Dubai’s partnership with the local and global private sector 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 has further reinforced its partnership with the local and global private sector to renew growth and development, Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, said on Sunday.

Inaugurating the Gulfood 2021 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, the Deputy Ruler said 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.”

Dubai’s partnership with the local and global private sector 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 sector,” Sheikh Maktoum said.

The 26th edition of Gulfood is the first global in-person F&B event to be held in the past 12 months. The five-day event has drawn 2,500 companies from 85 countries, reinforcing its position as a major global F&B industry event.

Dubai’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, said the Deputy Ruler.

“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.

Following the inauguration, Sheikh Maktoum visited the Italian and French pavilions. He praised the measures taken by the Dubai World Trade Centre to ensure the safety of all exhibitors and visitors. These measures are aligned with Dubai's efforts to ensure the highest standards of preventive protocols in all economic sectors and its strategy to revitalise business activity and growth, he said.

The show, held under stringent safety and hygiene protocols, features large scale participation of food-producing powerhouses including Italy, Germany France, Turkey and Austria.

Today, Mariam Al Mheiri, UAE Minister of State for Food and Water Security, will deliver the opening address at the Gulfood Innovation Summit. Her address will be focused on the “UAE National Food Security Strategy,” which seeks to place the country among the top 10 nations in the Global Food Security Index.

“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 and Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing.

Gulfood Innovation Summit, to be held from February 22–24 February, will line up world’s leading government leaders, food scientists, analysts, influential chefs, and industry pioneers to discuss and explore innovations that aim to revolutionise the future of food and discuss emerging themes and prospects that have arisen out of global efforts to combat Covid-19.

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