Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA) hosted a public event on the new standards and regulations for the retail sector on Sunday and Monday, June 26 -27 at the Theatre Hall at Abu Dhabi Municipality on Salam Street.
The event held with a view to spread awareness about Abu Dhabi Government's new initiatives to streamline the retail/grocery sector and to scotch rumors that these will lead to the closure of smaller groceries, was attended by a large number of stake holders - grocery owners, suppliers, sponsors, investors and consumers.
The event provided the attendees an opportunity to gain a full understanding of the new standards and regulations for the sector as well as of the many benefits and advantages they guarantee for consumers and investors alike.
Mohamed Jalal Al Reyaysa, Director of Communication and Community Service at ADFCA said the Authority would never force anyone to close down groceries if they implemented the new standards and regulations. "In fact; ADFCA wants to reassure that the new standards and regulations will provide grocery owners more lucrative opportunities and better capacity to compete with international retail players. By implementing the new regulations, they will actually be bringing their businesses on par with the best anywhere in the world, leaving the consumers with more confidence and trust in their services," he added.
"The groceries are a vital part of the Abu Dhabi community. The focus of the government initiative is to raise the level of services and safety standards provided to customers in line with Abu Dhabi Vision 2030," he explained.
"We held this event to remove misunderstandings and communicate the facts directly to the stake holders. The two-day event, which also featured a model of the new grocery store, gave the visitors a visual journey to the changes underway and emphasized the urgent need for the planned improvements in the grocery sector and the benefits they bring," he pointed out.
A short movie that illustrates the shop refitting concept and the benefits to the groceries operators was also screened. The 1:20 scale model of the new store has been designed in accordance with the best international standards.
The planned improvements will allow the grocery owners to incorporate best practices into their daily operations and services to customers. This transformation will enable them to enhance profitability and achieve higher sales and better productivity. In addition; it will help them face competition from local and international retailers in the short and medium terms more effectively.
The event also featured a lively interaction between all the stake holders and the regulatory government agencies such as Abu Dhabi Food control Authority, Abu Dhabi Municipality, Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council and Department of Economic Development.
