KEZAD Group Boosts UAE Vision for Food Security via Wrld’s Largest Integrated Hub

By enhancing its integrated ecosystem and strengthening the food supply chain, Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi (KEZAD Group) is working to realize the UAE’s vision of becoming the world’s best in 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 attending the event.

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

KEZAD’s food sector ecosystem currently covers more than 7 million square meters (7.3 square kilometers), including 3.3 square kilometers dedicated to the Abu Dhabi Food Hub – KEZAD, with more than 40 global, regional, and local companies currently operating in the ecosystem.

Abdullah Al Hameli, CEO of 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, Founder of the Nation, to build a sustainable agricultural ecosystem to achieve ultimate food security. At KEZAD, we are fully aligned with this vision and have made great strides in supporting its realization as we move to secure food sources today and in the future. We will 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 of Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi – KEZAD Group, said: “In light of the vision of the wise leadership, KEZAD Group has taken several steps to enhance the food ecosystem through local and international cooperation and dialogue. We have also attracted investments and customers in new technologies to make Abu Dhabi the regional hub for food. Our Abu Dhabi Food Hub, in partnership 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 at Gulfood 2023, we are determined to enhance the value proposition of our food ecosystem and we invite everyone to visit our stand and see what we have to offer in terms of capabilities and opportunities to reach the world.”

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

Upcoming projects in KEZAD include an AED 110 million, 42,000 square meter facility by PRAN foods to produce locally and export throughout the Middle East and North Africa region, and a 2 million square meter facility with plans to expand by a further 3 million square meters for the establishment of an Al Rawabi dairy production facility. The dairy farm, which represents an investment of AED 650 million, will be home to 10,000 Al Rawabi cows and will enhance the company’s export efforts in the wider GCC region.