Global Food Week continues to make waves in the United Arab Emirates, serving as a strategic platform that gathers international experts and pioneering local initiatives aimed at establishing a resilient and sustainable food system from farm to table. The event offers an exceptional opportunity for small and medium-sized enterprises across the UAE to exhibit their products, promote their brands, and connect with the global food ecosystem. It functions as a bridge between local innovation and international trade, highlighting the UAE’s commitment to food sustainability and agricultural advancement.
The event revolves around four primary pillars: procurement and supply chain management, innovation within the food industries, sustainable solutions, and enhanced access to UAE and regional markets. This range of themes underscores the dynamic growth of the country’s food and beverage sector, from advancements in agricultural technology to the increase in local production and export potential.
Among the UAE participants, AlNoud Farm—located in the Al-Foah area of Al Ain—was particularly notable. Manager Ghalia Albannai reaffirmed their commitment to supporting local agriculture with a diverse offering of products including honey and dates, cultivated within modern greenhouse and net house systems. She expressed pride in the strong interest received during Global Food Week, especially from visitors and business leaders looking to collaborate with local farms.
Meanwhile, Azbat Brida Products, led by Noura Khalifa Al-Jabri, showcased a remarkable selection of more than 150 locally produced items, including various types of eggs and butter. Al-Jabri, who participated under the invitation of the Mansour bin Zayed Agricultural Excellence Award, praised the consistent government support and the efforts of the UAE’s leadership in advancing women’s empowerment and entrepreneurship across all sectors.
Bu Theeb Nursery & Fruits Farm, managed by Salah Sayed, drew attention with its offering of premium fruits such as Medjool and Ikhlas dates, as well as figs and mangoes. Sayed noted that the goal behind their participation was to gain knowledge and enhance market reach while proudly mentioning that the farm had previously received three honors from the Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Award. Similarly, entrepreneur Mona Al-Mansoori presented her project, By Gezelle, which brings innovation to Emirati date products through creative combinations with nuts like pistachios, walnuts, and almonds, aiming to promote and network with domestic and international businesses.
Additionally, entrepreneur Maryam Khalifa AlZaabi introduced her home-based business specializing in perfumes and incense made from raw materials imported from countries such as India. She credited the Women’s Union for helping her launch the project and highlighted social media and public events as vital tools for promotion and growth. In the agricultural technology sector, AlFafa Agricultural LLC, managed by Naser AlZaabi, stood out for its advanced strawberry production model powered by artificial intelligence. Producing over 1,200 tonnes monthly with plans to reach 5,000 tonnes annually, AlZaabi emphasized that local agriculture serves as an economic alternative to imports, reducing external risks while enhancing national food resilience.
Participants collectively expressed gratitude to the UAE’s leadership for their continuous support and encouragement, noting that platforms like Global Food Week motivate entrepreneurs to expand their ventures, innovate further, and contribute to achieving the nation’s food self-sufficiency goals. They stressed the importance of government initiatives in strengthening food security, promoting investment in agriculture, and fostering sustainable development across the country.
Looking ahead, Global Food Week 2025 represents more than just an international exhibition—it reflects Abu Dhabi’s ongoing dedication to agricultural innovation, trade expansion, and sustainable food security for future generations, reinforcing the UAE’s status as a global hub for agricultural excellence and entrepreneurship, Xpats.ae reported.
