Tens of thousands descended on Dubai World Trade Centre on Monday as Gulfood kicked off its 30th event, with the topics of global food trends and the use of artificial intelligence to create enhanced supply chain efficiency in the spotlight.
More than 5,000 exhibitors from 129 countries vied for attention as industry professionals, policymakers and investors milled around the myriad stands that showcased about one million products from a variety of categories, including meat and poultry, dairy, pulses and world foods. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, was among those in attendance.
"We are proud of what Dubai and the Emirates have achieved in this sector, and we welcome specialists from all over the world," he wrote on X.
The advent of artificial intelligence
This year’s theme is The Next Frontier in Food and debuts the Food500Summit, bringing together industry leaders to tackle challenges and opportunities across the food value chain. On the first day, this included Hemen Ruparel, chief executive of Indian food manufacturer Samex Enterprises, who spoke about the importance of understanding the consumer of tomorrow by using AI-driven tools to predict demand.
“It will be about immediate gratification,” he said, addressing the summit. “The consumer will say, ‘I want it now and I need it exactly the way I want it, with no sugar and all the ingredients my doctor has put in my health goals. And I want it accurate and speedy.’” While this level of AI-driven personalisation has been adopted in many industries, from pharmaceuticals to cosmetics, the food and beverage industry has been slow to get on board, said Mr Ruparel.
“The customer wants continuous engagement, they want feedback, they want to give feedback and get recommendations using AI tools,” he continued, adding that this level of personalisation will have huge benefits for supply chain efficiency and cost-cutting.
“AI tools will lead to digital transformation, developing automation and insight to enhance visibility, intelligence, efficiency and agility in the supply chain. We are coming back to first principles – grow the food you need and eat the food you need,” he added. “There is enough food on the planet, we just need AI to use it properly.” Alan Smith, chief executive of UAE-based food and beverage company Agthia Group, emphasised in his talk that AI adoption in the industry is “critical”.
“It allows manufacturers to reduce waste in our supply chain and allow us to focus on making products consumers actually want,” he said. “The future of food isn’t just being shaped in kitchens – it’s being shaped in algorithms and these algorithms are shaping our success as a business.”
Health-conscious and ready to go
Among the stands, there was a clear trend of health-promoting products and ready-to-go snacks and meals, reflecting a rising interest from consumers for these categories on a local level. “The momentum towards convenience just keeps getting stronger,” said Ashvin Subramanyam, chief executive of Orkla India, which is launching its line of preservative-free five-minute breakfast dishes targeting the UAE’s Keralite market this June.
“We see this worldwide as societies evolve in prosperity – as the prosperity index goes upwards, the time index goes downwards … At the same time, consumers want products that are as close to fresh as possible, but they also want it to be convenient – and at a price that works. But these requirements are often opposing.”
The company took two years to develop its Eastern Five-Minute Breakfast range, which delivers authentic Keralan taste in three easy steps, with dishes including puttu, idiyappam, idli, dosa and palappam. The aim is to preserve time-honoured culinary traditions, while also catering to the modern, time-conscious consumer.
From the region, Healthy and Tasty, which was created in Egypt but has manufacturing facilities in Saudi Arabia, was marketing its healthy beverages and snacks. High demand for these products in the UAE means they are now also setting up a local production facility. Healthy Cola, which is aspartame- and sugar-free, using the natural sweetening agent stevia, is its “hero” product, said export development director Tamer Gharib.
“It's a new launch item and we have already started to export it to nine different countries within only three months,” he said. He added that the stand had received a lot of interest from US buyers on day one of the event.
Invest Northern Ireland is also tapping into these trends, bringing a range of brands that cater to time-poor but health-conscious buyers, which they’ve noted is a growing segment in the UAE. “Food provenance also plays a very important role as consumers want to know where they’re food is coming from,” regional director Sheethal Rishi told The National. “We get these niche supermarkets and buyers looking for that food provenance, traceability, clean ingredients and also products that cater to the diverse population here in the UAE.”
One such brand is White’s Oats, which was established in 1841 and is one of the world’s oldest oats millers. The Irish brand is now bringing its instant oats to the UAE, including new high-protein options with limited sugar content.
