SIAL Middle East, the region's fastest growing exhibition for the food, drink and hospitality industry, revealed trio of Emirati sponsors for 2012 showcase. Held for the third consecutive year under the patronage of Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE, Minister of Presidential Affairs and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority, SIAL Middle East is expected to gather more than 700 exhibitors from 45 countries and 12,000 trade visitors from the region and beyond. The 2012 event will feature three leading Emirati companies as key sponsors with Al Dahra as Diamond sponsor, Jenaan Investment as Platinum sponsor, and Agthia as Gold sponsor. Mohamed Jalal Al Reyaysa, Director of Communication at ADFCA and head of the SIAL Middle East Organizing Committee, said: “We are delighted to see major Emirati companies as sponsors of such an international and globally recognized event. This exhibition is not only now becoming synonymous with success for these major players in the food and agriculture sector, but the international growth opportunities that it brings will support their business development objectives over the coming years.” SIAL Middle East is part of the world's largest network of professional food events launched as part of SIAL Group. Held annually under strategic partnership with Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority, the event brings together professionals involved in buying and selling food products, services and equipment in addition to the latest innovations in the food industry. Al Dahra has been a supporter and sponsor of SIAL Middle East since its inception three years ago. Commenting on participation at this year's event, Mohamed Hassan, Director of Development, Al Dahra, said: “We are very happy to sponsor this successful event as the past editions have proved to be a good investment for Al Dahra.” Founded in 1995, Al Dahra has over 1000 employees worldwide, with operations in UAE, Egypt, Spain, Namibia, Pakistan and USA. The company invests and develops agricultural projects across the region, and is expanding its remit through diversification into different areas including agriculture and the trading of rice, organic, fruits and vegetables. Ziad Shaat, general manager of Jenaan Investment, cites Sial Middle East as a vital event for the company due to its international reach and dynamic growth. “The visitors we see at this exhibition are trade professionals travelling from across the GCC region, Africa and the Indian sub-continent,” he said. — SG
