ABU DHABI – Under the patronage of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Presidential Affairs and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA), the ninth edition of SIAL Middle East, the exclusive regional food, beverage and hospitality trade event, will run from 10 to 12 December 2018 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).

Expected to draw the participation of over 1,000 exhibitors, 30+ country pavilions and 20,000+ industry experts from more than 50 countries, the upcoming edition is set to mark a significant growth in terms of participation from leading local, regional, and international food-related organizations.

Thamer Al Qasemi, Chairman of the Organizing Committee of SIAL Middle East, said: “Within a short time span since its inception, SIAL Middle East has become one of the most anticipated industry events in food-related sectors within the region and beyond. In organizing this annual platform, we seek to highlight the promising investment opportunities in this vital sector at a time when food security and food supply chain sustainability are high on national and international agendas.”

Al Qasemi added: “SIAL Middle East also serves as an ideal opportunity to highlight the compelling quality preposition and competitive advantages of various local products that meet the highest international standards. The event also helps the local food industry, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the UAE in general and Abu Dhabi in particular, to expand their business operations into new markets.”

Joanne Cook, Managing Director of SIAL Middle East, said: “SIAL Middle East has witnessed significant growth over the past editions, becoming one of the most important events and an ideal platform for showcasing investment opportunities in the region's fast-growing food industry. In addition to providing opportunities for networking and interaction with key representatives from major food producers and exporters from across the globe, the event offers an ideal platform to build strategic partnerships with industry peers as well as explore the latest trends in food, beverage and hospitality sectors.” — SG