Date: 28 Nov, 2023
Location: Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center (ADNEC)
In continuation of its efforts to fostering cooperation with strategic partners from investors and agricultural companies, so as to create integrated partnerships that align with AAAID’s strategy for the next five years, and boost the exchange of expertise in the agricultural field, the Arab Authority for Agricultural Investment and Development (AAAID) is participating in activities of the second edition of the Abu Dhabi International Food Exhibition (ADIFE 2023), which will be held under the gracious patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President of the UAE, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of the Presidential Court and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA), from 27-29 November, 2023 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).
His Excellency Mr. Mohammed bin Obaid Al Mazrooei, President of AAAID, delivered a keynote speech during AAAID’s Annual Companies’ Meeting, during which he extended his thanks and appreciation to His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Presidential Court, and Their Excellencies AAAID’s strategic partners, as well as Their Excellencies the Chairpersons of the companies’ Boards of Directors and their Managers.
He also conveyed his gratitude to the UAE government for its care and support to AAAID by granting a piece of land for the establishment of its regional headquarters in Dubai, and the received honoring by His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of the UAE, for opening the building.
H.E. Al Mazrooei emphasized that AAAID has established 54 agricultural companies and projects, with a substantial investment value of USD 673 million, and accounting for 93% of AAAID’s paid-up capital. These companies play a vital role in providing basic commodities such as grains, sugar, oils, red and white meats, dairy products, and animal feed. Moreover, they create a significant workforce impact, estimated at over 127,000 direct and indirect job opportunities. Furthermore, AAAID has introduced a unique program to finance small-scale farmers who contribute to over 80% of Arab agricultural production. This program entails providing an integrated package of services and implementing the latest agricultural technologies. As a result, it has significantly boosted the productivity of small-scale farmers by more than 150%.
AAAID, mindful of the recent global challenges that have increased the deficit in essential food commodities, has introduced an initiative to cover the deficit of basic food commodities in Arab countries, which required investment to achieve it is estimated at about USD 156 billion. The initiative is based on an investment vision that unites all stakeholders and emphasizes the crucial importance of initiating wheat cultivation as the top priority for its significant contribution that exceeds 20% to the value of the food deficit.
Moreover, AAAID’s participation this year extended its annual presence at several specialized agricultural exhibitions. The exhibition witnessed broad local and international participation from major companies specializing in the food, beverage, and hospitality sectors. In addition, it attracted a significant number of experts, specialists, and decision-makers within these key and vital sectors.
At this year’s exhibition, the Arab Company for Crop Production located in Atbara, River Nile State in Sudan, participated within AAAID’s stand, to which AAAID contributes and was established in 2003 with an aim to produce field crops and fodder for export and to meet the needs of the local market. The company’s designed capacity includes producing and exporting around 68,000 tons of dried alfalfa per year, about 4,500 tons of wheat per year, and about 4,000 tons of Rhodes per year.
The exhibition’s activities included organizing AAAID’s Annual Companies Meeting themed “Strategic Partnerships and Sustained Cooperation”, which involved the participation of CEOs and technical experts of these companies, as well as strategic partners from companied engaged in investment projects related to food security.
Two MoUs were signed during the exhibition between AAAID and Lamar Olive Oil, aimed at studying the expansion project of Lamar Company, and which was signed by H.E. Mr. Mohammed bin Obaid Al Mazrooei, President of AAAID, and Mr. Ramzy Lahmar, General Manager of Lamar Olive Oil. Additionally, the second MoU was between AAAID and Detroit Company, and DXD Company, aimed at strengthening relations between the parties in their joint fields, in which Mr. Mohamed Oumekki signed on behalf of both companies, while H.E. Mr. Mohammed bin Obaid Al Al Mazrooei signed for AAAID.
Lastly, the exhibition witnessed the announcement of numerous contracts and deals, fostering partnership agreements between a wide spectrum of governmental institutions and private sector entities, in addition to the taking place of several B2B between buyers and sellers across various supply chains. It also involved a diverse range of accompanying activities and events that highlighted key issues related to food production, besides covering hospitality services, various food-related services, workshops and specialized global competitions.
