UAE government backs the natural way

After officially inaugurating the 5th Middle East Natural and Organic Products Expo at Dubai's International Exhibition Centre, the minister told exhibitors and trade visitors
'We support all initiatives such as this that can boost general health in the UAE, whereby we can benefit from international experience and the trend towards natural and organic products and alternative medicine.

'The extent of participation by international and local companies demonstrates the importance of this sector and the growth it is achieving.
'Locally and regionally, the business is still in its infancy but it is growing rapidly in response to the intense consumer demand for natural and organic produce, and we strongly encourage this trend.'

The MENOP show runs until Tuesday and organisers Global Links Dubai report more than 50 per cent growth in floor space since last year, underlining the event's status as the exclusive focal point for the region's specialist businesses in the organic and natural products sector.

The show occupies two halls in DWTC covering 8,000 square metres of exhibition space compared to 5,000 square metres last year, making it the biggest event of its kind in the region.
Leading organisations such as Conex, the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM), Greentrade, Korea Health Supplement Association (KHSA), Organic-bio, Italian Village, OPR, and many others are represented.

'Many new participants from different countries are represented, including Lebanon, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Palestine, Pakistan, Russia, Egypt and Tahiti,' said Global Links director Ashraf Sharaf.

'We also have national pavilions for Italy, Greece, USA, Indonesia, New Zealand, Australia, and Korea, as well as the biggest ever Indonesian participation and first-time Greek participation through a national pavilion.'
Sharaf highlighted the participation of UK-based Dr Patrick Holford, the internationally-respected nutrition expert who will present a seminar at MENOP Monday.

Chef Osama El Sayed, who hosts the Maa Osama Atyab show on Dubai TV and who has built up a solid reputation as a first-class chef capable of producing exquisite food, will also give a series of demonstrations during the event.
Middle East Natural and Organic Products is being attended by thousands of visitors from the UAE and beyond, and brings together under one roof 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.