What are the challenges faced by the organising team when putting together such a massive trade show?
The biggest challenge when organising an event of this scale is accommodating the demand for space. The waiting list from exhibitors wanting to participate continues to grow and even with the increased space we have this year — thanks to the launch of Gulf Manufacturing in November — we still have more exhibitors than square metres available.
We are continuously trying to improve both the exhibitors’ and visitors’ experience — so always looking for ways to solve these issues. This year, with the launch of Gulfood Manufacturing, we have been able to welcome 10 new country pavilions to the show.
What was the reasoning behind Gulfood Manufacturing, which will be launched this year?
Historically, the UAE and the GCC have been food importers — the traditional focus has been on bringing overseas produce to the region. Times, however, are changing and we’re starting to see a transition the other way.
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There is an increasing trend among regional and international manufacturers to base themselves in stable environments where trade and infrastructure capacity allow them to best serve their geographical targets. In short, relocation to Dubai and the UAE is at the top of major international manufacturers’ global business strategies.
With more manufacturers setting up in the UAE and the wider GCC, we’re seeing tremendous growth in the purchase of ingredients, processing and packaging equipment, warehousing, logistics and cold chain technologies as Dubai and other regional players move further up the supply chain. This is the proposition driving Gulfood Manufacturing, which will span nine halls and is on course to be the region’s biggest-ever trade event launch.
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