His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Ports and Borders Security Council, officially opened the 10th edition of Gulfood Manufacturing at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).
Running from November 5 to 7, 2024, Gulfood Manufacturing is the world's leading annual event encompassing the entire food manufacturing ecosystem. The event is co-located with Gulfhost, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region's premier hospitality and foodservice equipment exhibition.
These concurrent shows provide a global platform for thousands of food and beverage (F&B) manufacturing and foodservice professionals to gain insights into the latest industry trends, network with peers, and secure high-value business deals. Accompanied by His Excellency Helal Al Marri, Director General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, Sheikh Mansoor toured both events, underscoring their significance to the region's economy.
Following the official opening, the FoodTech Summit at Gulfood Manufacturing commenced with a keynote session focusing on leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital transformation, and other advanced technologies in food manufacturing. Strategic futurist Dr. Mark van Rijmenam highlighted AI's transformative potential, particularly in automation, digital twins, and predictive maintenance. He noted that AI could contribute $20 trillion to global GDP by 2030 and mentioned applications like visual computing for factory processes and AI-integrated humanoids for industrial use.
Flavie Paquay, Country Director for the UAE at Business France, expressed excitement about showcasing France's innovative and sustainable practices through 62 leading exhibitors in food processing, advanced ingredients, and hospitality solutions. She emphasized the deepening partnership between France and the UAE, aligning with shared ambitions for a sustainable future and supporting the UAE's vision for food security, efficiency, and growth in the F&B sector.
Zubaid Motiwala, CEO of the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan, highlighted Pakistan's objectives at Gulfood Manufacturing, aiming to enhance the value of exports such as rice and sesame seeds and achieve trade targets. He reported a highly positive experience with strong attendance and buyer interest, expressing plans to expand their presence in the next edition.
Nearly 3,000 global F&B manufacturing and foodservice brands are showcasing their latest products and solutions across the expansive show floors of Gulfood Manufacturing and Gulfhost. Notable product launches included the Quick Response Service (QRS) from Falcon Professional Kitchen—a 24/7 advanced support solution designed to optimize commercial kitchen operations.
The first day of the Gulfhost Foodservice Excellence Summit featured discussions on trends shaping the regional foodservice industry for 2025 and beyond. Topics included energy efficiency, innovative solutions, creative customization in foodservice design, enhancing customer experience, and the challenges and advancements for women leaders in the industry.
Attendance at both Gulfood Manufacturing and Gulfhost is free for trade professionals, providing access to a wealth of industry knowledge and networking opportunities with a single pass. Further details and registration information are available on the events' official websites.
News Source: Dubai Media Office
