Retail & Manufacturing

The Restaurant Show Middle East – F&B Event Concludes in Dubai

The Restaurant Show Middle East is the region’s only dedicated event for restaurants, cafés and F&B outlets. The event provides an effective platform for owners, operators and professionals in restaurants, hotels and hospitality sector in the Middle East and North Africa region to showcase their products and services to the target audience.

Dubai – The 2nd edition of ‘The Restaurant Show Middle East’ concluded at ‘The Address – Dubai Marina’ on 15th April 2018. The two day event oversaw participation of 3,000 members and approximately 60 brands and exhibitors across 15 countries in the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region. The event played an important role in gathering stakeholders from the restaurant building, designing, furnishing, equipping and technology sectors to meet, connect and exchange the knowledge of the Food & Beverage (F&B) industry.

Restaurant Show Middle East – Event Highlights

The event was inaugurated by Ms. Noura Abdulla Al Shamsi, Head of Food Permits Section, Dubai Municipality. Several workshops were held during the two day event, focusing on restaurant leadership and management. The latest techniques on effective implementation of best practices in a restaurant and other procedures to improve their skills in running the business were discussed in the conference.

Some of the other major topics covered in the event were:

• Challenges and Opportunities in the Middle East F&B Service Sector
• Expanding and Franchising F&B brand Locally and Internationally
• Restaurant Building and Design
• Restaurant Management
• Innovations in the Food-Service Sector
• Marketing Restaurants and F&B Outlets

The latest technologies and best practices followed by the market leaders were also discussed in the event. Technology companies such as “Foodics” and “Mobikon” displayed their latest POS (Point of Sale) solution that provided an integrated system to maintain inventory, schedule employees, maintain the loyalty program and e-Commerce at the same time. Interior designers such as “4 Space” displayed their latest restaurant designs and innovations.

The overall event was highly successful as it provided the decision makers in the industry to network, learn and gain insights on best practices to be followed to reaffirm their position as a market leader in the target sector.

F&B Sector Investment Opportunities in UAE & Dubai

The Food & Beverage (F&B) sector is one of the fastest growing sectors in UAE with an estimated value of Dh 47 Billion in 2017. The F&B sector is expected to further grow by 4 per cent annually, creating opportunities for growth in next 5-10 years.

One of the major contributors of growth is Dubai, which accounts for 43 per cent market share of UAE’s F&B sector. The current value of Dubai’s F&B sector is valued at Dh 18 billion nad has a growth rate of 10%.With nearly 10,000 restaurants in Dubai, the sector is expected to further grow because of the major F&B events such as “Gulf Food” and “Restaurant show Middle East”.

According to a report published by KPMG, healthy food options is the most trending segment in the F&B sector with 53% of the consumers preferring healthier food options. Other two major trending segments are Fine dining and Food Courts. The highly diverse and young demographics, per-capita income of Dubai (Dh 175,000) growing tourism and expanding economic infrastructure provide ideal opportunities for investment in restaurants, cafes and F&B outlets in Dubai.

Research Konnection – Market Research, Feasibility Study & Business Plan Services Dubai (UAE) Research Konnection is a market research company in Dubai that assists local and international companies to setup or expand businesses in Dubai and UAE smoothly. At Research Konnection, we specialize in Market Research, Feasibility Studies and Business Plan Developments. Feel free to reach out to us on hello@researchkonnection.com

Dubai Food Festival 2018 Promotes Dubai As An Emerging Culinary Destination Globally

Another successful season of Dubai Food Festival 2018 was hosted at Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre (DICEC) from 22 February to 10 March 2018. The festival organized by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), an agency of Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) aimed to celebrate the diversity of Dubai’s culinary scene. Recently concluded, DFF 2018 served as a unique platform to promote and enhance Dubai’s reputation as an emerging gastronomic destination globally.

The festival provided both residents and visitors numerous opportunities to discover Dubai’s culinary offering which was influenced by traditional Emirati cuisine and the cooking traditions of more than 200 nationalities that reside in the Emirate.

DFF 2018 – Key Highlights

The 17-day festival featured a lineup of events and activities which included ; The Dubai Restaurant Week, Dubai Long Table, Dine with the Stars, Dubai Street Food Award, Thai Street Food Festival and the Etisalat Beach Canteen. Hidden Gems returns as part of Dubai Food Festival 2018 to shed light on the less known authentic ethnic eats in the Emirate.

