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Sharjah 24
16-05-2025
- Business
- Sharjah 24
Nahyan bin Mubarak opens India-UAE Partners in Progress Conclave
In his keynote address, Sheikh Nahyan affirmed that the theme of the conclave reflects the depth of the commercial, economic, and cultural ties between the UAE and the Republic of India. "We are confident that our cooperation will continue to create robust opportunities for mutual benefit and shared progress.' He stated, 'We in the UAE greatly value India's remarkable achievements across all sectors and its growing stature on the global stage. We commend its steadfast commitment to the well-being of its people. In a world often challenged by turbulence, we take pride in the strength of our political, commercial, and educational ties with India.' He added, 'The friendship between our peoples dates back centuries—long before the formation of our modern nations—and has grown into fruitful commercial and cultural partnerships. This conclave is a vital platform to reinforce those relations by fostering synergies, creating opportunities, and encouraging bilateral initiatives.' He emphasised that the shared vision between the leaderships of both countries is built on global engagement, civil dialogue, and a collective drive for peace and prosperity. He pointed out that the UAE and India are aligned in their commitment to education, environmental stewardship, public health and safety, and openness to trade, investment, and culture. He continued, 'President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan remains deeply committed to the UAE's global leadership in progress and innovation. This is strongly supported by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai. Our nation today represents a harmonious blend of modernity and heritage, social development and economic sustainability.' He applauded the vision and leadership of Aroon Purie and his team at the India Today Group, as well as the involvement of the UAE India Business Council, urging all participants to continue building on the outcomes of the conclave through recognition of inspirational role models, award programs, and sustainable support networks for the UAE–India partnerships. He concluded, 'I warmly welcome you once again to this important gathering and look forward to the innovative strategies that will emerge from it. Let this conclave serve as a platform for knowledge exchange, relationship-building, and the creation of a brighter shared future.' The inaugural edition of the UAE–India: Partners in Progress Conclave marked a milestone in the evolving strategic partnership between the UAE and India. Organised by the UAE India Business Council – UAE Chapter in collaboration with the India Today Group, the conclave brought together top policymakers, business leaders, diplomats, and innovators to shape the next chapter of bilateral cooperation under the framework of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the two countries. Held in the wake of the historic visit of the H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence, to India and a series of significant recent agreements, the event underscored the central role of the UAE India Business Council – UAE Chapter in enhancing trade partnerships and bilateral cooperation in critical sectors such as healthcare, education, and culture. Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, highlighted the council's strategic importance, stating, 'The UAE India Business Council – UAE Chapter serves as an institutional pillar in our journey towards a comprehensive economic partnership. It translates political will into real partnerships. This conclave illustrates how UAE–India ties are shifting from bilateral trade to deep collaboration across sectors that will shape our shared future.' The event further reinforced the strategic UAE–India relationship, leveraging CEPA's momentum to explore promising new areas such as artificial intelligence, energy transition, digital infrastructure, and cultural diplomacy. This forward-looking approach demonstrates both nations' shared commitment to sustainable growth and innovation. A notable highlight was the institutional expansion of the UAE India Business Council – UAE Chapter, marked by the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the Dubai Health Authority to establish the UAE–India Friendship Hospital—a milestone in healthcare diplomacy and human-centered collaboration. The conclave featured high-level discussions offering deep insights into areas such as logistics, renewable energy, fintech, and education, resulting in practical strategies for cross-border business growth. Complementing these economic dialogues, a dynamic session on cinema and soft power spotlighted the role of cultural exchange in strengthening mutual understanding. The event laid out a roadmap for a deeper and more dynamic UAE–India partnership by interweaving strategic, institutional, and cultural threads. The conclave affirmed the UAE India Business Council's position not only as an organiser but as a catalyst in shaping a future-oriented economic corridor between India and the UAE. Key founding members and major corporations such as KAF Holdings, DP World, Tata Sons, YFS Facilities, Apparel Group, and Bumerk, alongside academic institutions, took part in the event. Distinguished attendees included Sunjay Sudhir, Ambassador of India to the UAE; Satish Kumar Sivan, Consul General of India to Dubai and the Northern Emirates; and a group of businessmen. The event also featured a rich lineup of thematic panel discussions on innovation, energy, retail, and tourism, with prominent participants.
