The opening of the UAE market to Israeli agricultural produce comes weeks after the two countries signed the historic Abraham Accords to undertake reciprocal initiatives to establish diplomatic and business links, promote investment and tourism and launch direct flights.
The Fresh Market in Dubai’s Ras Al Khor area, opened the first-ever display of Israeli produce on Saturday, November 14.
Operated by the Dubai Municipality, the Fresh Market is located on Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed road, near Dragon Mart. The event organised to mark the introduction of Israeli products into the market was attended by Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, group chairman and CEO of DP World, and Essa Abdul Rahman Al Hashemi, head at the Food Security Office, the Prime Minister’s Office, among other senior officials.
Also in attendance was Shlomi Fogel, chairman of Carmel Agrexco. “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,” said Fogel. “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 added that Carmel Agrexco intends to invest in agricultural farms in the UAE, and incorporate the latest innovations in agro-technology. Israel is helping the UAE increase its food security in two ways: by helping it diversify its sources of food imports and by helping the UAE improve its own agriculture yields.
Read the full article here. Comment on it on The BFD.
