Abu Dhabi, UAE - 22 November 2020: The Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Company (ADNEC) has announced the opening of the F&B Networking Hub by SIAL Middle East – E-Summit and Meetings tomorrow (Monday), in strategic partnership with the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority. The virtual event is held on 23 November 2020 under the umbrella of SIAL Middle East. It has been organised in conjunction with the Abu Dhabi Date Palm Virtual Platform, held under the supervision of the Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation.

This unique event is organised by ADNEC, in collaboration with Comexposium and the support of ADAFSA, and is an example of strategic co-operation in sectors of immense national and global importance, given ongoing global demand for food. Entities working in the food, beverage, hospitality, and date palm production industries will be able to meet virtually and do business. The event has been created given ongoing global conditions, ensuring ongoing adherence to public health and safety measures in the fight against COVID-19. The decision to organise the virtual event came after the postponement of the 11^th edition of SIAL ME, scheduled to have been held from 7 to 9 September 2020. The decision came as part of ADNEC's efforts to understand challenges faced by exhibitors, partners, and global stakeholders, in order to find optimal solutions to advance their future.

ADAFSA and ADNEC have partnered in the organisation of the SIAL Middle East exhibition for over the past 10 years. Over that time, AED 34 billion worth of trade deals have been concluded at SIAL Middle East, with over 7,600 exhibitors and 153,900 experts and specialists attending from across the world. Such activity has strengthened the direct and indirect economic contribution of the exhibition to the emirate of Abu Dhabi, which is set to reach AED 819 million. SIAL Middle East remains a highly significant global exhibition, given its ability to develop into a major platform that brings together leading companies from the food and beverage sectors.

Commenting on this partnership, His Excellency Saeed Al Bahri Salem Al Ameri, Director General of ADAFSA, said: “We are honoured to cooperate with ADNEC and Comexposium in supporting the F&B Networking Hub by SIAL Middle East – E-Summit and Meetings. In spite of challenging global circumstances, this pioneering event is moving ahead, uniting global leaders of the food, beverage, and hospitality sectors. It provides the industry with the opportunity to do business, cooperate, and discuss future opportunities to enhance global food security.”

Al Ameri added: “At ADAFSA, it is a source of pride that we have supported SIAL Middle East for over ten years. In doing so, we helped establish its leading global position, contributing to highlighting the UAE and its national food security strategy. That strategy enables sustainable food production, employs modern technology for food production, enhances local agriculture, develops international partnerships to diversify food sources, and ensures the food security of the UAE in all circumstances.”

The F&B Networking Hub by SIAL Middle East – E-Summit and Meetings will highlight global challenges in the food, beverage, and date palm production sector, particularly following the pandemic, as well as discussing opportunities over the upcoming 24 months. Discussions will centre on meeting the strategic policy goals of the National Food Security Strategy 2051.

Speaking on the partnership, Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and Group CEO at ADNEC Group, said: “Our strategic partnership with the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority has played a pivotal role in the previous success of SIAL Middle East. Together, we continue to consolidate the exhibition as a global destination for the latest innovations in the food, beverage, and hospitality industries. In doing so, we highlight the efforts of the UAE in enhancing global food security and safety.

Al Dhaheri added: “At ADNEC, we are keen to enable business opportunities for our partners and stakeholders. The F&B Networking Hub by SIAL Middle East – E-Summit and Meetings offers an attractive platform for international companies, suppliers, and investors. We aim for them to strengthen ties and find new avenues for collaboration between leaders in the food, beverage, and hospitality sectors. Further, we provide an ideal platform to discuss the challenges and opportunities to discuss the recovery from the pandemic.”

Concluding, Al Dhaheri said: “We look forward to the 11^th Edition of SIAL Middle East next year. It will provide an opportunity to support professionals from the food, beverage, and hospitality sectors from across the globe. 1,150 exhibitors from 40 nations are expected to attend, with over 25,000 visitors. Visitors will be able to enjoy a wide range of activities and events from the SIAL Global Network, including the SIAL Innovation Competition, the La Cuisine culinary competition, and much more.”

The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority is the local authority responsible for agriculture, food safety, food security, and biosecurity in the emirate of Abu Dhabi. It aims to engender sustainable development in agriculture, food safety, and animal and plant health protection, helping enhancing biosecurity and achieve food security.

-ENDS-