Gulfood exhibition launches in Dubai

DUBAI: Gulfood 2024 launched its 29th edition on Monday at the Dubai World Trade Centre, Emirates News Agency reported.

According to WAM, Gulfood is one of the world’s largest global food and beverage events, with more than 5,500 exhibitors.

Held under the theme “Real Food, Real Business” this year, the event serves as a platform for companies to showcase their products and engage in business deals.

Amna bint Abdullah Al-Dahak Al-Shamsi, the UAE minister of climate change and environment, opened the event’s Inspire Conference as the keynote speaker.

“The future of the food industry and food security is a timely topic. The rising temperatures of our planet are putting our natural resources in danger, and we must all act now,” she said.

“This year, on our national environment day, we focused on collaboration and started working together for sustainable local products. We invite all our relevant stakeholders to join efforts in empowering local products.”

Al-Shamsi highlighted the importance of green technologies: “We must all ensure and continue to promote the advancement of advanced technologies in agriculture production aligned with the UAE’s climate conditions, which facilitates all of us to adapt to a sustainable agricultural system, including organic, vertical and agrotech farming.”

Gulfood 2024 features 127 country pavilions, including first-time participants such as Armenia, Azerbaijan and Venezuela, and returning countries such as France.

French Trade and Invest Commissioner Axel Baroux said: “Our participation at Gulfood 2024 embodies the strong synergy between France and the UAE, transcending mere trade to represent our shared visions for quality, sustainability and innovation in the food sector.

“This year’s Gulfood is more than a trade show; it’s a testament to the enduring partnership between France and the UAE, showcasing France’s commitment to global health trends and culinary excellence.”