The import of fresh fruits, vegetables, plants and flowers into the Middle East region continues to witness a steady growth with Dubai alone importing Dh5.3 billion worth of products, said a government official.

Abdulla Mohammed Rafia, assistant director general for general support sector of Dubai Municipality said, 'Dubai alone imported over 1.1 billion kg of fresh fruits at a value of over Dhs4 billion, exported nearly 38 million kgs at a value of Dhs90 million and re-exported 463 million kgs valued nearly at Dh1.5 billion.'

Dubai also continues to grow as the region's hub for perishables and plants, said Rafia ahead of two of the region’s largest trade shows - The World of Perishables (WOP DUBAI) and International Plant Expo Middle East (IPM DUBAI) to be held in Dubai.

Dubai alone imported over 1.1 billion kgs of fresh fruits at a value of over Dhs4 billion, exported nearly 38 million kgs at a value of approximately Dhs90 million and re-exported 463 million kgs valued nearly at AED 1.5 billion.

Both trade shows, which hosted over 3,500 visitors last year, will take place side by side at the Dubai Airport Expo from September 26-28.

Organisers are expecting an increase of visitors by 25 per cent compared to last year’s events. 

The shows are being organised by Planetfair Dubai and Messe Essen in cooperation with Dubai Municipality and Dubai Central Fruit and Vegetable Market, the Middle East’s biggest market for import and export.

The organisers are expecting an increase of visitors compared to last year’s WOP and also a 35 per cent increase in floor space at the Dubai Airport Expo. 

'Since 2008 to 2010, Dubai has seen a 16 per cent growth in the import of fresh fruits and a 20 per cent growth in fresh vegetables,' said Rafia.

'Last year Dubai imported nearly 1.7 billion kgs of fruits and vegetables valued at approximately Dhs5.3 billion.'
 
'Dubai is such a multi-cultural hub and home to many nationalities, which is a key driving force for the imports of fruits and vegetables from across the globe. Dubai has also proved to be the re-export centre for the region for markets such as Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman and Bahrain,' he added.

Tarek Sibai, project manager for Planetfair, said, “Both shows have been positioned as a platform for the perishables and plant industries to connect suppliers and service providers from across the globe.'

'Especially with the growing consumption of fruits and vegetables, WOP DUBAI will play an integral role in introducing alternative and new products to the region,' he added.-TradeArabia News Service