GEFA Exportservice GmbH is organising the trip: Business trip Saudi-Arabia and UAE

On behalf of the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL), GEFA Exportservice GmbH is organising this business trip in close cooperation with the AHK Saudi Arabia and the AHK Gulf Region.

As the largest economic power in the Middle East, one of the most important markets in the Gulf region and a large population of more than 30 million people with rising incomes, Saudi Arabia is an attractive destination. The import of foodstuffs is of existential importance for Saudi Arabia, as the country is 95% desert, has hardly any arable land of its own and has a growing demand to meet. Due to the high import rate of food (approx. 80 %), food security is the focus of the Kingdom's Vision 2030. The aim is to secure supply chains for staple foods by increasing local production and investing abroad. At the same time, the opening up of the country is contributing to an increased nightlife culture with a boom in restaurants, cafés and the convenience food industry.

The UAE is Germany's most important trading partner in the region. Despite government efforts to stabilise prices and increase domestic production, the UAE is also dependent on food imports. The issue of food safety also plays an important role. The Emirati National Food Security Strategy 2051 offers great opportunities for bilateral cooperation. For companies interested in the Gulf region, the UAE offers very attractive conditions for setting up a regional distribution centre.