The Vice President of the UAE, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has directed the establishment of the "Food, Vegetables, and Fruits Market," which will be the largest market for food and produce in the world. This initiative aligns with the emirate's strategies to enhance investment and economic opportunities, contributing to the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to double the size of the emirate's economy and establish it as one of the top three economic cities by 2033, while also improving the quality of life for Dubai residents and enhancing the emirate's attractiveness and livability.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum stated, "Today, we launched our plan to develop the largest logistics area in the world for the trade of food and produce. We are expanding and doubling the area of the existing market to support our economic agenda and create larger commercial and investment opportunities. We have tasked Dubai Ports World with managing, operating, and developing the market and connecting it with global markets."
He added, "Dubai, with its strategic location and advanced facilities, represents a commercial and investment hub that attracts major companies. Work will increase in the upcoming period to enhance the emirate's role in creating investment opportunities for global companies, making Dubai a destination for markets and export and re-export operations across various sectors to maximize economic opportunities for investors in this field."
### Partnership for Market Creation and Management
In response to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's directives and under the oversight of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council, Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Finance, and Deputy Chairman of the Executive Council witnessed the signing of a partnership agreement between Dubai Municipality and Dubai Ports World to create and manage the "Food, Vegetables, and Fruits Market," which will be the largest of its kind in the world. The agreement was signed by Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman of Dubai Ports World, and Dawood Al Hajri, Director General of Dubai Municipality.
Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum confirmed that "Dubai is advancing with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum towards establishing new successes in achieving its ambitious economic agenda to rank among the top three economic cities in the world by 2033. The economic model of Dubai has become a benchmark for its flexibility and efficiency and its capacity to ensure sustainable growth, which increases the emirate's global attractiveness for investment opportunities."
He stated, "The new project will create new economic opportunities and provide a better investment environment in this vital food sector, supporting the vision of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33."
### Connecting Regional and Global Markets
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman of Dubai Ports World, remarked that Dubai is a global model for generating investment opportunities and connecting regional and international markets in various sectors of trade. He pointed out that the establishment of the world's largest "Food, Vegetables, and Fruits Market" will solidify robust foundations for trade in this area across regional and global markets, especially through the logistical and financing solutions that will be provided through the operation of this market, to expand trade arms regionally and globally.
The developmental plan for this market includes the provision of advanced infrastructure, extensive cold storage facilities meeting the latest specifications and standards compatible with the operational requirements of this vital sector, in addition to ample loading and unloading areas that facilitate smooth traffic flow within the market and its surrounding roads.
He emphasized that this market will support the UAE's food security strategy and meet the growing needs of the community, both citizens and residents, enhancing sector growth rates and attracting various investors to this market.
The market will also serve as a unified commercial window for all procedures and the journey of customers seamlessly, with integrated logistical solutions and cooling systems.
He added, "Due to its strategic location, Dubai has become a global market for food trade, especially vegetables and fruits, and this sector is witnessing increasing growth, both in the local market and through exports, which indicates a vast amount of opportunities that can be leveraged through the strategic projects that Dubai continues to develop. The establishment of the food market and its expansion, along with the launch of its pioneering solutions, will collectively serve as a strong driver to maximize the benefits from growth in this sector to achieve Dubai's economic doubling targets."
### Enhancing Dubai's Commercial Position
For his part, Dawood Al Hajri, Director General of Dubai Municipality, noted that the agreement for the creation and management of the "Food, Vegetables, and Fruits Market" comes as part of the continuous cooperation among various entities to enhance Dubai's competitiveness and its attractiveness for investment, living, and working. This agreement reflects Dubai's approach to developing markets to enhance the quality of life for Dubai's community and solidify the emirate's position as an international commercial center, providing innovative solutions to enhance investment opportunities and open avenues for new business while doubling trade volume.
Al Hajri added that the target of this agreement, through which the "Food, Vegetables, and Fruits Market" is entrusted to Dubai Ports World, is to provide leading logistical and financial solutions for companies and traders in this growing market, which will establish new foundations for doubling the growth of Dubai's economy and trade and enhance its attractiveness for investment.