the official opening, Gulfood Green’s Food for Future Summit began with a panel session addressing food security and climate change. The discussion focused on strategies to improve global food access and equity. Abdulhakim Elwaer from the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) highlighted that between 713-757 million people faced food insecurity in 2023.
Elwaer stated, "The persistence of hunger and food insecurity, particularly in the Near East and North Africa, calls for collaborative efforts to ensure that we are on track to meet the Sustainable Development Goal of Zero Hunger." This underscores the need for joint action to tackle these pressing issues.
Gulfood Green aims to connect start-ups, investors, and governments by leveraging Dubai’s position as a global business hub. On its opening day, over 130 start-ups showcased their innovative products at the Green Shoots Start-Up Zone. Attendees included major institutional investors like Dubai Holding and the UAE Ministry of Economy.
An Investor Lounge within this zone facilitated networking opportunities between investors and start-ups. Andrew Ive from Big Idea Ventures remarked on technology's role in creating a sustainable food system. He noted that "the UAE has the resources and commitment to sustainability," highlighting its potential leadership in this area.
Industry Insights at ISM Middle East
The first day of ISM Middle East featured discussions on trends in the confectionery and snacks industry. Experts provided insights into market dynamics within the MENA region and offered advice on entering these markets. These discussions aimed to equip participants with valuable knowledge for navigating industry challenges.
In addition to ISM Middle East and Gulfood Green, Private Label Middle East gathers global food suppliers, private labels, and contract manufacturers from over 40 countries at DWTC. These events are exclusively open to trade professionals, ensuring a focused environment for business interactions.
The exhibitions highlight Dubai's role as a hub for innovation in food systems while fostering connections among key stakeholders in various industries. By bringing together diverse participants, these events aim to drive progress towards sustainable solutions in food security and business growth.
With inputs from WAM
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