Saudi Arabia’s food and beverage sector is expected to reach $18.2 billion by 2020, driven by a growing number of tourist arrivals as the kingdom’s strategic Vision 2030 blueprint diversifies the country’s economy.

The scale of opportunity across its hospitality industry is significant and increases the importance and value of the Dubai International Hospitality Week (DIHW), the largest hotel and foodservice expo in the Middle East.

Taking place until September 20th at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), the expo brings together six influential hospitality sector shows under one roof to deliver a 360-degree offering for global hotel and restaurant groups, regional hospitality networks and independent F&B business owners from Saudi Arabia and beyond. More than 50,000 trade professionals are expected to visit the 2,000 international exhibitors participating.

DIHW includes six co-located trade shows, each providing a valuable opportunity to connect with Saudi Arabia’s food and beverage sector: GulfHost, owned and organised by Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC); The Hotel Show and The Leisure Show, owned and organised by dmg events; The Speciality Food Festival (DWTC), SEAFEX Middle East (DWTC) and yummex ME, jointly organised by DWTC and Köelnmesse.

“In order for Saudi Arabia’s hospitality industry to keep up with demand, businesses need to be able to source the most relevant products and services – whether for front or back of house. The six complementary trade shows at DIHW offer immediate access to the broadest and latest range of industry innovations, products, technology and services from around the world for hotels, restaurants and cafés,” said Trixie LohMirmand, senior vice president, Exhibitions & Events Management (DWTC). “Business owners, procurement officers and hospitality chiefs will be able to fulfil all their sourcing needs under one roof, and with easy daily flights between the Kingdom and Dubai, a visit to DIHW could be the most efficient and productive event of the year for Saudi hospitality.” 
 
Saudi Arabia is the most visited country in the Middle East, with ambitious growth plans to transform a 200-kilometre stretch of Red Sea coastline into luxury resorts to attract tourists. The country’s tourism arrivals are expected to increase 12.8 per cent in 2017, reaching 22.6 million.
 
The Restaurant Development Conference held at GulfHost, is an open-door educational platform drawing experience from big name players to meet the resource demands of Saudi, and the region’s booming hospitality and food & beverage industries. Powered by International Centre for Culinary Arts and the Middle East Food Forum, the free-to-attend conference includes confirmed delegates from companies, including Hussain Nassar Factory, Altanous Group of Restaurants, Movenpick Hotels & Resorts KSA, Food Supplies and Aldawar Almasry. “Our rich regional experience, expertise and award-winning, application-focused initiatives will help Saudis build and extend exciting careers within the kingdom’s hospitality industry,” said Sunjeh Raja, director and chief executive officer, ICCA.

Hundreds of senior buyers from major global brands around the world are also being formally hosted to promote essential collaboration and commerce in the run up to Dubai World Expo 2020. Confirmed senior buyers from Saudi Arabia include C-level representatives from Adil Ahmad Obeid Basaad and Al Jazeerah Shopping Center who are taking part in the GulfHost Meetings Programme which facilitates top level business matchmaking.

Exhibitors across the six trade shows are also aware of the value of the platform to reach the Saudi Arabia market. Exhibiting at speciality show Seafex Middle East, South African fishing company Cederberg Fishing recognises Saudi Arabia’s growth as a vital opportunity for international business. Founder Clifford Krige, said: “We are aware of the broad spectrum the Saudi Arabian market caters for, and its growing opportunity for international brands. Seafex creates excellent exposure for our business as we look to expand globally and introduce our product on a larger scale – and markets that are benefiting from significant F&B growth such as Saudi Arabia will be of key focus for us.”

Ukraine-based sweet manufacturer Yarych Confectionery participating at yummex ME has adapted its offering to cater for the Middle East market. Marketing director Anton Yumaiev, said: “The Saudi market is very interesting because of its development and openness to products from overseas. Our products always meet the requirements of Arab markets, including being fully Halal certified. We have made some significant steps to enter Saudi Arabia as we see the huge potential in this market.”

All shows are open until September 20th and are for trade and business professionals only. Registration will also be available at the show upon proof of trade status. One pass provides free access to all six trade shows across Dubai International Hospitality Week (DIHW). - TradeArabia News Service