Virtual F&B Networking Hub by SIAL Middle East to take place November 23
ADNEC Group, part of ADQ, in collaboration with Comexposium, one of the world’s leading event organizers, have developed a one-day event that will bring together C-suite executives from the United Arab Emirates (USE) and abroad to a virtual gathering on November 23, 2020. The event, titled F&B Networking Hub by SIAL Middle East – E-summit & Meetings, organized in conjunction with the Abu Dhabi Date Palm Virtual Platform, held under the supervision of the Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation, will enable entities working in the food, beverage, hospitality, and date palm production industries to continue to meet, engage, and do business.
The format of this year’s event comes in response to the impact of the global outbreak of COVID-19. ADNEC has specifically developed the format of the event in response to ongoing international travel restrictions. The event will include talks and meetings being held virtually, in order to adhere to ongoing health and safety measures implemented to mitigate transmission of COVID-19.
In 2020, the virtual event will include live sessions for industry leaders focused on the challenges which the food and beverage sector and date palm production will face after the pandemic over the upcoming 24 months. In particular, discussions will focus on current strategies and policies required to maintain national effort toward the National Food Security Strategy 2051.
The virtual event comes as ADNEC Group and Comexposium have decided to postpone the 11th edition of SIAL ME, which was due to take place from September 8 to 10, 2020. SIAL ME is an international exhibition which delivers a high level of economic impact. However, ADNEC has been in touch with exhibitors, partners, and suppliers to provide them with support in making this decision. The 11th edition of SIAL ME and the 15th edition of Abu Dhabi Date Palm Exhibition will return on September 7 to 9, 2021.
His Excellency Saeed Al Bahri Salem Al Ameri, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA), said: “As the world emerges from the impact of COVID-19, it is of national importance for representatives of the agriculture industries to continue to focus on the National Food Security Strategy 2051. The 38 initiatives and programmes contained within the strategy help implement rigorous farming and livestock management procedures which secure our national food security.
In that context, it is critical for representatives of the global food, beverage, and hospitality industries to come together and collaborate on how the UAE can continue to forge ahead in our significant work of securing our national food security. Thanks to the innovative and ground-breaking work undertaken by ADNEC to develop this unique meeting format, the global industry is able to come together in a collaborative effort to ensure that global food security is maintained for all. ADAFSA is proud to work with our partners in ADNEC and Comexposium to accomplish this event.”
Speaking on the decision to host a virtual event, Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and Group CEO at ADNEC Group, said: “The safety of our partners comes as our foremost and forefront priority. Our commitment to our partners and our stakeholders has led us to developing this unique meeting format that enables global co-operation in the food, beverage, and hospitality sectors while recognizing the impacts of COVID-19 on individual’s capabilities to travel. As such, we are pleased to launch the virtual event, in collaboration with our partners, Comexposium that will host some of the world top decision makers in this vital sector."
Al Dhaheri confirmed that ADNEC’s strategic investments in its technological infrastructure, innovative approach, and the flexible capabilities of its venue spaces, enabled it to still find a way for representatives of the industry to come together, during this critical time.
“We play a pivotal role in empowering our partners and stakeholders in these sectors by organizing this event, allowing them to continue to perform business following the impacts of COVID-19, and help to fulfil one of our strategic objectives to transfer knowledge and expertise to the UAE,” he said.
“SIAL ME is one of the most significant exhibitions that takes place on our calendar annually, given our commitment to furthering the National Food Security Strategy of the UAE. Our leadership has made sound investments in implementing rigorous practices throughout the UAE’s food and agricultural industries, and events such as SIAL ME help further development in this globally vital sector. As such, we are proud to present this virtual event, and ensure that the food, beverage, and hospitality sector can continue to flourish both here in the UAE and across the globe," Al Dhaheri continued.
H.E. Dr. Abdeloahhab Zaid, Secretary General of the Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation, said: “Organizing the Abu Dhabi Date Palm Exhibition (Virtual Platform) 2020 arises from the co-operation between the General Secretariat of the Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation and the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company, alongside additional partners organizing this important event. The Abu Dhabi Date Palm Exhibition is a highly prominent event in the food, beverage, and hospitality industry, held in parallel with the SIAL Middle East exhibition.
Following the challenges which have arisen from the outbreak of COVID-19, it is critical to facilitate communication between producers and manufacturers of the date palm in the Arab region. Major traders and investors across the world need to collaborate to secure their value chain and enhance food security measures, at both the national and international levels.”
He added: “The general secretariat of the award is keen to fulfil the vision of the United Arab Emirate’s leadership in enhancing food security through the date palm. The fruit’s properties enable long-term strategic storage, a key principle of food security which provides security and social stability in the long run.”
Speaking on behalf of Comexposium Group, Nicolas Trentesaux, CEO SIAL Global Network, said: “At SIAL, our aim is to help businesses recover quickly and contribute to rekindling agri-food trade. The 9 Shows of the SIAL Network have held extensive discussions with exhibitors and partners to seek for the best approach in light of the global spread of COVID-19. They are scrupulously preparing in an effort to accommodate all its participants safely.
Under the Sial ME brand, I am convinced that both the virtual format of this year event on 23rd November and the 11th edition of SIAL ME from 7 to 9 September 2021 will offer unique opportunities to connect our communities and support the food and beverage industry during this complex and challenging period.”
SIAL ME is co-organized by ADNEC, in collaboration with Comexposium and under strategic partnership of The Abu Dhabi Agriculture & Food Safety Authority. By attracting elite food companies, major food suppliers, and investors from all over the world, SIAL ME contributes to strengthening the UAE’s efforts to consolidate food security systems and opens up new and innovative food industries for future growth.
