More than 750 CEOs and representatives from over 70 countries will gather for discussions and collaborations on food systems at the upcoming Future Food Forum in Dubai, coinciding with a UAE sector expansion effort worth AED40 billion ($10.89 billion).
Under the auspices of the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism, the Future Food Forum is back for its 8th edition on September 29 and 30 at Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre.
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Organized by the UAE Food & Beverage Business Group (FBMG) along with the UAE Food Cluster, the forum gathers key decision-makers from the UAE food value chain as the country progresses toward its National Food Security Strategy 2051. The forum this year will emphasize the collaborations, technologies, and supply chain advancements required to enhance food resilience and ensure long-term security.
During the forum, the UAE Food Cluster, in collaboration with GS1, will unveil the National Food Catalogue, promoting effective standardization, traceability, and cooperation within the UAE food ecosystem. The forum will reveal national initiatives and collaborations aimed at enhancing productivity, competitiveness, and market access throughout the UAE's food industry. This involves a collaboration between the UAE Food Cluster and Majra, the National CSR Fund of the UAE, aimed at assisting smaller producers in growing and accessing larger markets.
This year’s version will also unveil NextGen Founders, supported by Nestlé, Sheraa, Majra, and the UAE Food Cluster, to offer new food entrepreneurs mentorship, training, and market visibility as they establish and expand their businesses.
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The event will conclude with the Cluster Champion Awards, honoring organizations that have excelled in vital sectors of the UAE food ecosystem, such as innovation, sustainability, market growth and trade, food safety, talent enhancement, operational resilience, and collaboration within the industry.
The Future Food Forum is organized by Food Tech Valley, in collaboration with Dubai Economy and Tourism; Founding Partners are Nestle and IFFCO; Platinum Partners consist of PepsiCo, Al Islami Foods, Tilda, and Almarai; the Supply Chain Partner is Abu Dhabi Food Hub; DP World serves as the Trade Enabling Partner. Strategic Partners consist of National CSR Fund Majra, Ne’ma, and ICCA. APCO serves as the Strategic Communication Partner for the event.
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Saleh Lootah, Chairman, UAE Food Cluster and UAE Food and Beverages Manufacturers Group, commented: “As populations grow, trade dynamics evolve and pressure on natural resources increases, strong local capabilities and better-connected supply chains are critical to national resilience and long-term prosperity. The initiatives announced at Future Food Forum 2026, from digital infrastructure and traceability tools to partnerships that support entrepreneurs, reflect the UAE’s commitment to building a more productive, resilient and future-ready food ecosystem.”