The Gulf Cooperation Council’s (GCC) food consumption is forecast to grow by 4.6 million metric tonnes (MT) to 55.5 million MT by 2029, according to Alpen Capital’s latest GCC food industry report.

The UAE-based investment banking advisory firm said growth will be driven by demographic expansion, higher spending power, and rising tourism activity, but noted that changing consumer preferences, greater nutritional awareness and healthier eating habits will alter the mix of categories consumed.

“Food consumption in the GCC is projected to grow on the back of demographic expansion, rising spending power and burgeoning tourism activity,” said Sameena Ahmad, MD, Alpen Capital. “While food security remains a priority, governments are seeking to reduce reliance on imports by investing in technologies such as vertical farming, hydroponics, and smart agriculture to build a more resilient food ecosystem.”

Key GCC food trends showcased

The report highlighted growing demand for convenience and tech-enabled services such as online food delivery, health apps, and cloud kitchens.

“Demand for healthier, fresh, and nutrient-rich foods, including organic and clean-label options is driving investment and innovation across the GCC’s food sector,” said Sharmin Karanjia, ED, Alpen Capital. “As margin pressures mount and technology reshapes consumer engagement, we expect further consolidation in high-growth areas such as agritech, digital F&B, and smart supply.”

The report, launched over a webinar, also featured a panel discussion with industry leaders including Kenneth D’Costa, MD of Barakat Group, Garry Walsh, CEO and strategic advisor, Somit Banerjee, head of Trading at Al Khaleej Sugar Co and Rajan Gupta, MD at Alpen Capital.

AD Ports Group in partnership with Unicargas and Multiparques, has laid the foundation stone for the Noatum Ports Luanda Terminal at the Port of Luanda, marking the start of a major modernisation and expansion project in Angola.

The project involves an initial investment of $250m over the first three years, with total investment expected to reach up to $380m over the 20-year concession period, extendable until 2055.

Construction will span 18 months and aims to deliver state-of-the-art infrastructure, advanced technology, and sustainable equipment, positioning the Port of Luanda as one of the most competitive in Central and West Africa.

AD Ports Group holds majority stake in the terminal

AD Ports Group holds an 81 per cent stake in the multipurpose terminal and a 90 per cent stake in the joint venture Noatum Unicargas Logistics, which will oversee logistics operations and fleet modernisation, including refrigerated trucks and transport platforms.

“Breaking ground on the Noatum Ports – Luanda Terminal marks a transformative moment for AD Ports Group, for Angola, and for the wider region,” said Mohammed Al Tamimi, CEO – Noatum Ports. “By modernising this vital gateway, we are helping position Luanda as a leading maritime and logistics hub in Central and West Africa.”

The 192,000-square-metre terminal, with a 16-metre draft, will be the only facility at the Port of Luanda capable of handling Super Post-Panamax vessels of up to 14,000 TEUs.

The expansion includes three Super Post-Panamax STS cranes and eight hybrid RTG cranes, supported by IT systems to boost efficiency and sustainability.

Once completed in Q1 2027, the terminal will increase container capacity from 25,000 TEUs to 350,000 TEUs, while Ro-Ro volumes are expected to exceed 40,000 vehicles.

The project is expected to generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs, alongside training programmes and community initiatives.

AD Ports Group said the investment will integrate Angola into global logistics corridors, supporting exports, reducing import costs, and enhancing competitiveness.

The development builds on more than $800m in AD Ports Group’s announced investments across Africa in recent years, spanning Egypt, the Republic of the Congo, Tanzania, and Angola.

RAK Digital Assets Oasis has been rebranded and relaunched as Innovation City (INC), positioning Ras Al Khaimah as a hub for technology and innovation companies, the authority said.

The initiative aims to create a global ecosystem for entrepreneurs and innovators, initially focusing on five sectors: Web3 and digital assets, artificial intelligence, gaming and iGaming, robotics, and healthtech and digital health.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Humaid Al Qasimi, chairman of Innovation City, said the project would help “shape industries and put Ras Al Khaimah on the map as a capital of innovation for decades to come.”

RAK’s AI-powered free zone

Innovation City will operate as an AI-powered free zone, using artificial intelligence to design regulatory frameworks and streamline company procedures.

It will also develop prime land in Ras Al Khaimah with infrastructure tailored to technology companies.

Paul Dawalibi, CEO of Innovation City, said the initiative supported the vision of Ruler Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi for “sustainable development, economic diversification and innovation.”

Ras Al Khaimah is promoting Innovation City as a base for global startups and enterprises, citing lifestyle advantages and its proximity to Dubai alongside the emirate’s natural landscapes and cultural heritage.

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Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy will introduce five new features at Expand North Star 2025, the world’s biggest gathering for startups and investors, which will mark its 10th anniversary from October 12-15 at Dubai Harbour.

The event, organised by Dubai World Trade Centre and hosted by Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, will launch ScaleX, the Consumer Tech Zone, North Star Green Impact, the Deeptech MEA Summit and the Digital Assets Forum.

ScaleX will spotlight 100 fast-growing tech companies and connect them with partners and investors to support expansion into the Middle East and beyond.

The Consumer Tech Zone will showcase startups in areas such as AR/VR, smart health devices and lifestyle technology.

North Star Green Impact will highlight startups working in clean energy, water tech, sustainable mobility and the circular economy, reflecting rising climate-tech investment in the Middle East and North Africa, which grew 40 per cent in 2023.

The Deeptech MEA Summit will focus on artificial intelligence, quantum computing and robotics, while the Digital Assets Forum will bring together global experts to discuss digital currencies, tokenised assets and risk management in the financial sector.

Programmes returning to Expand North Star

Signature programmes returning this year include the Supernova Challenge 2.0, with a $200,000 prize pool, the Corporate Arena for enterprise-startup collaboration, and the Tech Transfer Innovation Forum.

Youth-focused platforms such as YouthX Unipreneur and Emaratipreneur will also continue.

Expand North Star, which first launched in 2015, is part of Dubai’s strategy under the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) to establish the city as a global hub for innovation and technology.

The Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ) reported record trade of Dhs336bn ($91.5bn) across its three zones in 2024, a 19 per cent increase from the previous year.

The growth lifted DIEZ’s contribution to Dubai’s non-oil trade to 13.7 per cent, its highest on record, marking the fourth consecutive year of expansion.

Trade volumes rose 28 per cent to 444,300 tonnes compared with 346,700 tonnes in 2023.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council, said DIEZ’s results underscored the emirate’s ability to “innovate, unlock new avenues for growth and transform challenges into opportunities.”

Sheikh Hamdan added the performance supported the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to double the city’s economy and position it among the world’s top three urban economies by 2033.

DIEZ oversees three free zones

DIEZ oversees the Dubai Airport Free Zone, Dubai Silicon Oasis, and Dubai CommerCity.

Growth was driven by stronger flows of goods and services and deeper ties with global markets, the authority said.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman of DIEZ, said the results highlighted Dubai’s appeal as a “preferred choice for international companies and investors,” while executive chairman Mohammed Al Zarooni said the performance provided “strong motivation to pursue even greater accomplishments year after year.”

Machinery, electrical and electronics accounted for about 72 per cent of DIEZ’s total trade, rising 17 per cent, while precious stones, metals and jewellery grew 33 per cent, representing around 22 per cent.

Together, the two sectors made up 94 per cent of trade activity.

The authority said its resilience was underpinned by advanced infrastructure, integrated operations across its zones, and supply chain solutions that reinforced its role in Dubai’s non-oil trade and global competitiveness.