ABU DHABI (WAM)
Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, Chairman of the Presidential Court, and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA), the Global Food Week will take place from November 26 to 28, 2024 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).
The event features a comprehensive programme of specialised exhibitions and conferences, including the third edition of the Abu Dhabi International Food Exhibition, the 10th edition of the Abu Dhabi Date Palm Exhibition, the inaugural Global Food Security Summit, and the debut of the Abu Dhabi Coffee Platform, alongside many other events focused on critical sectors.
Organised by ADNEC Group in strategic partnership with the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority, the event is supported by the UAE Food and Beverage Manufacturers Group as a Knowledge Partner, the Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation as a Strategic Partner for the Date Palm Exhibition, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment as the Host Sponsor of the Global Food Security Summit, the Abu Dhabi Exports Office as the Local Market Sponsor, and Experience Abu Dhabi as the Destination Sponsor.
Advisor for International Events at ADNEC Group, Saeed Al Mansoori, said, “ADNEC Group is proud to organise Global Food Week, an exceptional platform that unites global leaders, innovators, and experts to address pressing challenges in food security and sustainability. This year’s edition is truly exceptional, attracting leading global companies and a distinguished group of decision-makers and experts from around the world.”
He added that this year’s event has recorded unprecedented achievements, with exhibition space increasing by 13% to 32,000 square metres compared to the 2023 edition.
The number of exhibitors has grown by 20% to 660, while participating companies and brands now exceed 1,900, reflecting a 46% increase.
The number of participating countries has risen to 70, marking a 49% growth compared to the previous edition, with first-time participation from 33 new countries.
Over 270 local and international buyers are also set to attend.
The event will also mark the launch of the Abu Dhabi Coffee Platform, debuting with 60 prominent coffee brands from around the world.
Director of Communication and Community Services at the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority, Badr Al Shehhi, said, “Global Food Week underscores Abu Dhabi’s and the UAE’s role as global hubs for innovation in agriculture and food security. It reflects our leadership’s vision to achieve global food security by showcasing cutting-edge technologies and innovations, reaffirming the UAE’s pivotal role in shaping the future of global food security.”
The inaugural Global Food Security Summit will feature 80 leading speakers, 600 specialised participants, and 20 ministers, discussing critical issues such as global hunger and sustainable development, further establishing the UAE as a global hub for strategic dialogue on food security.
Chairman of the UAE Food and Beverage Manufacturers Group, Saleh Lootah, said, “Global Food Week embodies the UAE’s vision for fostering innovation, collaboration, and sustainability in the food and beverage sector. It provides a premier platform to address pressing food security issues and showcase the latest advancements shaping the future of the industry.”
He added, “As the Knowledge Partner for the Global Food Security Summit, our group is committed to leveraging expertise to drive constructive discussions and offer practical solutions. Through collaboration, we aim to strengthen international partnerships, support local producers, and advance the UAE’s vision as a global leader in sustainable agricultural initiatives and food security.”
Secretary-General of the Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation, Dr Abdel Wahhab Zaid, highlighted the significance of the 10th edition of the Abu Dhabi Date Palm Exhibition.
“The exhibition, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, underscores the economic and strategic importance of dates in enhancing global food security and reinforces Abu Dhabi’s leadership in this vital sector,” he said.
This year’s exhibition will host over 100 exhibitors from 20 countries and include a dedicated innovation pavilion, offering exceptional collaboration opportunities.
The event serves as an ideal platform to connect producers, manufacturers, and suppliers, supporting the UAE’s vision for advancing agricultural innovation.
The Global Food Security Summit will provide a key platform for addressing global hunger and driving sustainable development.
It will bring together officials, experts, private-sector leaders, and international organisations to develop practical solutions for a more sustainable future.
Global Food Week offers outstanding opportunities for networking, knowledge exchange, and business partnerships.
The third edition of the Abu Dhabi International Food Exhibition will connect global industry leaders with regional and international buyers through high-quality B2B meetings.
The 10th edition of the Abu Dhabi Date Palm Exhibition, held alongside the food exhibition, remains a leading global event for the date industry, bringing together specialised companies from around the world.
Numerous contracts, partnerships, and agreements are expected to be signed during the week, alongside targeted B2B meetings to enhance supply chains.