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SOLICO GROUP POSITIONS UAE MANUFACTURING AS A FOOD SECURITY ENGINE AT GULFOOD 2026

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Solico Group exhibition stand at a trade show, featuring illuminated product displays while visitors walk and view food products.

Solico Group, one of the Middle East’s most established food manufacturers, is placing UAE-based manufacturing at the centre of the regional food security conversation at Gulfood 2026 (Hall 4, Stand B4-60), Dubai World Trade Centre. Through its AED 130 million SoFood Dubai factory, now live and in production, the Group is demonstrating how locally anchored production is reshaping regional food security by reducing reliance on import-led supply chains and building long-term manufacturing resilience in the UAE.

That strategy is underpinned by SoFood Dubai’s fully operational production hub in Jebel Ali Free Zone, now producing up to 40 tons per day. Designed with a modular, export-ready architecture, the facility enables rapid category expansion while strengthening domestic manufacturing capacity and supporting reliable supply to regional and international markets.

This manufacturing-led approach directly supports the UAE National Food Security Strategy 2051 by localising critical food production, shortening supply chains, and reducing exposure to external market volatility. It also aligns with the Dubai Industrial Strategy and the Made in UAE programme, reinforcing the role of advanced food manufacturing as a pillar of long-term economic and food security resilience.

At Gulfood, Solico is showcasing a curated selection from its multi-category portfolio spanning dairy, ice cream, meat, beverages, ready meals, ready-to-eat products, sports nutrition, baby food, and health-focused offerings. With more than 2,000 SKUs across its global operations, the Group’s presence underscores its ability to support food security not only through scale, but through precision, quality, and category depth.

A cornerstone of Solico’s manufacturing capability is its Milk Refinery, the first of its kind in Asia, now integrated into the Group’s UAE ecosystem. The facility enables high-precision nutrition innovation, supports waste reduction, and enhances production efficiency, contributing to consistent supply across essential food categories including infant nutrition and specialised dietary products.

Solico is also highlighting UAE-based production of Pemina meats, reinforcing its commitment to strengthening local protein manufacturing as part of a broader food security framework focused on localisation, resilience, and export-ready standards.

At the Solico stand, visitors are experiencing live food preparation, chef-led tastings, and technical demonstrations designed to show manufacturing capability in action. Buyer and partner discussions are centred on regional supply stability, export partnerships, and long-term manufacturing collaboration.

Commenting on the Group’s participation, Mr. Gholamali Soleimani, Founder and Group Chairman, Solico Group, said: “Food security cannot rely on trading alone. It is built through manufacturing capability, localisation, and long-term investment. By producing in the UAE, at scale and with flexibility, we are contributing to the country’s food security vision while serving the wider region from within it. After 50 years in food production, we see this as a responsibility as much as a strategy.”

With operations spanning 16 factories and a workforce of more than 25,000 globally, Solico Group’s presence at Gulfood 2026 is a clear statement: food security in the region will be shaped by manufacturers who commit locally, build resilient infrastructure, and think beyond short-term supply.

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Hospitality

GATHER, FEAST, AND CELEBRATE: EID AL FITR SEAFOOD DELIGHTS AWAIT AT BAB EL BAHR

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This Eid Al Fitr, Bab El Bahr by Hallab invites families, friends and seafood lovers to gather at its elegant Downtown Dubai destination for a feast that captures the spirit of togetherness, abundance and coastal Mediterranean flavour. Set against the vibrant energy of Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, Bab El Bahr brings Levantine hospitality and fresh, market-style seafood into focus for an Eid celebration that centres on sharing, flavour and memorable moments.

Inspired by Mediterranean fisherman traditions, Bab El Bahr’s à la carte menu offers diners the freedom to explore a colourful spread of dishes crafted from the freshest ingredients. At the heart of the experience is the restaurant’s seafood selection, perfectly suited to Eid gatherings where family and friends come together to feast and reconnect. Guests can savour meticulously prepared fish and seafood creations that showcase the very best of coastal Levantine cuisine.

Highlights from the à la carte menu showcase the best of the sea, from perfectly grilled seabass or seabream to tender, flame-kissed octopus and Shrimp Saganaki simmered in a vibrant tomato sauce with garlic and creamy feta. For those craving something more indulgent, the Lobster Linguine bathed in a rich, velvety bisque and the aromatic mixed grill platters promise a feast worthy of the occasion. Complemented by an array of expertly crafted hot and cold mezze, each dish adds depth, flavour and generosity to an Eid celebration centred on sharing and togetherness.

More than a restaurant, Bab El Bahr is designed for convivial gatherings. Its warm and inviting dining spaces are ideal for family meals, relaxed lunches or festive dinners that stretch into the evening. The spacious environment encourages leisurely occasions where guests can reconnect, reminisce and enjoy the ritual of breaking bread together. It’s a setting that brings the essence of Eid to life: food, laughter, 

With its authentic Levantine inspiration, seafood focus and welcoming ambiance, Bab El Bahr invites diners to make this Eid Al Fitr truly special. 

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Hospitality

SHOP, DONATE, IMPACT: TIMES SQUARE CENTER SUPPORTS THRIFT FOR GOOD’S RAMADAN CAMPAIGN

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Times Square Center continues to strengthen its commitment to sustainability and community impact through its support of Thrift for Good, a purpose-driven thrift store that gives preloved items a second life while supporting charitable causes.

