Dubai Industrial City has drawn over AED350 million ($95.3 million) in investments from the food and beverage (F&B) sector in 2024, as announced by the region’s premier industrial and logistics ecosystem during the Gulfood event, which is being held at the Dubai World Trade Centre until February 21. This substantial investment underscores the burgeoning growth within the regional sector.
Growth in F&B customers and leasing spaces
In 2024, Dubai Industrial City, part of TECOM Group PJSC’s ten business districts, has successfully secured more than 25 F&B customers who are leasing a total of 1.7 million square feet of premium industrial spaces. This development reaffirms the strong business confidence in Dubai’s status as a focal point for innovation and market growth.
Importance of localized manufacturing
“Localised manufacturing is essential to drive socioeconomic prosperity through the F&B sector,” stated Saud Abu Alshawareb, Executive Vice President of Industrial at TECOM Group, representing Dubai Industrial City. He emphasized the need to cultivate comprehensive value chains that support sustainable growth and ensure long-term food security, aligning with the UAE’s National Food Security Strategy 2051.
Noteworthy F&B investments and projects
Last year, notable investments in the F&B sector at Dubai Industrial City included Silver Line Gate Group’s (SLG Group) integrated hub, designed to produce over 100,000 tonnes of dairy products each year, including milk items and butter. SLG Group has already initiated construction on the manufacturing, warehouse, and corporate office facility, which is set to open this year.
Additionally, Pure Ice Cream, known for brands like Kwality Ice Creams and Hershey’s Ice Cream, signed a musataha agreement in 2024 to establish a production facility at Dubai Industrial City. This facility is projected to become one of the UAE’s largest ice cream factories upon its launch in 2026, enhancing Pure Ice Cream’s annual production capacity by 300 percent.
Strategic location and manufacturing community
Conveniently situated near Al Maktoum International Airport, Jebel Ali Port, an Etihad Rail freight terminal, and essential regional roadways, Dubai Industrial City is well-positioned for logistical efficiency. The city is home to over 1,100 local, regional, and international manufacturing leaders, alongside more than 350 operational factories. This robust manufacturing community contributes over 70 megawatts of clean energy annually, supported by Dubai Industrial City’s memorandum of understanding with Siemens, a global technology firm.
Signed during the celebrations of Dubai Industrial City’s 20th anniversary in 2024, the agreement with Siemens aims to enhance industrial efficiencies, ultimately fostering long-term sustainable development.
