The Food and Beverage (F&B) cluster and capabilities within Jebel Ali in Dubai have been strengthened as a result of DP World UAE's signing of two new development projects with international agricultural commodity processors.

The deals are with Adroit Canada and Al Amir Foods, claims the Dubai Media Office. The brand-new integrated quayside facilities will increase the production and supply of vital grains and pulses throughout the year.

The Food and Agriculture Terminal at the Jebel Ali Port, operated by DP World UAE, has established Dubai as a major entry point for international trade in the F&B industry.

Dubai's external food commerce increased 11% year-over-year to reach Dhs57 billion in 2021 compared to Dhs51.4 billion in 2020, supported by export growth in the double digits.

The facilities would include a unique eco-system for bulk silo storage and agri-processing with an estimated investment of Dhs200m.

As part of the project, DP World will also make investments in the most adaptable and cutting-edge automated material handling and ferrying technologies for grains and pulses.

The facilities will gradually be enlarged after they start operating in two years.

The F&B industry has grown significantly thanks in large part to DP World, according to Abdulla bin Damithan, CEO and MD of DP World UAE and Jafza. Our focus is always on helping programmes like the National Food Security Strategy 2051 achieve the nation's objectives. In line with this, we anticipate facilitating agri-trade and enhancing commerce for the Middle East and the UAE through our recent developments at the Jebel Ali Port. Our flagship port has consistently reinforced its top position as a vital centre for logistics and trade.

"Once operational, the facilities will unquestionably make use of our capabilities, bringing substantial new trade volumes to Dubai and boosting investments in the port and the free zone in Jebel Ali. Most importantly, we expect to support Operation 300bn and the "Make it in the Emirates" initiative, which aims to increase the industrial sector's contribution to Dhs300 billion by 2031, through these projects.

"Our fruitful relationship started from our presence in Jafza and continues with our new agri-facility in Jebel Ali," said Yogesh Raipuria, CEO of Adroit Canada. Our business will surely grow as a result of the port's advantageous position, the company's experience in providing end-to-end services throughout the supply chain, and our skills.

"Our new facility in the Jebel Ali Port will serve as a gateway to the world, expanding our reach and putting us in a better position to meet the demands of the fast expanding pulses market," said Yasin Abdul Majid Ranani, MD of Al Amir Foods. We look forward to efficiently utilising the port's smooth import and export facilities, broad logistics network, and DP World's comprehensive digital platforms to accelerate our international commerce in pulses and agri-food while also making a positive impact on the F&B industry globally.

The facilities are anticipated to generate more than Dh900 million in annual trade, supporting Dubai's strategic goal of increasing foreign trade to Dh2 trillion. The firms will gain a great deal from multimodal connectivity, decreased logistics costs, a smooth business environment, and access to over 3.5 billion consumers with their presence at the Jebel Ali Port and Jafza.

The two buildings will be situated on a nearly 100,000 square metre quayside land, of which the corporations have leased 61,000 square metres.

An integrated agri-storage and processing complex makes up the project.