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Gulfood 2021 – Opening New Trade Opportunities in UAE’s F&B Industry The recently concluded Gulfood 2021 event in Dubai was one of the world’s largest Food and Bever…

Gulfood 2021 – Reviving UAE’s Food & Beverage Industry

The Gulfood 2021 kicked off in Dubai on February 21st, after a year of restrictions on the global Food & Beverage (F&B) industry. The return of UAE’s leading trade event has allowed F&B industry professionals to reconnect following the lack of in-person business opportunities in 2020. With a diverse exhibitors and several major F&B players, the exhibition provided thought-provoking conversations between influential chefs, food scientists, government officials and industry leaders. Some of the topics of discussions included the growing Kosher sector in the UAE, TikTok, food waste, retail disruption, tourism and much more.

Food & Beverage Industry Market Overview – Dubai & UAE

With Dubai being one of the first city to control and open up during the COVID19 pandemic and its efforts in cementing its position as a strategic re-export hub in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region, the F&B sector is expected to witness a further growth in the years to come. In addition, the overall expenditure on F&B products in the UAE is estimated to increase by 7% on an annual basis from AED 136 billion (USD 37 billion) in 2020 to AED 150 billion (USD 41 billion) by the end of 2025.

Major Trends – Food & Beverage Operations in UAE

Change in Business Model – Food Delivery Service Providers 

As the UAE and the region recovers from the pandemic, it has significantly changed the dynamics of UAE’s F&B sector, particularly of Dubai. One of the major trends witnessed since the pandemic is the increase in food delivery services such as Talabat, Zomato and Careem in UAE. They gained immense popularity during the pandemic where deliveries grew as a result of health and safety precautions. The food delivery service providers are also innovating their business model, to better serve the F&B operators. Careem, changed its commission-based model to monthly subscriptions, which has seen an increasing reception for the same.

Cloud Kitchens Concept on Rise in UAE

The F&B operators are also increasingly moving to shared cloud kitchens as compared to the traditional on-site ones, and are now looking towards managed kitchens. Facilities in which both cooking, and delivery are fully outsourced will allow businesses to focus more on brand, concept, and consumer demands while eliminating the need to spend significant sums on allocation decisions.

Kosher Food in UAE

One of the major topics of discussion during the event was the introduction of Kosher certified food products and how it could emerge as the fastest growing food category in the UAE, reaping the full dividend from the opening up of the UAE-Israel ties. The Israeli visitors at Gulfood stressed the importance for food businesses in the UAE to go Kosher if they want to serve and build good relationships with an entirely new audience of consumers from Israel. 

Read – Report on Investors Survey about UAE Business & Economy

Food & Beverage Business Investment Opportunities in Dubai & UAE

Despite a global economic slowdown because of the pandemic, the UAE continues to be one of the fastest-growing F&B sectors in the world. Events like Gulfood not only play a critical role in reviving local F&B industry but also solidifying Dubai and the UAE’s position as a major F&B destination across the globe. In addition, the recent UAE-Israeli ties, several investors, tourists and key influencers from Israel are expected to visit the Emirates in the next few years. Although the Kosher food is currently being imported, Kosher certified factories will soon be established in UAE. 

Research Konnection is a leading market research company in Dubai specializing in F&B industry market research, feasibility studies and business setups. Please feel free to reach out to us if you are planning to start or expand your food business in UAE.…

New waterfront shopping destination announced in Dubai

Nakheel Malls in partnership with DP World has announced to open Souk Al Marfa, a new waterfront shopping destination in Dubai’s Deira Islands in April 2021. The area of the shopping destination will extend to approximately 1.9 kms along the waterfront and will be in close proximity with Mina Rashid, Mina Al Hamriya and Deira Wharfage. 

