Gulfood opens its doors with over 2,500 companies from 85 countries

Business Bureau, Gulf Today

Sheikh Maktoum Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, said on Sunday that the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, continues to guide the development of Dubai’s value proposition and supportive environment for businesses.

Under Sheikh Mohammed’s leadership, Dubai has further reinforced its partnership with the local and global private sector to renew growth and development. This partnership has been a key factor behind the emirate’s ability to take decisive action to ease the challenges resulting from the pandemic and drive rapid recovery.

Dubai’s leadership is committed to help the private sector enhance the momentum of their growth in all sectors, including the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibition (MICE) sector, he stressed.

Sheikh Maktoum Bin Mohammed’s comments came at the opening of the 26th edition of Gulfood 2021 at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).

The Deputy Ruler of Dubai said the emirate’s science-based strategic planning and continued monitoring of data emerging from the prevailing situation enables it to be flexible, speedy and decisive in responding to rapidly changing developments. Dubai continues to provide the ideal base for global companies to tap opportunities not only in the region, but also some of the world’s fastest growing markets surrounding it, he said.

“We are extremely grateful for the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, as we bring together the global food industry at this much-anticipated 26th edition of Gulfood. Industry trust in Gulfood reflects confidence in Dubai as a strategic gateway for global F&B trade, its vision to connect the biggest success-makers and brightest minds from established and new markets, and its ability to lead by example in providing a safe face-to-face business environment,” said Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of Dubai World Trade Centre Authority (DWTCA) and Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM).

Gulfood 2021 kicked off on Sunday at the Dubai World Trade Centre, with the participation of over 2,500 companies from 85 countries, including some of the most prominent brands in the F&B sector.

The event is expected to attract thousands of buyers from across the world, and will feature 60+ chefs including Michelin Starred culinary masters, 110+ speakers including renowned business leaders, government heads and food innovators, as well as the best culinary experts in the UAE.

Pakistan’s top diplomat in Dubai has said that Gulffood 2021 will further enhance his country’s ties with the UAE.

“This event will further enhance bilateral trade between two countries and also provide a platform to connect with buyers from other countries,” Ahmed Amjad Ali, Consul General of Pakistan in Dubai.

Around sixty companies from Pakistan are participating in the event.

Dubai Airport Freezone Authority (DAFZA) announced its participation in the 26th edition of Gulfood 2021.

Abdulaziz Al Hammadi, Director of Marketing and Corporate Communications at DAFZA, said: “During the pandemic, the F&B sector was one of the main sectors that have witnessed major challenges on supply chains and global trade movement.”

Mohammed Al Muallem, CEO and Managing Director, DP World, UAE Region, and CEO, Jafza said: “The F&B sector has been integral to our success, especially considering its rapid growth in the country. In 2020, Dubai’s external food trade volumes reached nine million tonnes in the first half of the year, representing Dhs32 billion in total, whereas Dubai’s food imports touched Dhs22 billion. Since the beginning of the pandemic, we have constantly focused on securing the UAE’s food supply value chain through our multimodal logistics hub.”

Saud Salim Al Mazrouei, Director of Hamriyah Free Zone Authority, said: “Participating in Gulfood is part of our annual agenda at HFZA, owing to its importance as a global platform for food and beverage trade, through which we promote our local products and help them penetrate new markets, as well as highlight HFZA’s investment privileges provided to companies and investors.”

“When it comes to Sharjah Food Park, it is considered an integrated business environment for the international food companies willing to establish a firm foothold in the global food sector and to have a better reach for local and regional markets, thanks to our sophisticated infrastructure and the numerous benefits we provide to meet the aspirations and needs of our investors,” he added.

Business France, the national agency supporting the international development of the French economy, announces its participation at Gulfood.  

Nicola Lener, Ambassador of Italy to the UAE, said: “As we continue to witness the success of the Italian food all over the world, we are proud to join forces in promoting the Italian culture and gastronomic heritage.  By connecting our country’s history and know-how with present and future common challenges, our promotional effort is aimed at highlighting how much our creativity in mixing tradition and innovation in food can help improve not only our quality of life, but also our health and the planet.”