The Fresh Market in Dubai’s Ras Al Khor area today officially welcomed the first-ever Israeli produce display at the facility run by Dubai Municipality.
A ceremony was held at the whole sale and retail market, which represents Dubai’s leading position as a regional fruit and vegetable trading hub, in which thousands of tonnes of local and imported produce are sold daily. The market is located on the Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed road, near Dragon Mart.
The event marks another step following the normalisation of relations between the United Arab Emirates and Israel.
The two countries have agreed to undertake reciprocal activities establishing diplomatic and business links, promoting investment and tourism and the launch of direct flights connecting the two countries. The new addition gives a fresh dimension to the drive to diversify the sources of imported produce in the UAE.
The Israeli produce display 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.
It was also attended by Shlomi Fogel, Chairman of Carmel Agrexco, Israel’s first agriculture export company established in 1956.
Shlomi Fogel, Chairman of Carmel Agrexco, said: “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 the 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 while incorporating the latest innovations in agricultural technology.
About Carmel Agrexco:
Carmel Agrexco, owned by Ampa Group, is an Israeli exporter of agricultural products since 1956.
Working side-by-side with farmers, Carmel Agrexco helped grow Israel’s reputation for agricultural produce expertise. The international brand name “Carmel” is known for quality and reliability.
About DP World
We are the leading provider of worldwide smart end-to-end supply chain logistics, enabling the flow of trade across the globe. Our comprehensive range of products and services covers every link of the integrated supply chain – from maritime and inland terminals to marine services and industrial parks as well as technology-driven customer solutions.
We deliver these services through an interconnected global network of 128 business units in 60 countries across six continents, with a significant presence both in high-growth and mature markets. Wherever we operate, we integrate sustainability and responsible corporate citizenship into our activities, striving for a positive contribution to the economies and communities where we live and work.
Our dedicated, diverse and professional team of more than 53,000 employees from 131 countries are committed to delivering unrivalled value to our customers and partners. We do this by focussing on mutually beneficial relationships – with governments, shippers, traders, and other stakeholders along the global supply chain – relationships built on a foundation of mutual trust and enduring partnership.
We think ahead, anticipate change and deploy industry-leading technology to further broaden our digital vision to disrupt world trade and create the smartest, most efficient and innovative solutions, while ensuring a positive and sustainable impact on economies, societies and our planet.