In addition, the festival offered a series of masterclasses with international and local inspiring chefs, along with a panorama of family-oriented food and entertainment activities.

Many more unique exceptional gastronomic experiences were a highlight for the festival visitors, including Cafe Society: Beat the Chef Competition, Dubai International Kite Fest as well as annual favourite ‘the Taste of Dubai’.

In line with Dubai Tourism Vision 2020, DFF 2018 served as a unique platform to demonstrate Dubai’s fast growing food and restaurant sector, as well as an excellent opportunity to share UAE cuisine and hospitality with visitors from all over the world.

Investment Opportunities – Dubai & UAE’s Food and Tourism Sectors

The Middle East is one of the fastest growing food and beverage sector (F&B) markets in the world. The UAE’s F&B market share alone is expected to reach Dh 48.5 billion (US $13.2 billion) by 2018, according to the food experts. UAE which has the strongest economy in the region is increasingly seen as a lucrative market by international F&B brands and manufacturers. This growth is foreseen to provide global F&B players with excellent investment opportunities in the Dubai & UAE’s
F&B sector.

Similarly, the outlook for the Dubai & UAE’s travel and tourism industry looks bright. In fact, Dubai is among the most promising markets in terms of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) with investment in the travel and tourism sector amounting to be AED 26.2 billion (USD $7.1 billion) in 2017 and estimated to increase by 11 per cent 2018. Dubai’s efforts at diversification, coupled with preparations for the upcoming Dubai EXPO 2020 are likely to further boost tourism investments in the Emirate.

Research Konnection – Market Research, Feasibility Study & Business Plan Services Dubai (UAE) Research Konnection is a market research company in Dubai that assists local and international companies to setup or expand businesses in Dubai and UAE smoothly. At Research Konnection, we specialize in Market Research, Feasibility Studies and Business Plan Developments. Feel free to reach out to us on hello@researchkonnection.com

Nakheel’s Dh 6 Billion Deira Mall to be the biggest in Middle East

Recently Nakheel Properties announced Deira Mall which is set to be built in the Deira Islands Dubai (UAE). The mall will be the biggest mall in the entire MENA region when completed and will be built with a total estimated value of Dh 6 billion.

Deira Mall will consist 4.5 million Sq. Ft of leasable shopping space and will have more than 1,000 shopping outlets, restaurants and entertainment facilities. Furthermore, the mall will consist of 4.5 million Sq. Ft. of Gross Leasable Area (GLA) surpassing the GLA of Dubai Mall (3.77 million Sq. Ft). Additionally, resorts and water park projects will also be built alongside Deira Mall project to enhance its attractiveness.

UAE & Dubai – Retail Sector Growth

With the rising consumer spending power of residents and the increasing flux of tourists to the Dubai and UAE, the country’s retail sector is regarded as one of the fastest growing sectors. Dubai in particular is the major contributor to the UAE’s retail sector with more than 49 per cent of the retail stock held by the Emirate.

According to Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the total consumer spending for the year 2017 was estimated at Dh 723 billion which is expected to reach Dh 958 billion by 2021, growing at a CAGR of 7.5 per cent. Experts believe that Dubai’s retail sector has great potential to further grow in the future.

Dubai – Major Upcoming Retail Outlets

The strong demand for Dubai retail sector will continue to fuel the increase in the number of retail outlets in the Emirate. A number of major retail outlet projects are under way in the Emirate including:

• Cityland Mall – 1.13 million Sq. Ft. (Operational – Q2 2018)
• The Meydan One Mall – 6 million Sq. Ft.  (Expected completion – 2021)
• Avenue Malls – 861,113 Sq. Ft. (Expected completion 2020)

Investment Opportunities in Dubai’s Retail Sector

Despite the implementation of Value Added Tax (VAT), the retail sector in Dubai is set to see an increase of 3 per cent by 2018. When completed, Deira Mall will be one of the major malls in Dubai, along with The Mall of Emirates, Ibn Battuta Mall and the Dubai Mall. The resorts, water parks and the real estate developments alongside the Deira Island will further improve mall footfall. As Dubai prepares to welcome 25 million visitors for the EXPO 2020 event, Dubai’s retail sector will continue to remain attractive, providing great opportunities for future investment.

