The Dubai Airport Freezone Authority (DAFZA) showcases its most prominent competitive advantages that make it the highly preferred totally free zone for the food and beverage (F&B) sector at Gulfood 2016, the largest gathering of food, beverage & hospitality providers ever assembled in the region, which opened today on February 21 and will run till February 25, 2016 at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). DAFZA's participation matches its continuous strategic efforts targeted at fulfilling the growing needs of the F&B industry and the Halal industry at the regional and global levels.

DAFZA's involvement at the 20th edition of the biggest food and hospitality occasion in the world is concentrated on presenting strategic tasks, which includes the expansion and advancement of light industrial systems (LIUs). Gulfood's newest edition comes in the middle of the constant rapid growth of the international halal grocery store, which is forecasted to reach USD 3.7 trillion by 2019. International spending on halal food products is expected to rise to USD2.47 trillion in 2018 that was approximated at USD 1.62 trillion in 2012.

DAFZA is a host of the most important worldwide leading names within the food market. Latest main data reveal that India topped the F&B business in DAFZA with 11 per cent, followed by USA with nine per cent and Austria, Singapore and Germany come third with seven per cent each.

Jamal Bin Marghoob, Director of DAFZA's Marketing and Corporate Communication, stated: "DAFZA thinks about the F&B sector as one of the core strategic players in the move to drive in financial growth for the UAE. It offers outstanding business solutions and support to help F&B business and halal industrial business especially expand their network in the local and worldwide markets. These efforts are part of our dedication to inform the local, international and international F&B business of the enormous investment chances we have, and which represent a vital addition to the enthusiastic growth plans pursued by these business.".

"The UAE is first on the Arab Islamic Economy Indicator and 2nd globally with strong scores in halal food, Islamic financing and other sectors. DAFZA recognizes the high demand and growth in the halal items industry and in response to this we provide products, services and incentives that deal with the advancement and facility of this market. The sector is thought about one of the main drivers to making Dubai the capital and hub of the Islamic economy," Bin Marghoob included.

DAFZA plans through its stand (CCR37) at the event's location, to expose its economic diversity and growth strategies, which fall in line with the service efforts for the food and drink sector. As part of DAFZA's diversity and growth technique, LIUs are being developed as well outside of the free zone's present area.