The UAE Armed Forces has officially signed contracts worth Dh763 million ($207.7 million) with seven of the region’s leading food and beverage (F&B) suppliers on the opening day of Sial 2016.

Sial 2016, the region’s fastest-growing professional trade exhibition for the food, beverage and hospitality industries, will run until December 9 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

The event is being held under the patronage of Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE, Minister of Presidential Affairs and chairman of Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority.

Major General Staff Pilot Ishaq Al Balushi, the head of the Supply Department of the General Command of the Armed Forces, signed contracts with the Army Officers Club, Abu Dhabi National Hotel Company Middle East, Al Wasita for Catering, Emirates Hospitality Centre, Kelvin catering services, Army Forces Coop Association and Foodco.

Speaking at the press conference, Al Balushi said: “This is the first time the UAE Armed Forces has participated at Sial. The event provides a unique opportunity to connect with both regional and international companies within the F&B sector.”  

“This announcement embodies the strategic cooperation between the government and private sector in Abu Dhabi in its efforts to promote the food sector in the emirate,” he said.

“The event itself is an ideal platform to showcase best practice, cutting-edge technology and provides us with the opportunity to meet key decision makers, business owners and potential investors,” he added. – TradeArabia News Service