The UAE Ministry of Environment and Water has announced its move to host the first ever Aqua Middle East Forum and Exhibition on March 16 to March 18, 2015 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The event is being held under the patronage of His Excellency Dr. Rashid Ahmed Bin Fahad, Minister of Environment and Water in collaboration with Nor Fishing Company (Norway) and Editec Grupo Editorial (Chile). The exciting three-day event is aimed at highlighting possible investment opportunities in the region’s aquaculture segment while also promoting the key exchange of best practices and innovations in marine research. In addition, the forum will also be hosting a global exhibition of the latest technologies and equipment in the field of fish aquaculture.
The first Aqua Middle East Forum and Exhibition has been designed to serve as a strategic platform for various specialists from around the world to discuss fish aquaculture issues in the Middle East. The event is expected to see the participation of more than 40 global and regional companies representing the aquaculture investment sectors of countries like the United States, United Kingdom, France, China, Norway, Chile, Italy, Malaysia, Thailand, Nigeria and Turkey, along with related organizations. The event is also positioned to attract local and international vendors to review the latest products and services in the field of fish aquaculture, which in turn can lead to a fluid exchange of knowledge and best practices in the field of marine research. The hosting of the event proves to be both timely and strategic as the ministry pays much attention to the aquaculture sector and seeks to establish a strong foundation to develop the aquaculture industry—regarded as one of the fastest growing food sectors in the world.
Bin Fahad pointed out that the forum and exhibition reflects the Ministry’s commitment towards supporing efforts directed to protect the country's water and living aquatic resources, which in turn, plays a significant role in the efforts to achieve sustainable development in line with UAE Vision 2021.
The UAE Minister also added that the ministry is looking into possible investment opportunities in fish aquaculture as a means to increase aquaculture farms in the UAE to address the demand for natural fish stocks; promote self-sufficiency of fish products and compensate the acute shortage of some fish species. He further explained that the country has made great strides in utilizing modern technology to provide food and reduce the pressure on fish stocks. Bin Fahad pointed out that the event will also be an opportunity to promote and develop the skills of local fish aquaculture professionals by identifying new technologies and taking advantage of the expertise of many leading countries in this field.
Bin Fahad also revealed that the Ministry, in partnership with the first Aqua Middle East Forum and Exhibition, will also organize the second Aquaculture Investment Forum, as part of the continuing efforts to attract more individuals into choosing a career in aquaculture and to drive an increase in fish farms production to help enhance food security in the country.