Dubai Fresh Market begins selling Israeli produce

The Fresh Market in Dubai’s Ras Al Khor area, opened the first-ever display of Israeli produce on Saturday, November 14.

Operated by the Dubai Municipality, the Fresh Market is located on Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed road, near Dragon Mart.

The event organised to mark the introduction of Israeli products into the market was attended by Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, group chairman and CEO of DP World, and Essa Abdul Rahman Al Hashemi, head at the Food Security Office, the Prime Minister’s Office, among other senior officials.

Also in attendance was Shlomi Fogel, chairman of Carmel Agrexco. “We are excited to be part of the growing ties between Israel and the UAE. Together with our colleagues in Dubai, we are beginning to see the ‘fruits of peace’ today,” said Fogel.

The Fresh Market in #Dubai’s Ras Al Khor area run by @DMunicipality opens the first-ever display of Israeli produce. The Fresh Market has played a key role in raising Dubai’s position as a regional hub for the trading & sale of local & imported produce.https://t.co/ac9mP7B4Nq pic.twitter.com/5OqclozMlX

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) November 14, 2020

“The export of fresh agricultural products from Israel to the UAE market has a significant advantage because of the geographical closeness and the speed with which the products can be transported directly to markets in the UAE and beyond.”

“Within few hours of picking, the fresh produce can reach points of sale. It’s a fact that Israeli agriculture is highly advanced and we are confident that everyone will enjoy our produce.”

Fogel added that Carmel Agrexco intends to invest in agricultural farms in the UAE, and incorporate the latest innovations in agro-technology.

The opening of the UAE market to Israeli agricultural produce comes weeks after the two countries signed the historic Abraham Accords to undertake reciprocal initiatives to establish diplomatic and business links, promote investment and tourism and launch direct flights.

The introduction of Israeli produce will help Dubai diversify the sources of imported produce in the UAE.

GCC countries reportedly import about 85 per cent of their food, with rice imports comprising virtually all consumption, around 93 per cent of cereals, and approximately 62 per cent of meat and 56 per cent of vegetables.

Read: How GCC countries can ensure their food security