The GCC’s rising per capita seafood consumption will come under the microscope at a top Dubai event, where a host of regional and international aquaculture companies will showcase the latest technologies.

The Seafex 2014 will take place from November 9 to 11 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

The technologies designed to enhance the future production of regional seafood products will include hatcheries, harvesting of plants and animals, processing and trading.

The Middle East, particularly the GCC, saw its per capital average seafood consumption almost double from 2010 to 2013, according to a report by the Food and Agricultural Organisation.

With the regional average only 14.4-kg per year back in 2010, the UAE and Oman’s per capita seafood consumption were among the world’s highest at 28.6-kg per year last year.

The GCC’s per capita average seafood consumption is expected to significantly increase year-on-year in-line with Gulf countries’ population growth. The Economic Intelligence Unit (EIU) has forecast the GCC population will reach 53.5 million by 2020 – rapid economic development, market demand and robust regional logistics capabilities.

To meet the increasing regional demand for seafood, various GCC governments have already implemented developmental initiatives designed to foster greater domestic production.

In the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Oman, more investments are being directed towards aquaculture - the breeding, rearing, and harvesting of plants and animals in all types of water environments including ponds, rivers, lakes and the ocean.

The main aquaculture producers in the region are Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Iran.

Trixie LohMirmand, senior vice president, DWTC, said: “Our largest edition of Seafex underlines its position as a strategic platform supporting the region’s growing seafood requirements. The show is widely-regarded for facilitating trade and delivering exceptional business opportunities in a market top of attention for global manufacturers.”

The exhibition, which will bring together international exhibitors from seafood-related industries including hotels, restaurants, caterers, retailers, wholesalers, distributors and food processors, will tackle the increasing requirements of regional producers, buyers and suppliers, as well as showcase a broad range of new-to-market seafood products.<