Abu Dhabi: KEZAD Group enhances UAE vision for food security via largest integrated hub

ABU DHABI, 19th February, 2023 (WAM) — By enhancing its integrated ecosystem and strengthening the food supply chain, Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (KEZAD Group) is working to realise the UAE’s vision of becoming the world’s best on the Global Food Security Index by 2051.

KEZAD is participating in the 28th edition of Gulfood, one of the largest F&B sourcing events in the world, to showcase its products, services and business solutions, and create a strong understanding among the more than 5,000 companies from 125 countries participating in the event.

It will be an opportunity for these companies to see how KEZAD creates possibilities in the food sector by providing the right environment for growth and success. Visitors to the event will be able to see key benefits KEZAD has to offer and hear of the experiences of companies already operating in the sector within the KEZAD ecosystem.

KEZAD’s food sector ecosystem is currently spread over more than 7 million square metres (7.3 square kilometres) including 3.3 square kilometres dedicated for the Abu Dhabi Food Hub – KEZAD, and more than 40 global, regional and local companies currently operating in the ecosystem.

Abdullah Al Hameli, CEO Economic Cities & Free Zones, AD Ports Group, said, “The UAE has taken bold steps since the formation of the country in line with the vision of the late Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Founder of the Nation, with moves towards building a sustainable farming ecosystem to achieve ultimate food security. At KEZAD, we are fully aligned with this vision and have made great strides in supporting its realisation, as we move to secure food sources today and in the future. We continue to monitor the latest trends and bring innovation and best in market solutions to Abu Dhabi to overcome any challenges in achieving our goals.”

Mohamed Al Khadar Al Ahmed, CEO Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi – KEZAD Group, stated, “In light of the vision of the wise leadership, KEZAD Group has taken several measures to enhance its food ecosystem through local and international collaborations and dialogue. We have also attracted investments and clients in new technologies to make Abu Dhabi the regional hub for food. Our Abu Dhabi Food Hub, in collaboration with Rungis International and our hosting of the World Union of Wholesale Markets conference in Abu Dhabi are examples of how we are leading the industry in thought and action. As we showcase our capabilities and experience in Gulfood 2023, we are determined to enhance the value proposition for our food ecosystem, and we invite all to visit our stand and see what we offer in terms of capabilities and opportunities to reach the world.”

KEZAD Group’s food ecosystem includes some of the world’s largest brands, including Sadia, Pinar, Oasis, Nestle, Lacnor, Al Kabeer and AlDahra Kohinoor.

Upcoming projects in KEZAD include an AED 110 million facility by PRAN foods spread across more than 42,000 square metres, to locally produce and export throughout the Middle East and North Africa region, and a 2 million sqm facility with expansion plan by another 3 million sqm for the establishment of an Al Rawabi dairy production facility. The dairy farm, with an investment of AED 650 million will be home to 10,000 Al Rawabi cows and increase their export efforts across the wider GCC region.

Khoder Nashar