UAE Minister of Environment & Water Officially Opens MENOPE 2014; Global Participation Increases

Media Release

•Expo to run between November 25 -27 at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre attracts over 125 companies from 25 countries across the world

•Region’s only show expected to attract over 5,000 visitors in three days

 

Dubai, 27 Nov 2014: H.E Dr. Rashid Ahmed Mohammed Bin Fahad, the UAE Minister of Environment & Water, today officially inaugurated the Middle East only niche expo for organic and natural products, MENOPE 2014, which will run from November 25 to November 27 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC).

 

The Middle East Natural and Organic Products Expo (MENOPE) which is in its 12th edition this year has attracted over 125 companies from more than 25 countries across the world and is expected to attract over 5,000 visitors from across the region.

 

H.E Dr. Rashid Ahmed Bin Fahad, UAE Minister of Environment & Water assured that the UAE government is keen to enhance food security, adding ministry’s efforts in strengthening food security in the country and promoting food safety and sustainability of the local production which comes as one of its strategic goals which will ensure environmental sustainability as a national responsibility by 2021.

 

He added that the MENOPE has become a leading platform for global and regional companies to enter Middle East market. The expo is a chance to overview the innovative solutions and technology used in productions while taking into consideration the natural resources and protection of the environment. This platform is also an opportunity to exchange experiences, by contributing to the strengthening of the role and efforts of scientific research in the organic sector locally, regionally and globally.

To ensure sustainable development while protecting the environment and strengthening the country’s position in the adoption of green initiative, the ministry is trying to raise awareness about organic products.

 

Estimates put the growth of the Middle East market for organic and natural products at a CAGR of 12-15 per cent. According to a Euromonitor study, the MENA market for organic products alone would be to the tune of US$120 million by 2017.

 

Over the last more than a decade, MENOPE has provided a salient platform for buyers and sellers to meet and prosper in the growing market of Middle East. The show has opened significant opportunity for global companies to access the rapidly growing Middle East market.

 

 

The exhibition is also supported by International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) in addition to the participation of many governmental authorities like Dubai Municipality, Ministry of Agriculture of Saudi Arabia and Malaysia, Saudi Organic Farming Association, Department of Ayush, Ministry of Health, Govt. of India in addition to many international participants.

 

Eng. Nadim Al Fuqaha, Managing Director Global Links, organisers of the expo, said: “This MENOPE has attracted a larger contingent of global participation a significant indication of its appeal among global companies keen to enter and expand in the Middle East market, one of the world’s fastest growing market for organic and natural products.”

 

He said out of the 125 companies 75 were from countries across the world. The expo is supported by the UAE Ministry of Environment and Water.

 

“The organic and natural products movement in the Middle East is now very diversified and it embraces the need for a sustainable lifestyle. The product categories in this segment have expanded to include cosmetic, beauty and lifestyle products as well, which in itself is a huge market,” Eng. Fuqaha added.

 

It is worth mentioning that the exhibition’s growth has been in tandem with the industry growth in the MENA market, known to be growing at a faster pace than the global average. In the last decade, CAGR of organic and natural products industry has been in the range of 12-15 per cent, thanks to the heightened awareness on good, natural health and a lifestyle that is sustainable.

 

MENOPE 2014 will showcase a variety of products spanning across Herbals and Spices, Food & Beverages, Cereal Products, Supplements, Health Care products, Natural Living, Natural Cosmetics, Healing Products, Natural remedies, Traditional Medicines, Spas, Relaxation facilities, Pet products and Fabrics.