Posted inFood & Beverage

SIAL Middle East opens tomorrow

The region's fastest growing food & drink trade exhibition will host over 12,000 meetings

The 8th edition of SIAL Middle East, a regional business trade event for the food, drink and hospitality industries, opens tomorrow (Tuesday December 12) at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE, Minister of Presidential Affairs, and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA), and in strategic partnership with the government body, over 24,000 food experts are expected to take part during the three-day show.

ADFCA director-general H. E. Saeed Al Bahri Al Ameri, stressed that  the eighth edition of SIAL Middle East will create real opportunities to meet the influencers in food and date palm industries, as well as to build new and promising partnerships ensuring the sustainability of food supplies and providing privileged investment opportunities that drive economic growth.

“There is an increased importance for the exhibition to meet the growing demand for food across the region. In light of the economic growth in the UAE, which is seeing a boost in populace, and an increase in demand for food commodities, SIAL Middle East provides an integrated and effective platform to promote national and international food products,” said Al Ameri.

Taking place at ADNEC until December 14, SIAL Middle East is part of SIAL Group, a network of B2B food exhibitions which include SIAL Paris, SIAL Canada in both Toronto and Montreal, SIAL China, SIAL InterFOOD Jakarta, and FOOD India inspired by SIAL.

ADCCI Director General H. E. Mohamed Hilal Al Muhairi said: “We support companies operating in the food and agricultural sectors in Abu Dhabi and help to promote the emirates’ food industries so our involvement in SIAL Middle East makes a lot of sense.

“This year we will continue to spread awareness of the quality and features of local food manufacturers and producers and their ability to compete in international markets.  We will strive to open negotiations for local food producers and help them sign new contracts.  It is also important to us that we exchange experiences and best practises with traders in order to increase the export of Emirati food products internationally.”

Part of the Abu Dhabi Food Festival and in coordination with Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority, the 8th edition of SIAL Middle East has expanded its range of features to accommodate increased levels of interest from local, regional, and international food-related organisations.  

SIAL Middle East returns with support from host sponsor: Abu Dhabi Chamber, Diamond Sponsor: Jenaan Investments, silver sponsors: Al Rawafed and Abu Dhabi Farmers’ Services Centre, bronze sponsor: Mai Dubai and The Deep Seafood Company, and halal certification sponsor: Emirates Authority for Standardization & Metrology.