H.E. Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy delivers keynote address at Gulfood

DUBAI: Gulfood 2025, the largest global food business event, opened its doors for a second day at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) ahead of an impressive schedule.

Ministerial Opening: Food500 Summit
H.E. Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy, officiated the Food500 Summit with his keynote address, providing a perspective on Gulfood’s economic impact and the UAE’s pivotal role as a trade gateway between East and West.

Commenting on the parallels between the F&B industry’s influence on the UAE, regional, and global economies, His Excellency credited strategic government and industry alliances for their unwavering commitment to securing Gulfood’s position as the largest arena of global food trade and innovation globally.

‘For three decades, Gulfood has been at the forefront of shaping global food trends, fostering partnerships, and driving innovation, which has not only strengthened the UAE’s positioning as a global food hub but also played a big role as a strategic platform for industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators to address the most pressing issues that the industry and the world around it faces.

Food security, innovation, and resilience in the global digital economy are critical issues. These are not just priorities for the UAE but the entire world as we navigate rapidly in the evolving food basket. The food sector is a cornerstone of the UAE’s economic growth and our diversification efforts. We import 95% of our food, and as the food sector is a lead contributor to our GDP, the sector in its expansion has attracted global and regional investments in food production, processing, and technology.’

Dubai Chamber of Commerce Briefing
Members and industry contacts explored how international businesses can utilize avenues such as Gulfood towards driving innovation and economic progress. The Chambers also touched upon its strategic vision and tailored services and initiatives. Salem Al Shamsi, Vice President of the International Relations Sector at Dubai Chambers, opened the morning briefing and shared critical insights with exhibitors and key decision-makers in the room.

‘Between 2020 and 2024, Dubai’s F&B sector attracted USD 370 million in greenfield investments. These investments further cement Dubai’s reputation as a prime destination for businesses and investors in the food industry. The UAE remains the top-ranked country in the GCC on the UN's Global Food Security Index, highlighting our nation's commitment to resilience and innovation. The UAE is also the leading destination in the MENA region for venture capital investments in restaurant tech, with more than USD 932 million invested between 2020 and 2024. In addition, 27% of all imported food was re-exported during the first three quarters of 2024, reflecting the UAE’s vital role in global supply chains,’ said Salem Al Shamsi.

Massive F&B Product Trading Floor
Visitors continue to explore 24 enormous exhibition halls covering over 1.3 million square feet while interacting with companies launching new products, ingredients, and flavors, showcasing their culinary expertise, and engaging in commercial trade deals.

Sharif Chacoff, ProChile’s Trade Commissioner for the GCC, emphasized the significance of this event: ‘Gulfood is an important platform to diversify markets for Chilean exporters, and we have already seen results. Gulfood 2025 will facilitate efforts towards a new exportable offer, where Faenacar (Chilean Meat Association) will participate for the first time, supporting our strategic direction to expand the range of Chilean products available in the market.’

Top Table: The Stars Ignite on Day 2
Dubai-based Michelin Star chefs Solemann Haddad (Moonrise) and Mohamed Orfali (Orfali Bros) held masterclasses elevating traditional Arabic fare and putting Japanese seafood center stage, respectively. Chef Fredrik Berselius (Aska, New York) explored flavors of the wilderness, and Chef Vladimir Mukhin (Krasota and The White Rabbit, Moscow) delved into futuristic techniques.