Commercial director Mark Gowdy said the company has had huge interest from the region, as more consumers realise the benefits that oats can bring, not just for cardiovascular health, but also for gut health, which is a popular talking point in the industry. “People who eat sugar already buy into the ready-to-go category, so [with the instant oats] my task is to try and bring in people who don’t already eat this product.”
Neil Hubbard, from vegan, all-natural brand Noisy Snacks, has noticed a similar trend, particularly in the region. The Northern Irish brand launched its pulse-based snacks in the UAE two weeks ago and has already seen enormous interest, he told The National. These include beef brisket-flavoured crunchy broad beans and jalapeño, vegan cheese-coated chickpeas.
“We're seeing the same trends on a more global and regional level, too, with a focus on clean ingredients, natural flavours, healthier snacking, but also adventurous flavours. People want healthier snacks, but they want things that actually taste good."
Who is Mohammed Al Halbousi?
The new speaker of Iraq’s parliament Mohammed Al Halbousi is the youngest person ever to serve in the role.
The 37-year-old was born in Al Garmah in Anbar and studied civil engineering in Baghdad before going into business. His development company Al Hadeed undertook reconstruction contracts rebuilding parts of Fallujah’s infrastructure.
He entered parliament in 2014 and served as a member of the human rights and finance committees until 2017. In August last year he was appointed governor of Anbar, a role in which he has struggled to secure funding to provide services in the war-damaged province and to secure the withdrawal of Shia militias. He relinquished the post when he was sworn in as a member of parliament on September 3.
He is a member of the Al Hal Sunni-based political party and the Sunni-led Coalition of Iraqi Forces, which is Iraq’s largest Sunni alliance with 37 seats from the May 12 election.
He maintains good relations with former Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki’s State of Law Coaliton, Hadi Al Amiri’s Badr Organisation and Iranian officials.
england euro squad
Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson (Man Utd), Sam Johnstone (West Brom), Jordan Pickford (Everton)
Defenders: John Stones (Man City), Luke Shaw (Man Utd), Harry Maguire (Man Utd), Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Kyle Walker (Man City), Tyrone Mings (Aston Villa), Reece James (Chelsea), Conor Coady (Wolves), Ben Chilwell (Chelsea), Kieran Trippier (Atletico Madrid)
Midfielders: Mason Mount (Chelsea), Declan Rice (West Ham), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund), Kalvin Phillips (Leeds)
Forwards: Harry Kane (Tottenham), Marcus Rashford (Man Utd), Raheem Sterling (Man City), Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Everton), Phil Foden (Man City), Jack Grealish (Aston Villa), Jadon Sancho (Borussia Dortmund), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
Where to buy
Limited-edition art prints of The Sofa Series: Sultani can be acquired from Reem El Mutwalli at www.reemelmutwalli.com
Juventus v Napoli, Sunday, 10.45pm (UAE)
Match on Bein Sports
The specs: 2018 Range Rover Velar R-Dynamic HSE
Price, base / as tested: Dh263,235 / Dh420,000
Engine: 3.0-litre supercharged V6
Power 375hp @ 6,500rpm
Torque: 450Nm @ 3,500rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Fuel consumption, combined: 9.4L / 100kms
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
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Most sought after workplace benefits in the UAE
- Flexible work arrangements
- Pension support
- Mental well-being assistance
- Insurance coverage for optical, dental, alternative medicine, cancer screening
- Financial well-being incentives
Where to donate in the UAE
The Emirates Charity Portal
You can donate to several registered charities through a “donation catalogue”. The use of the donation is quite specific, such as buying a fan for a poor family in Niger for Dh130.
The General Authority of Islamic Affairs & Endowments
The site has an e-donation service accepting debit card, credit card or e-Dirham, an electronic payment tool developed by the Ministry of Finance and First Abu Dhabi Bank.
Al Noor Special Needs Centre
You can donate online or order Smiles n’ Stuff products handcrafted by Al Noor students. The centre publishes a wish list of extras needed, starting at Dh500.
Beit Al Khair Society
Beit Al Khair Society has the motto “From – and to – the UAE,” with donations going towards the neediest in the country. Its website has a list of physical donation sites, but people can also contribute money by SMS, bank transfer and through the hotline 800-22554.
