UAE remains dedicated to fostering innovation and excellence, says VP

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, on Tuesday opened Gulfood Manufacturing, the world’s premier F&B manufacturing event, at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).

Sheikh Mohammed said, “Gulfood Manufacturing embodies the UAE’s pivotal role in influencing the future of vital industries that are critical to the progress and wellbeing of the global community. Aligned with our ethos of creating platforms for fostering groundbreaking ideas and solutions to address pressing global challenges, this year’s Gulfood Manufacturing will contribute to enhancing food security and sustainability on a worldwide scale. In an era marked by technological transformation, the UAE remains dedicated to fostering innovation and excellence while promoting resource-efficient practices in the food industry. As we mark the culmination of the UAE’s Year of Sustainability and prepare to host the UN Climate Conference COP28, the principles of sustainability continue to inform every aspect of our vision for progress and our strategy for growth. We are committed to making significant contributions to global efforts to build a future where food ecosystems thrive while our planet is protected and all communities enjoy food security.”

Sheikh Mohammed was accompanied by Sheikh Ahmed Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai; Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ); and Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director-General of the Dubai World Trade Centre Authority (DWTCA) and Director-General of Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism.

Reinforcing Dubai’s position as hub for sustainable manufacturing and innovation, over 3,000 exhibitors from 80 countries are showcasing their latest products, services, and solutions to an international buyer audience across four co-located events: Gulfood Manufacturing, The Speciality Food Festival, ISM Middle East and Private Label ME. All four events will run until 9th November. The event brings together over 36,000 delegates from across the global food industry.

The opening sessions of the Foodtech Summit at Gulfood Manufacturing saw insightful discussions from global industry experts who are transforming food production. The first day of Gulfood Manufacturing also saw the announcement of the winners of the Gulfood Manufacturing Industry Excellence Awards 2023, which aim to recognise the most innovative products and technologies that have made outstanding contributions to the industry over the past year.

GEA Middle East FZE was named Sustainable Company of the Year for its Low Carbon Heat Network, with Tetra Pak Export FZE winning the Best Packaging Innovation Award for its Tetra Prisma Aseptic 330 Square with DreamCap 26, and Ishida Europe Ltd scooping the Best Food Safety Innovation award for its The IX-PD X-ray inspection system.

This year, over 600 international submissions were received across ten award categories, with three new categories reflecting the emphasis on sustainability at this year’s event: Renewable Energy Initiative, Plant-Based Manufacturing Company of the Year; and Sustainability Champion of the Year. Three DWTC food and beverage events are co-located with Gulfood Manufacturing from 7-9 November 2023.

Meanwhile, Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) is participating in the Gulfood Manufacturing exhibition, taking place at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).

At the event, RAKEZ is actively forging connections with investors and manufacturing giants in the food and beverage (F&B) sector, underscoring its dedication to unveiling Ras Al Khaimah’s vast array of investment opportunities. The focus is on understanding the unique requirements of the F&B industry and spotlighting the significant advantages of initiating operations within Ras Al Khaimah’s cost-efficient business ecosystem, all while participating in this year’s Gulfood exhibition. RAKEZ reinforces its commitment to supporting international and local F&B investors looking to start or scale their operations in the UAE, with attractive offers on warehouse facilities and land plots poised to facilitate investment in the region.

According to the latest reports by Statista, the renowned global market and consumer data firm, the F&B market in the UAE is currently valued at US$38 billion and is expected to flourish, with a robust annual growth rate of 5.18 percent leading up to 2028. Additionally, projections indicate that the food market is poised to achieve a growth rate of 4 percent by the end of 2024.

Reflecting on the significant growth opportunities within the UAE’s F&B sector, Group CEO of RAKEZ, Ramy Jallad, remarked, “The increasing demand for food products driven by the GCC’s burgeoning population presents a wealth of business prospects for F&B investors. Our aim at the Gulfood Manufacturing event is to empower these investors to leverage the expansive growth potential. RAKEZ is committed to providing comprehensive support services and advanced infrastructure designed to meet the evolving needs of this vibrant industry.”

The economic zone serves as the preferred choice for nearly 1,000 F&B companies across various sectors and activities such as food production and packaging, F&B manufacturing, specialty food supply, catering and food services, as well as distribution and logistics, among many others. Renowned F&B brands such as Italfood, Unikai Foods, Almarai, Ahmad Tea, and Sai Flavours are some of the esteemed businesses that have established operations within the zone.

To explore RAKEZ’s comprehensive offerings and engage with its team of company formation experts, F&B investors are encouraged to visit the RAKEZ stand located in DWTC’s Concourse 2 during Gulfood Manufacturing 2023.



WAM