Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) strengthened the international presence of the UAE food and beverage (F&B) sector through the successful participation of its agency, Dubai Industries and Exports, in the 2022 edition of SIAL Paris, the world’s most prominent food and beverage exhibition that attracted over 7,000 exhibitors and hundreds of thousands of visitors from over 200 countries.

The participation of Dubai Industries and Exports in the global event, which was held from 15 to 19 October 2022, was under the umbrella of the UAE pavilion that featured more than 24 local companies. Since 2010, Dubai Industries and Exports has successfully represented and organised the UAE pavilion in the biennial event.

Dubai Industries and Exports shed light on the capabilities and advantages of the export and F&B-manufacturing sectors in Dubai and the UAE and their adoption of the latest international practices and standards. The international event was also an opportunity for DIE to enhance the presence of UAE exports in the European market and position Dubai as a preferred F&B source market for Europe in particular and global markets in general. DIE also sought to connect international buyers and manufacturers with their UAE counterparts to share experiences, opportunities and practices.

Mohammad Ali Al Kamali, Deputy CEO of Dubai Industries and Exports, said: “Dubai is committed to maintaining its position at the forefront of the world’s leading destinations in the export and manufacturing sectors. Our participation in SIAL Paris underpins the local industry sector internationally, presenting its innovative services, advanced environment, and world-class infrastructure (particularly digital infrastructure), supporting future trends in the F&B sector and introducing the international business community to these advantages. F&B is one of the six priority sub-sectors identified in the Dubai Industrial Strategy 2030, which was announced by the leadership to transform Dubai into a global platform for industries based on knowledge, innovation and sustainability.”

He added: “These exhibitions and forums are important channels to integrate local products into new markets. We constantly hold various meetings with global businesses and work at strengthening sustainable efforts to support the presence of Dubai and UAE products in international markets, in addition to providing guidance, advice and practical support to buyers and suppliers abroad. The pavilion also helped open new channels of communication, opportunities and partnerships towards enhancing Dubai’s status, highlighting its economic competitiveness and expanding its international trade horizons to align it with future developments.”

According to Dubai Customs data the emirate’s foreign trade for the food sector in 2021 grew 11% and reached AED 57 billion, compared to AED 51.4 billion in 2020. Additionally, exports grew by 11.3% (AED 10.8 billion compared to AED 9.7 billion in 2020), while re-exports went up by 10%, to AED 7.9 billion from AED 7.2 billion.

DET promotes local manufacturing in line with its strategic focus to enhance the added value of the industrial sector in the coming years. It also provides varied exporter services and strives to expand export markets for local products to complement the structural transformation of Dubai into a diversified economy and a globally competitive business environment.

With the ultimate vision of making Dubai the world’s leading commercial centre, investment hub and tourism destination, Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) is mandated to support the Government in positioning the emirate as a major hub for global economy and tourism, and in boosting the city’s economic and tourism competitiveness indicators. Under this remit, DET is driving efforts to further enhance Dubai’s diversified, innovative service-based economy to attract top global talent, deliver a world-class business environment and accelerate productivity growth. Additionally, DET is supporting Dubai’s vision to become the world’s best city to live and work in by promoting its diverse destination proposition, unique lifestyle and outstanding quality of life, overall.

DET is the principal authority for the planning, supervision, development and marketing of Dubai’s business and tourism sectors. It is also responsible for the licensing and classification of all types of businesses, including hotels, tour operators and travel agents. The DET portfolio includes Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, Dubai Industries and Exports, Dubai Investment Development Agency (Dubai FDI) and Dubai SME, as well as Dubai College of Tourism, Dubai Calendar and Dubai Business Events.