The shopping destination can accommodate 2,500 shops and pavilions with facilities for shipping and logistics. Furthermore, Souk Al Marfa will provide several advantages for the business owners including 100% foreign ownership, repatriation of capital and profit, no restrictions on currency movement, logistical ease and amenities such as warehousing, office space, showrooms and Food and Beverage (F&B) facilities.

Apart from offering affordable growth opportunities to traders with multiple benefits, the retail trading hub will operate for 365 days a year. This could promote Souk Al Marfa as one of the major, diverse and large-scale shopping destinations in UAE. The Souk Al Marfa waterfront aims to become a world-class destination for living, tourism, retail and leisure.

Dubai – Retail Market Outlook

The wholesale and retail market of Dubai contributes to more than 25% of the total GDP, with its value estimated at AED 95 billion (USD 25.8 billion) during 2020. Although this was a decrease in the retail sector contribution when compared to the year 2019, primarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the initiatives taken by the government have recovered the market and the retail segment in Dubai is expected to grow at a rate of 10% on an annual basis.

Read: Investors are Positive about the UAE Economy

Dubai is popularly referred to as the world’s largest shopping and entertainment destination, as it offers a variety of shopping choices to its residents and tourists. Along with the EXPO 2020, which is to happen this year and the inauguration of Souk Al Marfa, Dubai will further elevate its position as a world-class shopping and travel destination.

Investment Destination in the Middle East

The UAE has positioned itself to become a leading destination hub in the MENA region for business and leisure. It has developed world-class infrastructure with quality airports, hotels, public facilities, and economic zones, which furthers its evolution as an international business destination. The Emirates recorded an exceptional year-to-year growth of FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) by 32%, with an estimated investment of AED 51.5 billion (USD 14 billion) for the year 2020.  The Citizenship reforms, 100% ownership opportunities of businesses, the EXPO 2020 which is to happen in UAE and the establishment of the new waterfront shopping destination will further attract FDIs and startups into the country, thereby creating an economic environment that is conducive for businesses and investments. Contact Research Konnection, one of the leading feasibility study companies in Dubai to assist you with market research, business planning and market entry in UAE.

Research Konnection is the best rated Market Research Company in Dubai assisting clients in business setups and expansion in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and UAE. At Research Konnection, we specialize in Market Feasibility Studies, Business Plan Development and Business Modeling. Feel free to reach out to us at hello@researchkonnection.com…

Investors are Positive and Confident about the UAE Economy

A survey conducted by Union Bank of Switzerland unveiled that more than 85% of the investors in the UAE have increasingly become confident and optimistic about the economic conditions in the region. Furthermore, half of the investors that were surveyed (51%) believed that life in the Middle East will return to normal before July 2021, while 49% believed that it will not happen until the second half of this year due to the Covid-19 Pandemic (63%), climate change (56%) and fear of a market downturn (55%).

Approximately 86% of the investors saw a clear value in sustainable investments in companies that incorporate social and environmental considerations in their operations and expected the same or even better returns from sustainable investments when compared to the traditional portfolios. Likewise, almost 9 out of 10 of the investors mentioned that they needed more expert financial advice than ever, in order to make better and informed business decision making. 

Overview of Foreign Direct Investments in UAE

Over the past few years, the UAE has taken several measures and introduced new laws to become a leading destination for FDI in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The year 2019 saw an increase in FDI by 32% reaching AED 47.5 billion (USD 13 billion) and AED 564 billion (USD 154 billion) in stocks. Despite a drop in FDI for the year 2020, the initiatives taken by the government are expected to boost the foreign investments up to 15% in the forthcoming years. 

Some of the key factors for the increase in FDI inflows apart from its political and economic stability are the government initiatives to diversify the economy, new laws in business ownership & Emirati citizenship, the increase in free zones and UAE’s increased FDI inflows is due to its foreign investment deregulation policies which have provided investors more financial incentives to set up or remain in the UAE. 

