The 11th edition of SIAL Middle East, 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 December 7-9, 2021.

Both exhibitions will be held in December, instead of September, to ensure the wider competitiveness of both pioneering events. Capital Events at ADNEC have worked in close cooperation with the partners and key exhibitors of SIAL ME and the ADDPE in reaching this decision.

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 world’s fastest-growing food and beverage markets as well as enhancing the emirate’s 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 of 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 cooperated closely with our partners across the public sectors in developing and enhancing the exhibitions’ caliber 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.

Saeed Al Mansoori, executive director of Capital Events, said: “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.”

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 dialog 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.