Fund showcases financial and non-financial services for high-value Emirati projects with significant economic contributions

Abu Dhabi, 10 December 2019: As part of its efforts to promote entrepreneurship in the UAE, the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development (KFED) has joined the ongoing 10th edition of SIAL Middle East at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. Being held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Presidential Affairs and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA), the event, which features top local and international food and hospitality companies, will run until December 11, 2019.

During the event, KFED has been engaging with young Emirati entrepreneurs to discuss its financial and non-financial programs designed to boost their innovative projects with significant economic contributions. The Fund is also showcasing the financing, training and consultancy services that it provides to national startups and local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) before an audience of more than 20,000 visitors, experts, and stakeholders. Through this year’s edition, the Fund said it targets to reach more local entrepreneurs in the food and beverage (F&B) and hospitality sectors.

Mouza Al Nasri, Acting Chief Executive Officer, KFED, said: “SIAL Middle East is an ideal platform for all stakeholders to introduce their latest products, services and innovations in the F&B and hospitality industries. Our participation this year shows that we are keen to continuously support entrepreneurship in the UAE and encourage local citizens to try the freelancing route. Taking part in the event reflects our intensified efforts to enhance the role of local SMEs across strategic industries.”

Al Nasri added that the exhibition is an excellent opportunity to communicate with F&B entrepreneurs, showcase the Fund’s programs and services, instill a culture of innovation and creativity among young people and encourage them to start their projects within this sector, which is crucial to the UAE economy.

She further stressed that building a thriving environment for entrepreneurs and freelancers will create a positive impact on the country’s socio-economic development. She added that the prestigious SIAL Middle East serves as a regionally and globally prominent platform for F&B and hospitality companies to explore valuable business and investment opportunities. The event will also give out awards apart from hosting workshops and meetings.  

ADAFSA-supported SIAL Middle East 2019 has opened its doors amid food security challenges facing the MENA region. The ongoing exhibition aims to contribute to the diversification of food supply sources in the region and find more sustainable food production and processing solutions. Building on last year’s success, the 2019 edition features a wide spectrum of food and hospitality events and activities.