Zawya
12-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Responsible practice in coffee takes center stage at World of Coffee Dubai 2025
Addressing water usage in the coffee industry Transparency key to addressing farmer equity Value of Fair Trade brought into question Dubai, UAE: The coffee industry is undergoing a transformation, with responsible sourcing, sustainability, and fair trade becoming more than just buzzwords they're now central to the future of coffee. At this year's World of Coffee, industry experts are tackling key issues such as fair value for farmers, sustainable sourcing, and environmental responsibility. With discussions, innovations, and commitments to change, the event underscores a new era for the coffee world. 'The coffee industry is evolving, and with it, our commitment to ethical sourcing and sustainability,' said Shouq Bin Redha, Exhibition Director, World of Coffee Dubai. 'World of Coffee is more than an industry gathering—it's a platform for meaningful dialogue and actionable change. By bringing together producers, owners, and industry leaders, we're shaping a future where responsible practices are not just encouraged but expected.' Khalid Al Mulla, CEO of the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) UAE Chapter added, 'Sustainability and responsible sourcing are no longer optional in the coffee industry—they are essential, World of Coffee is a testament to the industry's commitment to these values, bringing together innovators and experts who are shaping a more responsible future for coffee. For example we have tied up with The Waste Lab by using coffee grounds leftover as fertilizer. Through collaboration and knowledge-sharing, we can create lasting impact from farm to cup.' Fair Trade Mohammed Essa Al Ghurair, Vice Chairman, Essa Al-Ghurair Investment and Karam, an Emirati-owned and locally produced coffee brand was critical of the fair trade route. 'We work directly with the farmers instead of the traders because what is the best thing we can do for farmers? Pay them fairly' he said. 'We also have to reconsider if Fair Trade works for everyone in today's environment.' Al Ghurair also highlighted the need to ensure a balance between sustainability and commercial viability. Fahad Althubyani, Key Account Manager at the Saudi Coffee Company part of the PIF (Public Investment Fund) said: 'While we respect the concept of Fair Trade, our focus is on promoting the right practices and supporting local and international farmers,' he said, adding 'we work closely with small-scale farmers from around the world, empowering them through direct connections with suppliers - our emphasis is on sustainable, responsible sourcing rather than a Fair Trade certification.' Working alongside coffee farmers Kamal Al Rohani, CEO of Black Knight works as closely with farmers as possible. He said, 'Our focus has evolved from being just a coffee roastery to collaborating with farmers at processing plants, overseeing the entire journey from harvesting the beans to their treatment and ongoing improvements - this holistic approach ensures that the coffee we produce is of the highest quality, and we're committed to continually refining this process.' Packaging Forward Focused, a company specializing in packaging solutions for the specialty coffee sector, is one company tackling these challenges. Reona Pinto, Business Development Manager, explained: 'Sustainable packaging can significantly enhance the coffee experience while making a substantial positive impact on the environment.' Julian Peride, COO from The Bag Broker said, 'When it comes to convenience, there's actually very little difference in the performance of sustainable packaging versus traditional packaging.' Sustainability Aaron Marshall, the GM of CoffeeDesk, a coffee provider in the GCC and Europe, pointed out that the UAE has become a central hub for the Middle East, playing a pivotal role in shaping regional coffee trends. 'Countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE are now producing their own coffee, which will help foster sustainability,' he said. 'This shift will create jobs in local agriculture, reduce shipping emissions, and strengthen the region's coffee industry - as we produce more locally, we'll be able to promote sustainability through job creation and reducing the carbon footprint associated with importing coffee.' Again, supporting and forming long-term partnerships with farms is central to this. 'We don't take coffee from multiple farms; we commit to a full lot, whether it's 100kg or 1000kg, because by offering fair value to the farms, we establish trust and ensure that our partners can thrive,' he added. The evolving role of multinational brands For global megabrands, ethical practices and transparency play a crucial role in shaping the future of the industry. Due to sheer volume of trade, their impact is huge. Starbucks, for instance, has implemented its Coffee and Farmer Equity (C.A.F.E.) Practices program. Francis Howard, Quality Assurance Specialist at Starbucks, explained: 'C.A.F.E. ensures that all coffee we purchase scores above 80 points—qualifying it as specialty coffee'
Emirates 24/7
11-02-2025
- Business
- Emirates 24/7
Responsible practice in coffee takes centre stage at World of Coffee Dubai 2025
The coffee industry is undergoing a transformation, with responsible sourcing, sustainability, and fair trade becoming more than just buzzwords—they're now central to the future of coffee. At this year's World of Coffee, industry experts are tackling key issues such as fair value for farmers, sustainable sourcing, and environmental responsibility. With discussions, innovations, and commitments to change, the event underscores a new era for the coffee world. 'The coffee industry is evolving, and with it, our commitment to ethical sourcing and sustainability,' said Shouq Bin Redha, Exhibition Director, World of Coffee Dubai. 'World of Coffee is more than an industry gathering—it's a platform for meaningful dialogue and actionable change. By bringing together producers, owners, and industry leaders, we're shaping a future where responsible practices are not just encouraged but expected.' Khalid Al Mulla, CEO of the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) UAE Chapter, added, 'Sustainability and responsible sourcing are no longer optional in the coffee industry—they are essential, World of Coffee is a testament to the industry's commitment to these values, bringing together innovators and experts who are shaping a more responsible future for coffee. For example we have tied up with The Waste Lab by using coffee grounds leftover as fertilizer. Through collaboration and knowledge-sharing, we can create lasting impact from farm to cup.' For global megabrands, ethical practices and transparency play a crucial role in shaping the future of the industry. Due to sheer volume of trade, their impact is huge. Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
