Dubai Industrial City Secures AED 350 Million in F&B Investments in 2024

Photo : Dubai Government Media Office

Dubai Industrial City has attracted more than AED 350 million in investments from the food and beverage (F&B) sector in 2024. This announcement was made during Gulfood, one of the world's largest F&B trade events, taking place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from February 17 to 21.

Dubai Industrial City, which is part of TECOM Group PJSC’s 10 business districts, has seen remarkable growth in the F&B sector. In 2024 alone, over 25 F&B companies have leased 1.7 million square feet of industrial space, showing strong confidence in Dubai’s role as a center for business, innovation, and market expansion.

Saud Abu Alshawareb, Executive Vice President of Industrial at TECOM Group, emphasized the importance of local food production. He stated, “Producing food locally is key to ensuring long-term economic growth and food security in the UAE. Dubai Industrial City provides the right infrastructure and support to help businesses grow while contributing to national goals like the UAE’s National Food Security Strategy 2051 and Operation 300bn.”

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He further added, “Our goal is to encourage innovation and support F&B businesses so they can expand globally. Dubai Industrial City is aligned with the Dubai Economic Agenda ‘D33’ and will continue to help businesses grow in a way that benefits future generations.”

Major Investments in 2024

Several major investments have been made in Dubai Industrial City’s F&B sector over the past year:

SLG Group’s Integrated Hub: Silver Line Gate Group (SLG Group) is setting up a new hub that will produce over 100,000 tonnes of dairy products, including milk powder and butter, each year. Construction on the facility has already begun and is expected to be completed soon.

Pure Ice Cream’s New Factory: The manufacturer of popular brands like Kwality Ice Creams and Hershey’s Ice Cream has signed a long-term agreement to build a large production facility in Dubai Industrial City. When completed in 2026, it will be one of the biggest ice cream factories in the UAE and will increase the company’s production capacity by 300%.

Strategic Location and Sustainability Efforts

Dubai Industrial City is strategically located near key transportation hubs such as Al Maktoum International Airport, Jebel Ali Port, and major highways. It also has an Etihad Rail freight terminal, which helps businesses efficiently transport goods across the region.

The district is designed with six specialized zones to support different industries, including food and beverage, to encourage sustainable practices. This includes reducing waste, sharing resources, and promoting environmentally friendly solutions.

To further support sustainability, Dubai Industrial City partnered with the UAE’s Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) in 2023. This collaboration aims to promote sustainable manufacturing and food production.

Dubai Industrial City is already home to more than 1,100 manufacturing businesses, including well-known brands like Asmak, Patchi, Al Barakah Dates, and Sokovo. The district also hosts over 350 factories and generates more than 70 megawatts of clean energy every year.

As part of its commitment to sustainable growth, Dubai Industrial City signed an agreement with global technology leader Siemens during its 20th anniversary celebrations in 2024. This partnership aims to improve industrial efficiency and promote eco-friendly production methods.

Part of a Larger Business Network

Dubai Industrial City is one of several business districts operated by TECOM Group. Other districts under its umbrella include Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City, Dubai Studio City, Dubai Production City, Dubai Knowledge Park, Dubai International Academic City, Dubai Design District (d3), and Dubai Science Park.

With a strong focus on industrial growth, innovation, and sustainability, Dubai Industrial City continues to play a crucial role in the UAE’s economic development, attracting major investments and helping businesses thrive in the region.