Dar Al Ber Society
Dar Al Ber Society, which has charity projects in 39 countries, accept cash payments, money transfers or SMS donations. Its donation hotline is 800-79.
Dubai Cares
Dubai Cares provides several options for individuals and companies to donate, including online, through banks, at retail outlets, via phone and by purchasing Dubai Cares branded merchandise. It is currently running a campaign called Bookings 2030, which allows people to help change the future of six underprivileged children and young people.
Emirates Airline Foundation
Those who travel on Emirates have undoubtedly seen the little donation envelopes in the seat pockets. But the foundation also accepts donations online and in the form of Skywards Miles. Donated miles are used to sponsor travel for doctors, surgeons, engineers and other professionals volunteering on humanitarian missions around the world.
Emirates Red Crescent
On the Emirates Red Crescent website you can choose between 35 different purposes for your donation, such as providing food for fasters, supporting debtors and contributing to a refugee women fund. It also has a list of bank accounts for each donation type.
Gulf for Good
Gulf for Good raises funds for partner charity projects through challenges, like climbing Kilimanjaro and cycling through Thailand. This year’s projects are in partnership with Street Child Nepal, Larchfield Kids, the Foundation for African Empowerment and SOS Children's Villages. Since 2001, the organisation has raised more than $3.5 million (Dh12.8m) in support of over 50 children’s charities.
Noor Dubai Foundation
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the Noor Dubai Foundation a decade ago with the aim of eliminating all forms of preventable blindness globally. You can donate Dh50 to support mobile eye camps by texting the word “Noor” to 4565 (Etisalat) or 4849 (du).
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Fire and Fury
By Michael Wolff,
Henry Holt
The Bio
Favourite holiday destination: Either Kazakhstan or Montenegro. I’ve been involved in events in both countries and they are just stunning.
Favourite book: I am a huge of Robin Cook’s medical thrillers, which I suppose is quite apt right now. My mother introduced me to them back home in New Zealand.
Favourite film or television programme: Forrest Gump is my favourite film, that’s never been up for debate. I love watching repeats of Mash as well.
Inspiration: My late father moulded me into the man I am today. I would also say disappointment and sadness are great motivators. There are times when events have brought me to my knees but it has also made me determined not to let them get the better of me.
500 People from Gaza enter France
115 Special programme for artists
25 Evacuation of injured and sick
Stage result
1. Jasper Philipsen (Bel) Alpecin-Fenix 4:42:34
2. Sam Bennett (Irl) Bora-Hansgrohe
3. Elia Viviani (Ita) Ineos Grenadiers
4. Dylan Groenewegen (Ned) BikeExchange-Jayco
5. Emils Liepins (Lat) Trek-Segafredo
6. Arnaud Demare (Fra) Groupama-FDJ
7. Max Kanter (Ger) Movistar Team
8. Olav Kooij (Ned) Jumbo-Visma
9. Tom Devriendt (Bel) Intermarché-Wanty-Gobert Matériaux
10. Pascal Ackermann (Ger) UAE Team Emirate
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
The specs: 2019 Cadillac XT4
Price, base: Dh145,000
Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged in-line four-cylinder engine
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic
Power: 237hp @ 5,000rpm
Torque: 350Nm @ 1,500rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 8.7L / 100km
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
UAE - India ties
The UAE is India’s third-largest trade partner after the US and China
Annual bilateral trade between India and the UAE has crossed US$ 60 billion
The UAE is the fourth-largest exporter of crude oil for India
Indians comprise the largest community with 3.3 million residents in the UAE
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi first visited the UAE in August 2015
His visit on August 23-24 will be the third in four years
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, visited India in February 2016
Sheikh Mohamed was the chief guest at India’s Republic Day celebrations in January 2017
Modi will visit Bahrain on August 24-25
Bombshell
Director: Jay Roach
Stars: Nicole Kidman, Charlize Theron, Margot Robbie
Four out of five stars
Company name: Play:Date
Launched: March 2017 on UAE Mother’s Day
Founder: Shamim Kassibawi
Based: Dubai with operations in the UAE and US
Sector: Tech
Size: 20 employees
Stage of funding: Seed
Investors: Three founders (two silent co-founders) and one venture capital fund
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