Official backing from MOH for the Middle East Natural and Organic Products Exhibition in Dubai

The two ministries have lent their full support to the fifth Middle East Natural & Organic Products Expo (MENOPE) to be held at the Dubai World Trade Centre on December 16-18.
Natural and organic products in the UAE are being promoted to offer healthy consumption choices to residents, stressed HE Humeid Al Quttami, Minister of Health.

"We want to have more natural and organic products in our markets which are safer and healthier options," he said. "The Ministry of Health is hopeful through this exhibition to boost the opportunities and usage of these products on a larger scale and at more affordable prices for all people".

Organic food for is known for its good taste and quality, being naturally grown and processed without chemical fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides or fungicides, and being free of toxins and artificial or synthetic chemicals.
Locally produced organic food has superior health benefits, as it preserves the overall quality, tastes better, and has higher nutritional value.

Although the UAE already has several organic farms, the Ministry sees an immediate need to have more natural and organic products available in the market and in more affordable prices.

On the other hand, the Ministry of Environment & Water is working on important agricultural projects, such as advancing and developing organic agriculture since it greatly believes in the importance of producing food without harmful chemicals, avoiding environment pollution, and protecting natural resources.

Dr. Abdullah Al Abboudi, from the ministry said: "Organic agricultural follows the highest health standards that prevent water, air and soil pollution.

"The Ministry of Environment & Water has set high standards for organic agriculture in the country after intensive research with the support of international experts. However, the programme that the Ministry has adopted needs the support of the private sector to market organic products more extensively in the UAE."
This year's MENOPE is set to double in size, occupying two halls in DWTC covering 8,000 square metres of exhibition space compared to 5,000 square metres last year.

"Many new participants from different countries will be participating, and the event will be characterised by new categories that will include a special showcase on natural cosmetics, natural healing stones, and natural spas and healing resorts," said Ashraf Sharaf, director of Global Links Dubai, the event organisers.

In addition to the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Environment & Water, the event is attracting support from many leading international organisations such as Conex, the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM), Greentrade, Korea Health Supplement Association (KHSA), Organic-bio, Italian Village, and OPR.

The exhibition will bring together manufacturers, producers and distributors of natural and organic products including cosmetics, organic food, baby care, aromatherapy, yoga, naturopathy, food and beverage, natural juices, dairy products, music, herbal remedies, energy substitutes, fabrics and clothing, and furniture and gifts.
There will be national pavilions for Italy, France, USA, India, New Zealand, Australia, and Korea, with many new exhibitors from Lebanon, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Palestine, Pakistan and Tahiti. The event will have its biggest ever Indonesian participation and first-time Greek representation through a national pavilion.