DUBAI: H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Ports and Borders Security Council, today inaugurated the ISM Middle East exhibition, alongside the co-located shows Gulfood Green and Private Label Middle East. Taking place at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from 24th to 26th September, 2024, tens of thousands of visitors are expected to attend the three events across eight halls at the venue.
Sheikh Mansoor toured ISM Middle East, the region’s largest and exclusive trade event for the confectionery and snacks industry, as well as 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 commenced with a panel session on food security and climate change, exploring ways to ensure better global food access and equity.
Speaking as part of the panel, Abdulhakim Elwaer, Assistant Direc
tor-General and Regional Representative at the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), highlighted that between 713-757 million people endured food insecurity globally in 2023, which equates to 1 in 11 people worldwide and 1 in 5 in Africa.
‘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,’ he said.
Building on Dubai’s long-standing position as an investor-friendly global business hub, one of the principal aims of Gulfood Green is to connect start-ups, investors, and governments. This was evident on the opening day at the vibrant Green Shoots Start-Up Zone, where over 130 start-ups showcased their innovative products and solutions to an audience that included some of the largest institutional investors in the UAE and beyond, such as Dubai Holding, the UAE Ministry of Economy, and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism. An Investor Lounge
within the Green Shoots Start-Up Zone and a comprehensive meetings programme maximised networking opportunities for both investors and start-ups.
Andrew Ive, Founder and Managing General Partner of Big Idea Ventures, said, ‘Technology exists to create a food system that is far more sustainable. The UAE has the resources and commitment to sustainability, with the ability to become a world leader by bringing innovators together at conferences such as Gulfood Green. Together, we are taking technology to the necessary people, scaling ideas, and turning them into reality.’
The first day of ISM Middle East featured discussions on global and emerging trends in the confectionery and snacks industry, market insights, and outlook for the MENA region, alongside expert advice on entering MENA markets.
In addition to ISM Middle East and Gulfood Green, Private Label Middle East brings together global food suppliers, private labels, and contract manufacturers from over 40 countries at Dubai World Trade Centre. The events
are strictly for trade professionals only.
Source: Emirates News Agency