The Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry organised a networking event at its headquarters to highlight investment opportunities in the emirate’s F&B sector. The event brought together close to 350 participants from 60 countries. Some 27 VIPs – including ministers, ambassadors and consul-generals in the UAE – also attended the function and explored the competitive advantages and opportunities Dubai offers in the F&B industries. Atiq Juma Nasib, Senior Vice- President of Commercial Services at Dubai Chamber, said: “Due to its strategic location and a growing tourism sector, Dubai offers immense opportunities in the F&B sector.” This briefing came at a time of rapid expansion for Dubai as the city prepares for Expo 2020, now postponed to 1 October 2021.
Set to attract 25 million visitors over a six-month period beginning in October 2021, the event is among the key factors driving demand and growth in the UAE’s food and beverage sector. Onsite F&B sales alone are expected to top $545 million, according to Expo 2020 officials and Alpen Capital, with up to 835,000 meals served to visitors each hour.
Mr. Nasib pointed to the UAE’s leading global position in the F&B industries, where it is ranked first in the MENA region and 18th in the world for an attractive investment environment in the F&B sector in the first quarter of 2020 on the Fitch Connect Risk Reward Index. This reflects the UAE’s growing appeal to investors from around the world.