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9/23/25, 4:55 PM Future Food Forum 2025 to Transform Food Sector as UAE F&B Market Eyes US$ 44 Bn Valuation by 2029
The Forum is an initiative of the UAE Food & Beverage Manufacturers Group, which represents the UAE Food
Cluster and serves as a strategic platform to strengthen cooperation across the food ecosystem. It brings together
stakeholders from farming and agricultural production to manufacturing, distribution, and trade. The initiative
supports the UAE’s food security and sustainability strategy, while the sector’s rapid expansion underscores the
Cluster’s role in expanding partnerships and driving long-term industry growth.

His Excellency Abdullah Bin Touq, Minister of Economy and Tourism, noted that the UAE, under the
directives of the country’s leadership, is adopting cutting-edge solutions to drive the growth of food industry and
achieve sustainable food security for all. He stressed that the Forum serves as a significant opportunity to
showcase the UAE’s economic vision for this vital sector, in line with 'We the UAE 2031' vision and its goal of
building a diversified, competitive economy, founded on knowledge and innovation.

The Minister added: 'This event reflects the UAE's commitment to supporting global partnerships in the food
industry and fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors and academia. In addition, it
highlights innovative technologies and initiatives to achieve integrated food systems and enhance the
sustainability and competitiveness of our economy.'

His Excellency Bin Touq pointed out that the UAE Food Cluster is a promising economic model for enhancing
sector-wide growth and competitiveness. He noted that the Cluster supports new generations of skilled producers
and farmers to adopt best practices in food and agriculture.

The Forum is guided by the UAE Food Cluster; a national strategic initiative designed to unify stakeholders and
drive the UAE’s food security and sustainability agenda. This year’s edition aims to bring together stakeholders
throughout the value chain from farm to fork, while connecting the UAE with global food ecosystems across
Africa, Central Asia, and Europe. Furthermore, it seeks to advance impactful initiatives that strengthen trade
partnerships and long-term industry growth.

Saleh Lootah, Chairman of the Cluster Board, said, “The food ecosystem today is increasingly driven by the
convergence of trade, technology, policy, and production. Future Food Forum 2025 offers a single-point agenda
where these priorities can be unified with a clear forward looking direction. We are keen to strengthen the UAE’s
position in global food trade while contributing to robust and more connected food ecosystems on a global
scale.”

The Forum agenda includes the launch of the Cluster’s new initiatives such as a Knowledge Hub for exchanging
insights and best practices, and a Global Buyers Programme to connect local producers with international
markets. With the UAE serving as a gateway to the US$ 65 billion GCC market the Forum’s initiatives aim to
strengthen local supply chains while fortifying the country’s position as a regional hub for trade and food
security.

Speakers at this year’s Forum will include senior leaders and experts from across the regional and global food
and beverage ecosystem. Alongside Saleh Lootah, the lineup features Rania Abou Samra, Vice President and
Head of Innovation & R&D at Nestlé Middle East & North Africa, Dr. Ian Roberts, Chief Technology Officer at
Bühler Group, Tom Harvey, General Manager - Commercial at Spinneys, and Jens Michel, CEO of Abu Dhabi
Food Hub - KEZAD, Her Excellency Najla Al Midfa, Vice Chair and Managing Director of the Emirates Growth
Fund, Muhammed Ghassan Aboud, Chairman of Ghassan Aboud Group, and Rami Habbal, Chief Executive
Officer at GS1 UAE, among others.

Across two eventful days, the programme will include high-level ministerial sessions, technical panels, CEO
dialogues, and stakeholder roundtables. Discussions will cover trade opportunities under CEPA agreements,
supply chain resilience and infrastructure capacity, Industry 4.0 and digital transformation in food
manufacturing, as well as innovations in nutrition and emerging food categories.

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