The store offers a wide selection of high-quality, predominantly branded clothing, shoes, bags, accessories and books at affordable prices ranging from AED 5–30, making sustainable fashion accessible to all. Importantly, 100% of profits are donated to this cause, helping to protect, educate and support children in need around the world.

Beyond retail, Thrift for Good provides a practical zero-waste solution for unwanted clothing by accepting donations of any condition through convenient in-store drop-offs and complimentary home collections. Its monthly “Mend for Good” initiative brings volunteers together to repair and refresh donated items, further reducing textile waste and promoting conscious consumerism.

This Ramadan, Thrift for Good is calling on the community to support vulnerable orphans in Tanzania, many of whom have been affected by HIV. The campaign aims to fund the construction of secure boundary fencing, build a safe and functional kitchen, and provide ongoing educational support for 35 children to help them remain in school and build a brighter future.

Nancy Ozbek, General Manager of Times Square Center, said: “Our partnership with Thrift for Good reflects our commitment to creating meaningful experiences that combine sustainability, community engagement and social responsibility. It offers our visitors the opportunity to shop consciously, declutter responsibly and contribute to impactful causes, particularly during the spirit of giving in Ramadan.”

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Hospitality

ABU DHABI HOSPITALITY ACADEMY – LES ROCHES HIGHLIGHTS KEY INDUSTRY TAKEAWAYS

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Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy – Les Roches (ADHA-LR), rooted in Emirati hospitality and shaped by Swiss education excellence, has highlighted key insights emerging from the third edition of the Future Leaders Challenge, held from 9 to 12 February 2026. Over 100 students from prestigious institutions worldwide, including four students from the Academy, tackled real-world challenges impacting the hospitality and tourism landscape.

Themed, ‘Community over Competition,’ the Future Leaders Challenge 2026 provided participating students with a platform to interact with educators and industry leaders, gaining valuable real-world insights into the regional hospitality and tourism sectors. The three-day challenge highlighted key learnings, including leveraging technology that empowers teams and aligning operational excellence with long-term sustainability goals. Furthermore, the FLC Advisory Board sessions during the finals highlighted the critical need for stronger industry academia integration, and future-ready leadership development, reinforcing the sector’s commitment to innovation, sustainability and long-term resilience. The finals also brought together hospitality and tourism education leaders from across the Middle East and Africa, creating a platform for strategic dialogue on curriculum relevance, workforce alignment, and industry–public sector priorities in preparing the next generation of talent.

Alhosani and three of his peers from Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy – Les Roches participated in the innovative challenge, collaborating in teams with students from across the world to develop actionable solutions to current issues impacting the landscape, such as industry attractiveness, growth, sustainability, innovation and more.

The 2026 Future Leaders Challenge invited students from across the Middle East & Africa to tackle a key industry question: ‘How can the hospitality, tourism, and events sector design future-ready experiences for guests and employees that combine authenticity, inclusivity, and innovation?’ Participants were asked to propose prototypes such as guest journeys, employee programs, service models, or digital-human concepts demonstrating how the sector can remain attractive, competitive, and globally impactful.

Alhosani and his group stood out among 18 competing teams, securing third place for their NSX Platform concept – a forward-thinking model that leverages neuroscience and AI to help hospitality professionals respond to emotional cues. By shifting the focus from scripted service to a deeper understanding of how guests think and feel, the model equips employees with the tools and knowledge to lead with empathy and create more personalized guest experiences.

Reflecting on this win at the Future Leaders Challenge 2026, Professor Scott Richardson, Academic Dean at Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy – Les Roches, says: “We are incredibly proud of Mansoor’s success at the Future Leaders Challenge. It is a testament to how our students are prepared to think creatively, work collaboratively, and navigate the complexities of this industry, while staying true to the values and authenticity of Emirati hospitality. It is a privilege to guide them on this journey and see their talent recognised on a global stage.”

The Academy’s performance at this year’s event reflects its commitment to developing leaders who have a culturally grounded yet globally informed perspective for every touchpoint of the guest and employee experience. By delivering transformative education that blends Swiss academic standards with real-world industry exposure, Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy – Les Roches prepares students to tackle the fast-paced hospitality landscape in the UAE and beyond.

Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy – Les Roches continues to lead the way in shaping the future of hospitality careers and advancing the UAE’s Tourism 2030 strategy to be a global hub for innovation and sustainable hospitality leadership. By empowering young talent with future-ready skills and knowledge, the Academy ensures the region’s evolving challenges are met with resilience, cultural integrity, and an innovative mindset.

The judging panel this year was made up of a talented line up of industry thought leaders, part of the Advisory Board of the Future Leaders Challenge. These included Khalid AlAwar, Director – Stakeholders and Government Relations Dubai Economy and Tourism, Eddy Tannous, COO of Rotana Hotel Management Corporation, Colin Abercrombie, Strategy Director at NEOM Hotel Division, Tim Cordon, COO Middle East & Africa & APAC, Radisson Hotels, Mahir Abdulkarim Julfar, Executive Vice President, Dubai World Trade Center, Mark Kirby, President, One&Only Resorts, Judi Nwokedi, Chair Gauteng Tourism Authority, South Africa, Jonathan Sheard, SVP Operations Middle East, Africa and Türkiye, Accor Hotels, Marie-Louise Ek, VP HR Middle East & Africa, Hilton, Hubery Ummels, Founder and Owner, GameChangers and Future Leaders Platform, Nuno Filipe Ribeiro, Executive Director – Commercial Affairs & Investments.

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