UAE – Attractive Destination for Investment

The UAE has positioned itself to become a leading destination hub in the MENA region for business and leisure. It has developed world-class infrastructure with quality airports, hotels, public facilities, and economic zones, which furthers its evolution as an international business destination. The Citizenship reforms, 100% ownership of businesses and the EXPO 2020 which is to happen in UAE, is expected to attract international entrepreneurs and investors to leverage the favorable business environment in the country especially in sectors such as Education, Consumer Goods, Food & Beverage (F&B), Healthcare & Fitness, Real Estate, Innovation & Technology and Professional Services. 

Contact Research Konnection, one of the leading market research companies in Dubai to assist you with market research, feasibility studies, business planning and market entry. …

Economic Impact of Dubai EXPO 2020 Event

Recently, the organizers of the EXPO 2020 event opened up the Thematic Pavilion inclusive of public places (dining area, gift shop & play area) before its official date in October 2021 while the Sustainability Pavilion which focuses on addressing the immediate environmental issues will be opened soon.

In line with EXPO 2020 vision to become one of the most sustainable World EXPO in history, UAE is focusing its efforts to Champion the Green development, which will be on preview at the Sustainability Pavilion with the objective finding solutions to most pressing environmental challenges such as climate change, education, digitalization and healthcare.

An Overview of EXPO 2020

The EXPO event aims to enable a meaningful, long-term business and economic growth in the MENA (Middle East & North Africa) region by offering a world of connections, inspiring multi-cultural exchanges and business partnerships that will help reinvigorate the economy of the UAE and the Gulf region. The mega event will make use of purpose-built 4.38 Sq Km. site and utilize cutting-edge smart-city technology such as ultra-fast 5G connectivity, robotics and next-generation urban environment transportation services. Coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the formation of UAE, Expo 2020 will continue to project the ambitious vision of the UAE, showcasing Dubai as a world’s leading city of the future.

Impact of Dubai EXPO 2020 on UAE Economy

Thanks to the various initiatives undertaken by the UAE government, the country’s economy is on a road to recovery from the COVID-19 outbreak. The upcoming EXPO 2020 is expected to further boost the current economic conditions, bringing it back on track to reach its long-term goals. International Monetary Funds (IMF) estimates that UAE GDP (Gross Domestic Product) will see an overall growth of 1.3% in 2021 and 2.2% during the year 2022. As other regional economies in the MENA region continue to struggle, UAE still remains an attractive place to invest. The country has not only opened borders for business and leisure but have also played a critical role in becoming a transit hub for travellers, placing it ahead of other countries globally. As a result, the UAE economy is expected to recover this year and the economic activity will gradually pick up especially during the second half of the year when the EXPO 2021 event will be held. 

Key Emerging Sectors – UAE

Some of the major sectors that will see an increase in business opportunities during 2021-22 are e-Commerce, Energy, Food & Beverage (F&B), Healthcare, Innovation, IT, Manufacturing and Retail. Similarly, the emerging sectors such as Communication Networks, Artificial Intelligence (Ai), Blockchain, 3D Printing and Machine-to-Machine Communication is expected to see an increase in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Dubai and UAE.

UAE is considered to be a leading global destination for FDI recording an exceptional year-to-year growth of 32%, with an estimated investment of AED 51.5 billion (USD 14 billion) for the year 2020. While attracting the FDIs to UAE, the government is also supporting the business activities of the SMEs (Small & Medium Size Entreprises). Going forward, UAE will focus on enhancing opportunities for advanced industries and critical sectors thereby showing its commitment towards creating an economic environment which is conducive for businesses and investments. 

Please do not hesitate to reach out to Research Konnection, a Leading Market Research Company in Dubai if you like to know more about the investment opportunities in UAE. 

Research Konnection assists local and international companies to set up or expand businesses in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and UAE. It is one of the best rated market research companies in Dubai specializing in Market Research, Market Entry & Feasibility Studies. Feel free to reach out to us on hello@researchkonnection.com…