Why are UAE residents demanding more organic and natural products?

Sultan Alwan, Assistant Undersecretary at the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and other officials at 14th edition of Menope 2016.

The demand for organic and natural products in UAE has continued to remain on the upward trajectory and approximate retail space stocking these products has jumped up by a whopping 60 per cent in the last four years, according to a study conducted by Global Links across the UAE.
Nadim Al Fuqaha, managing director, Global Links, on sidelines of 14th edition of Menope 2016, said: "A few years ago retail shelves stocking organic and natural products, particularly food and beverages, followed by beauty cosmetics were limited to upmarket shopping destinations. This has completely changed and going by the increase in retail shelves in high-end shopping malls as well as the robust exclusive presence of the products in mid-tier shopping centres and hyper markets are clear indicators of winning growth traction for these products in the UAE. We are seeing this happening in other markets of the region as well, particularly in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait."
"Another important factor is the increase in population of the UAE with an increasing share of educated professional class in the demographic tapestry. These people are acutely aware of their health and are conscious of good living habits and chemical-free organic and natural products are a natural choice for them," said Fuqaha.
Meanwhile region's only organic and natural products exhibition, Menope 2016 was officially inaugurated by Sultan Alwan, Assistant Undersecretary at the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment today.
The exhibition has a participation of over 110 companies from 27 countries across the world and will run till December 1 2016 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC).
Menope organised by Dubai-based Global Links, under the patronage of the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, is in its 14th year this year. Organisers have revamped this year's expo demarcating the participation into distinct verticals namely, food and beverages, beauty and wellness, health, nutrition and alternate medicine.
Engineer Fatima Obaid Al Kalbani, director of Health and Plant Development Department at the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, said:  "In light of the increase in organic farming allocation and the rising number of organic agricultural crops and agricultural areas as well as  the growth in imported organic products, the ministry is keen to help regulate this sector, particularly with focus on the development of legislative frameworks which will in turn support the sector and enable it to enhance and compete in the market, as well as encourage private sector to invest." 
 
Large Indian participation
From organic virgin coconut oil to natural medicines to traditional Ayurveda products, Menope 2016 has a large participation of over 40 Indian companies this year.These companies are from across the country and it is the first time that Menope, the region's only niche exhibition for organic and natural products, has seen such a large participation from India, signifying increasing interest to tap the growing market of Middle East and North Africa.
Afghanistan debuts
For the first time, Afghanistan is also taking part in MENOPE 2016 under the aegis of the USAIDS Agricultural Credit Enhancement II Programme (ACE II). Four Afghan companies are showcasing a variety of products including dried fruits and nuts, cashmere, saffron and fresh fruits at the expo with the intention of attracting business partnerships from the Mena region.  
Other countries participating at the expo include Saudi Arabia, India, Ghana, Lithuania, Turkey, the Philippines, Malaysia, USA and Romania. Menope 2016 will showcase a variety of products spanning across Herbals and Spices, Food & Beverages, Cereal Products, Supplements, Health Care products, Natural Living, Natural Cosmetics, Healing Products, Natural remedies, Traditional Medicines, Spas, Relaxation facilities, Pet products and Fabrics. - business@khaleejtimes.com