Dubai, 3rd Dec. 2013 (WAM) - Essa Al Maidoor, Director General of Dubai Health Authority (DHA) today opened the 11th edition of the Middle East Natural and Organic Products Expo (MENOPE),the region?s premier organic and natural products exhibition, at the Dubai International Exhibition and Conference Centre with over 125 companies participating in the pioneering expo which in the last over a decade has remained a significant platform for businesses to expand its footprint in the Mena region.
The exhibition was officially inaugurated in the presence of senior officials from the Ministry of Environment and Water, Dubai Municipality and various other dignitaries. Saif Al Shara, Assistant Undersecretary for Agricultural and Animal Affairs at the Ministry of Environment and Water, noted the remarkable growth in the market of natural and organic products, both locally and globally. These products, he said, were increasingly appealing to local consumers thanks to the ministry's effort to promote the importance of these products on the health wellbeing of future generations and conservation of the environment and natural resources. He added that local market of organic products were growing steadily and there were 39 farms in the U.A.E. spanning 3,920 hectares growing 62 crops. MENOPE 2013 will be open for three days ending on December 5, 2013 and is expected to attract over 5,000 trade visitors from across the region. "MENOPE has established itself as a vantage point for organic and natural products companies to study, enter and expand in the regional market. The show?s salience has grown over time in tandem with the growth of the regional market for organic and natural products market expanding at a CAGR of over 15 per cent," said Nadim Al Fuqaha, Managing Director Global Links, organisers of the expo. He said Middle East was the fastest growing market for organic and natural products with rapid conversion of consumers towards these products in the wake of the rising awareness about healthy lifestyle. The 11th edition of the show is endorsed by the Ministry of Environment and Water and Dubai. It is supported by International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM), ministries of agriculture of Philippines and Malaysia. The event will showcase a variety of products spanning across Herbals and Spices, Food & Beverages, Cereal Products, Supplements, Health Care products, Natural Living, Natural Cosmetics, Healing Products, Natural remedies, Traditional Medicines, Spas, Relaxation facilities, Pet products and Fabrics.Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2013.