Research Konnection – Market Research, Feasibility Study & Business Plan Services Dubai (UAE) Research Konnection is a market research company in Dubai that assists local and international companies to setup or expand businesses in Dubai and UAE smoothly. At Research Konnection, we specialize in Market Research, Feasibility Studies and Business Plan Developments. Feel free to reach out to us on hello@researchkonnection.com

Gulfood 2018 Underlines Dubai’s Lead Role in Global Food Industry

Touted to be the largest Food & Beverage (F&B) event globally, the 23rd edition of Gulfood concluded on a positive note in Dubai (UAE). ‘Innovation’ was the official theme of the 23rd edition of Gulfood, where F&B professionals unveiled the latest trends and innovations in the ever-evolving F&B sector.

According to experts, Gulfood 2018 will contribute significantly to the growth of a regional and global food market, generating revenues of Dh 11 trillion by 2020. Gulfood 2018 not only provided a platform where the global F&B community discovered new products innovations but also facilitated new business opportunities, sourced the best products along with staying up to date with the latest trends and insights that are shaping the future of food and beverage consumption worldwide.

Gulfood 2018 Dubai – Key Highlights

• Over 97,000 visitors from about 185 countries
• Exhibitors from 120 country showcased food products and services
• More than 5,000 local, regional and international companies participated including first-time participants from Estonia, Serbia and Slovakia
• Products across eight of the biggest commodity trading sectors, which includes but not limited to Beverages, Dairy, Fats & Oils, Health, Wellness, Pulses, Grains, Cereals, Meat & Poultry were exhibited
• Dubai & UAE’s food consumption is expected to expand to 59 million tonnes by 2025

Gulfood Startup Competition

For the first time, Gulfood 2018 organized the Gulfood Start-up Competition, which was designed to drive further innovation in the food and beverage supply chain. Gulfood Start-up competition enabled food entrepreneurs from across the Middle East to connect with the region’s leading food technology buyers and investors.

Gulfood Significance to Dubai, UAE & Arab World

In recent years, due to a rising consumer base (UAE population – 9.6 million) and growth in income, Dubai & UAE’s food consumption is expected to expand to 59 million tonnes by 2025. This growth in demand is foreseen to provide global F&B players with excellent investment opportunities in the Dubai & UAE’s food sector.

The brightening outlook for the country’s F&B industry will certainly consolidate Dubai and UAE’s status as a regional hub for trade and commerce and a major manufacturing, processing and food re-exporting center in the Middle East & North Africa (MENA) region.

Latest F&B Trends in Dubai & UAE (2018)

One trend seen across the Dubai and UAE is growing interest in organic foods and products, as UAE residents are getting health conscious. The shift toward natural and organic products in Dubai and UAE has gained prominence in the past few years as consumers have become more keen towards adapting a healthier diet and lifestyle.

At the 2018 Gulfood event, many of the major F&B industry representatives echoed the health theme to meet the regional and local consumer demand for healthier and more authentic food products and ingredients. It should be noted that Dubai and UAE consumers are increasingly driven to try new cuisines and unique flavors.

Health and innovation credentials form the basis of new product development in Gulfood Innovation Awards 2018. From Vegan ice-cream made with olive oil to Lizi’s Organic Granola, this year’s winners came up with recipes that delivered nutrition and flavour.

UAE’s e-Commerce Industry – 2018

Convenience is also at the forefront of Gulfood 2018, with Dubai and UAE residents increasingly searching for e-Commerce websites/portals to deliver food packages to their homes/offices. This has encouraged many to invest in UAE’s e-Commerce industry setting up online portals to service consumers. According to experts, UAE’s e-Commerce industry is estimated to value at Dh 37 billion in 2018. In terms of packaging, a growing demand for smaller sizes was also observed.

Investment Opportunities – Dubai & UAE’s F&B Industry

The Middle East is one of the fastest growing F&B markets in the world. The UAE’s F&B market share alone is expected to reach Dh 48.5 billion by 2018, according to KPMG. Middle East is increasingly seen as a lucrative market by international F&B brands and manufacturers. In this context, Gulfood continues to attract exhibitors and visitors to Dubai, generating significant transactional volumes every year and setting global food prices. Gulfood 2018 was the biggest in record, which will consolidate Dubai’s lead role in setting the global food agenda.

Research Konnection – Market Research, Feasibility Study & Business Plan Services Dubai (UAE) Research Konnection is a market research company in Dubai that assists local and international companies to setup or expand businesses in Dubai and UAE smoothly. At Research Konnection, we specialize in Market Research, Feasibility Studies and Business Plan Developments. Feel free to reach out to us on hello@researchkonnection.com