11th Edition of SIAL Middle East and Abu Dhabi International Date Palm Exhibition to Begin Next December in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi, UAE 27 July 2021: Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA), the launch dates of the 11^thedition of SIAL Middle East have been announced. One of the Middle East's largest food, beverage, and hospitality events, held concurrently with the Abu Dhabi International Date Palm Exhibition (ADDPE), SIAL ME will be launched from 7 9 December 2021 by the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company.

Both exhibitions will be held in December, instead of September, to ensure the wider competitiveness of both pioneering events. The date change will bring significant levels of international participation from major specialised companies, decision-makers, and global experts.

Capital Events at ADNEC has worked in close co-operation with the partners and key exhibitors of SIAL ME and the ADDPE in reaching this decision. Following a comprehensive assessment of the current market conditions and international exhibitors'inability to commit for the original September date due to the probability of travel restrictions from their home countries, the decision has been made on the date change to support all SIAL ME and ADDPE exhibitors and partners.

H.E. Saeed Al Bahri Salem Al Ameri, Director-General of the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority, said:"SIAL Middle East is gaining importance and success year after year for its role in opening new business prospects for suppliers and buyers in one of the worlds fastest-growing food and beverage markets as well as enhancing the emirates position as a leading food and beverage hub. We are looking forward to another successful edition this December."

Speaking on the decision for the date change for SIAL ME, Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and Group CEO at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company, said:"SIAL Middle East 2021 and the Abu Dhabi International Date Palm Exhibition 2021 are some of the most important annual exhibitions ADNEC holds. We have co-operated closely with our partners across the public sectors in developing and enhancing the exhibitions'calibre at both a regional and global level, alongside ensuring that these exhibitions are the most prominent international events in this critical sector. We will hold the two exhibitions in December, having implemented a raft of preventative measures and protocols, guaranteeing the health and safety of all visitors and exhibitors. The events will attract a wide range of local, regional and international exhibitors, alongside a plethora of visitors, decision-makers, experts, and industry professionals."

"ADNEC Group is immensely adaptable, allowing us to respond to changes across the business tourism sector, which is particularly pertinent given current global conditions. We do so in finding alternative solutions that protect our partners'interests, enabling the success of all exhibitions and conferences organised by our company."

Saeed Al Mansoori, Executive Director of Capital Events, commented:"We have decided to postpone the upcoming editions of SIAL Middle East and the Abu Dhabi International Date Palm Exhibition following close consultation with our partners. Their sustained support is gratifying, providing a strong incentive for us to continue to build on the achievements of previous exhibitions, exceeding exhibitors and visitors aspirations alike."

Al Mansouri added:"Time and time again, ADNEC Group demonstrates its ability to hold mega events during current global circumstances. The successes of IDEX and NAVDEX 2021 earlier this year saw record participation from exhibitors and participating nations. Both events received regional and international acclaim from companies working in the business tourism sector. We will employ these experiences in these two upcoming exhibitions."

H.E. Dr. Abdul Wahab Zayed, Agriculture Consultant at the Ministry of Presidential Affairs and Secretary General of the Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation, commented; Owing to the sustained support of our partners, organisers, and host, we can look forward to hosting yet another successful edition.

"This year's event is set to attract serious date palm buyers, and the Abu Dhabi International Date Palm Exhibition, alongside SIAL ME, has positioned itself as a key industry event across the region. The exhibition is expected to attract a large number of key buyers this year looking to purchase date palm fruit,"he added.

Nicolas Trentesaux, CEO of the SIAL Global Network said:"The decision to move SIAL ME to December will make for a more seamless event and has been decided following our continued dialogue with exhibitors and participants."

"SIAL ME has cemented itself as the ideal platform to offer valuable investment opportunities in the region for food, beverage and hospitality companies, and will continue this year to host a range of awards and workshops for industry attendees in a trade-business environment. We are looking forward to welcoming participants from across the world to the exhibition in 2021," he further commented.

SIAL ME will see local, regional and international specialty establishments highlight the latest innovations, technologies, global food security and future global trends in the food, beverage and hospitality industry.

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About Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC)

Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC), is part of ADQ, one of the regions largest holding companies with a diverse portfolio of major enterprises spanning key sectors of Abu Dhabis non-oil economy. ADNEC is a leader in managing and developing international strategic centres and was founded with a vision to become the leading destination for popular, high-profile international conferences, exhibitions and congresses in the Middle East and North Africa. It owns and operates the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, the largest exhibition venue in the MENA region. In addition, ADNEC also includes ExCeL London, Al Ain Convention Centre, Aloft London ExCeL, Aloft Abu Dhabi, Andaz Capital Gate Abu Dhabi, Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Abu Dhabi Resort, and Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, ADNEC Services LLC, Capital Hospitality, and Capital Events LLC.ADNEC group is working on developing its network of companies and is on a mission to enhance business tourism in Abu Dhabi by creating a platform that enables event organisers to realise their goals of connecting people via world-class events and venues and delivering best-in-class services to exceed stakeholder expectations. For more information, please visit:http://www.adnecgroup.ae

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About The Abu Dhabi Agriculture Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA)

The Abu Dhabi Agriculture Food Safety Authority is the local authority in charge of agriculture, food safety, food security and biosecurity in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. It aims to develop a sustainable agriculture and food sector and protect the health of animals and plants to enhance the biosecurity and achieve food security. In addition, the authority is responsible for preparing plans, programs and activities in the field of agriculture, food safety and food security.

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About Khalifa International Date Palm Award and Agricultural Innovation (KIDPA)

The award was established under the generous auspices of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates "God protects Him", with Presidential Decree No. 15 on March 20, 2007 to introduce the world to His Highness's efforts in date palm cultivation, agricultural innovation and his generous initiatives. Highlighting the UAE's leading role in driving innovation in the date palm sector, honoring the winners of the award categories and appreciating their efforts that have contributed to enhancing food security, and establishing international cooperation between those involved in agricultural innovation and the production and manufacture of dates, as the largest international platform for sharing experiences to improve the date palm sector in accordance with the best international practices for sustainable development for us and future generations. For more information, visithttp://www.kiaai.ae​

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About Comexposium

Comexposium is one of the worlds leading event organizers. Globally, it hosts more than 177 B2B and B2C events across many different sectors, including food, agriculture, retail, e-commerce, fashion, security, digital, construction, high-tech, optics, education, healthcare and transport. In over 30 countries, Comexposium welcomes more than 3 million visitors and 45,000 exhibitors annually. Headquartered in France, Comexposiums nearly 800 employees operate in 16 countries, Australia, Canada, China, Denmark, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Mexico, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, UAE, UK and USA. Comexposium aims to be seen as the place to be, building bridges between people and business.