The Thai Food Festival 2024, a prestigious event aimed at enhancing the appreciation and visibility of authentic Thai cuisine and cultural offerings in the UAE, kicked off successfully on Friday. Organized by the Thai Trade Center in Dubai, the Department of International Trade Promotion, Al Rabia Al Daim Food & Beverages Trading, and Choithrams Supermarket, the festival, themed "Think Food, Think Thailand," runs until Saturday, September 22.
Taking place across all 19 Choithrams Supermarket branches in the UAE, the festival features cooking demonstrations by renowned Thai SELECT-certified chefs, tastings of authentic Thai dishes, and information on the health benefits of various Thai ingredients. Consumers can also purchase high-quality Thai food products at special promotional prices, allowing them to bring the enchanting flavors of Thailand into their homes.
As global demographics shift and the world population grows from 8 billion to an estimated 10 billion by 2050, the food industry must adapt to meet increasing demand. The UAE government has been proactive in ensuring food security and resilience in the face of potential shortages. Thailand's agricultural diversity and cutting-edge food processing innovations place it at the forefront of this critical sector, earning it the title of “the Kitchen of the World.” Major exports like rice, vegetables, fruits, and cassava underscore Thailand's significance as a global food supplier.
“There is a remarkable synergy between global food security and the exceptional quality of Thai food products,” said Sorayut Chasombat, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to the UAE. Thailand’s robust food policy has positioned it as the 15th-largest food exporter worldwide, with an export value of 1.36 trillion Thai baht (Dh149 billion) in 2022, a substantial 22.7 percent increase from the previous year.
Through its Department of International Trade Promotion, the Thai government seeks to advance Thai culinary arts as a form of soft power, sharing the vibrant flavors and rich cultural heritage of Thailand with the UAE and the global community. “We invite everyone to embrace this journey at the Thai Food Festival 2024,” said Pitichai Ratananaka, Executive Director of the Thai Trade Center in Dubai.
The festival is dedicated to significantly increasing consumer interest and fostering growing demand for Thai cuisine and beverages in the UAE. It also aims to raise awareness of the wide array of Thai food and beverage products available in local supermarkets while promoting Thai culinary offerings to a broader audience, enriching their understanding and appreciation of Thai culture.
