Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Emphasises Food Security and Manufacturing as Strategic Pillars at Gulfood

The Vice President and Ruler of Dubai visited the 12th edition of the region's premier food and beverage manufacturing exhibition, underscoring the UAE's commitment to advancing domestic production capabilities through innovation and technology.

The convergence of global expertise, investment and cutting edge solutions in Dubai’s food manufacturing sector reflects a broader commitment to securing the Emirates’ future prosperity. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, visited the 12th edition of Gulfood Manufacturing this November, a pivotal moment for an industry shaping the region’s response to evolving global challenges.

Held at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 3 to 5 November, the exhibition brought together 2,500 exhibitors from 79 countries, creating a landscape where leading food manufacturers, technology providers and ingredient specialists converge. Alongside three complementary industry events—GulfHost, ISM Middle East, and Private Label Middle East—the gathering underscored Dubai’s position as a nexus for food and beverage innovation in the Middle East.

During his tour, His Highness articulated the strategic imperative behind the UAE’s focus on food security and manufacturing. Both constitute key pillars of the nation’s comprehensive development strategy, he noted, emphasising that strengthening domestic food manufacturing, developing national industries and reinforcing supply chains are essential priorities that enhance the Emirates’ readiness for the future and its capacity to address global challenges. The country remains committed to deploying advanced manufacturing capabilities alongside technology and innovation to render food production more efficient, competitive and sustainable.

His Highness was accompanied by H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai, and H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Olympic Committee. During the visit, Helal Saeed Almarri, Director-General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism and Director-General of the Dubai World Trade Centre Authority, provided briefings on the latest solutions and products showcased by international and UAE companies.

This year’s exhibition, organised under the theme ‘Powering Food Security Through Manufacturing Innovation’, exhibited the latest developments in global food production, spanning food processing and ingredient development, packaging technologies, automation solutions and advanced manufacturing systems. The breadth of innovation on display reflected the sector’s evolution and the pressing need for sophisticated responses to food security demands.

His Highness affirmed the UAE’s ambition to play a leading role in advancing global food security, a commitment that positions the Emirates not merely as a regional player but as a participant in addressing one of humanity’s most pressing concerns. The exhibition itself served as a tangible expression of this vision, creating space where strategic priorities and technological advancement converge to shape the future of an essential industry.

What it means for Abu Dhabi

For Abu Dhabi and the wider Emirates, the emphasis on domestic food manufacturing and supply chain resilience carries profound significance. As the region continues to develop its industrial capabilities, the integration of advanced technology and innovation in food production strengthens the nation’s self-sufficiency and reduces dependence on external sources, a critical factor in an increasingly complex global environment.

The gathering of such diverse expertise and investment in Dubai creates ripple effects across the UAE economy. Abu Dhabi’s own strategic initiatives in diversification and advanced manufacturing benefit from the collaborative ecosystem fostered by events of this scale, where knowledge transfer and partnership opportunities emerge naturally from industry convergence. The UAE’s collective commitment to food security, articulated at the highest level, signals to investors and innovators worldwide that the Emirates remain committed to building resilient, sustainable and technologically sophisticated foundations for prosperity.

Source: WAM