Dubai: The Fresh Market in Dubai’s Ras Al Khor area run by Dubai Municipality opened the first-ever display of Israeli produce on Saturday.
Located on Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed road, near Dragon Mart, the Fresh Market has played a key role in raising Dubai’s position as a regional hub for the trading and sale of local and imported produce.
The event was also attended by Shlomi Fogel, Chairman of Carmel Agrexco, one of Israel’s largest exporters of agricultural produce. “We are excited to be part of the growing ties between Israel and the UAE. Together with our colleagues in Dubai, we are beginning to see the ‘fruits of peace’ today.
“The export of fresh agricultural products from Israel to the UAE market has a significant advantage because of the geographical closeness and the speed with which the products can be transported directly to markets in the UAE and beyond. Within few hours of picking, the fresh produce can reach points of sale. It’s a fact that Israeli agriculture is highly advanced and we are confident that everyone will enjoy our produce,” Fogel said.
Who attended
According to Dubai Media office press release on Saturday, the opening event was attended by Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World; Essa Abdul Rahman Al Hashemi, Head at the Food Security Office, the Prime Minister’s Office; Mohammed Al Dhanhani, Director of Agricultural Development and Health at the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE); Adel Sayed Al Hashemi, Director of the Dubai Zone at MOCCAE; Mohammed Al Muallem, CEO & Managing Director, DP World — UAE Region; Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, Director General of Dubai Customs; Khalid Mohammed Sharif Al Awadhi, CEO of Dubai Municipality’s Health, Safety and Environment Sector, and other UAE officials.
Reciprocal initiatives
The UAE and Israel have agreed to undertake reciprocal initiatives to establish diplomatic and business links, promote investment and tourism and launch direct flights connecting the two countries. The introduction of Israeli produce adds to Dubai’s drive to diversify the sources of imported produce in the UAE.
Fogel added that Carmel Agrexco intends to invest in agricultural farms in the UAE, incorporating the latest innovations in agro-technology.
