His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Presidential Affairs and Chairman of the Board of the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA), today opened the SIAL Middle East 2019 exhibition, which is being held in conjunction with the 5th session of the Abu Dhabi Date Palm Exhibition.  These are organised by the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) in co-operation with France’s COMEXPOSIUM Group.  

Touring the pavilions of the exhibiting countries and companies, His Highness was briefed on the innovative and specialised products and services in the food, beverage and hospitality sector.  

His Highness also attended the signing of 14 memoranda of understanding (MoU) between ADAFSA and a number of strategic establishments.  The MoUs are aimed at accommodating a group of Emiratis following their national service, and training them to manage these establishments.  

His Highness affirmed that the United Arab Emirates was inspired by the vision of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and worked under the guidance and support of the country’s wise leadership to adopt a unique development model that both achieves the goals of sustainable development in the food sector, and combines present and future requirements while preserving natural resources.  

His Highness stressed the importance to the UAE of its national food security strategy, which demands that we enhance joint regional and international co-operation to confront the challenges that affect global food security and the implications imposed by climate change.  

Confirming the UAE's keenness and commitment to supporting all efforts concerned with enhancing food security and food safety worldwide, His Highness highlighted the importance of SIAL Middle East 2019 and its accompanying exhibitions and events.