Dubai Economic Development Corporation (DEDC), the economic development arm of Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), and key manufacturers from Dubai’s food and beverage sector have successfully participated at the 60th edition of SIAL Paris. One of the world’s largest food exhibitions, held from 19-23 October 2024 at Paris Nord Villepinte, the event is estimated to have attracted over 7,000 exhibitors and nearly 290,000 visitors from 130 countries.
Under the umbrella of the ‘UAE Pavilion’, more than 30 Dubai-based manufacturers benefited from increased visibility and networking opportunities with industry leaders, potential partners and buyers. DEDC was joined by key partners and stakeholders including Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza) and Dubai Industrial City, as well as food manufacturers and distributors, who showcased their products and innovative offerings.
DEDC’s participation reflects its commitment to promoting Dubai’s food and beverage sector, as well as its manufacturers and exporters, on a global scale, and is aligned with the ambitious goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, to more than double the size of Dubai’s foreign trade by 2033.
Furthermore, it supports the key priorities of the D33 Agenda to drive economic growth and diversification through increasing exports and opening new export markets, in addition to exploring new horizons for collaboration with international partners.
Hadi Badri, CEO of Dubai Economic Development Corporation (DEDC), said: “SIAL Paris offered a comprehensive platform to showcase the robust capabilities of Dubai’s food and beverage manufacturers on the global stage. The strong participation of more than 30 Dubai-based manufacturers and key partners underscores Dubai’s commitment towards building a vibrant, export-ready sector that is fully aligned with our D33 objectives. Through this collaborative effort, we not only gained invaluable insights into emerging trends, but also established strategic connections that will drive the expansion of Dubai’s export potential and create new avenues for international partnerships. These relationships and insights will significantly advance our mission of solidifying Dubai as a global leader in food and beverage manufacturing and trade.”
According to Dubai Customs data, the emirate’s foreign trade in the ‘prepared foodstuff’ segment hit AED 58.35 billion in 2023, with exports accounting for AED 18.65 billion and re-exports accounting for AED 10.47 billion. Meanwhile, during the same period, foreign direct investment (FDI) into Dubai’s food & beverages sector reached AED 1.16 billion and is estimated to have created over 6,400 jobs, according to Dubai FDI Monitor data.
