DUBAI: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, the Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, has unveiled the blueprint for Dubai Food Park, which aims to raise the emirate’s position as the region’s leading food re-export hub.
To be developed at a cost of Dh5.5 billion, the park will feature a central wholesale market, a logistics area, complementary services area, a facility for recycling organic waste and a government center that will handle customs clearance, licensing, food safety and inspection under one roof.
Dubai Food Park will be located inside Dubai Wholesale City and will occupy 48 million square feet and is easily accessible from Al-Maktoum International Airport and the Jebel Ali free zone, which form part of the emirate’s logistics corridor.
The park’s strategic location at the crossroads of East and West and easy accessibility to Dubai’s advanced logistics facilities distinguish it from other wholesale destinations worldwide, a statement from the Dubai government said.
Food trade contributes 11 percent to the UAE’s GDP and the food industry is estimated to grow by 70 percent to $6.3 billion by 2030.
The park will offer all categories of food wholesale services to meet the high demand of the food sector in the UAE and the wider region, the statement said.
“DFP has been established to meet the increased need for specialized logistical services to reduce supply chain costs. The park will be a one-stop destination for government, administrative and logistical services related to food wholesale, import, export and re-export,” Abdulla Belhoul, the CEO of Dubai Wholesale City said.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid unveils blueprint for Dh5.5 billion Dubai Food Park
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid unveils blueprint for Dh5.5 billion Dubai Food Park
Saudi investment pipeline active as reforms advance, says Pakistan minister
ALULA: Pakistan’s Finance Minister Mohammed Aurangzeb described Saudi Arabia as a “longstanding partner” and emphasized the importance of sustainable, mutually beneficial cooperation, particularly in key economic sectors.
Speaking to Arab News on the sidelines of the AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies, Aurangzeb said the relationship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia remains resilient despite global geopolitical tensions.
“The Kingdom has been a longstanding partner of Pakistan for the longest time, and we are very grateful for how we have been supported through thick and thin, through rough patches and, even now that we have achieved macroeconomic stability, I think we are now well positioned for growth.”
Aurangzeb said the partnership has facilitated investment across several sectors, including minerals and mining, information technology, agriculture, and tourism. He cited an active pipeline of Saudi investments, including Wafi’s entry into Pakistan’s downstream oil and gas sector.
“The Kingdom has been very public about their appetite for the country, and the sectors are minerals and mining, IT, agriculture, tourism; and there are already investments which have come in. For example, Wafi came in (in terms of downstream oil and gas stations). There’s a very active pipeline.”
He said private sector activity is driving growth in these areas, while government-to-government cooperation is focused mainly on infrastructure development.
Acknowledging longstanding investor concerns related to bureaucracy and delays, Aurangzeb said Pakistan has made progress over the past two years through structural reforms and fiscal discipline, alongside efforts to improve the business environment.
“The last two years we have worked very hard in terms of structural reforms, in terms of what I call getting the basic hygiene right, in terms of the fiscal situation, the current economic situation (…) in terms of all those areas of getting the basic hygiene in a good place.”
Aurangzeb highlighted mining and refining as key areas of engagement, including discussions around the Reko Diq project, while stressing that talks with Saudi investors extend beyond individual ventures.
“From my perspective, it’s not just about one mine, the discussions will continue with the Saudi investors on a number of these areas.”
He also pointed to growing cooperation in the IT sector, particularly in artificial intelligence, noting that several Pakistani tech firms are already in discussions with Saudi counterparts or have established offices in the Kingdom.
Referring to recent talks with Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal Alibrahim, Aurangzeb said Pakistan’s large freelance workforce presents opportunities for deeper collaboration, provided skills development keeps pace with demand.
“I was just with (Saudi) minister of economy and planning, and he was specifically referring to the Pakistani tech talent, and he is absolutely right. We have the third-largest freelancer population in the world, and what we need to do is to ensure that we upscale, rescale, upgrade them.”
Aurangzeb also cited opportunities to benefit from Saudi Arabia’s experience in the energy sector and noted continued cooperation in defense production.
Looking ahead, he said Pakistan aims to recalibrate its relationship with Saudi Arabia toward trade and investment rather than reliance on aid.
“Our prime minister has been very clear that we want to move this entire discussion as we go forward from aid and support to trade and investment.”
