UAE - Mubasher: Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza) has inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the UAE-based STAR-K Kosher Certification to increase the production of kosher-certified food in Dubai.

Under the agreement, Jafza aims to educate its partners in the food and agricultural commodities sector about kosher standards and norms to enable them to get certified as kosher, according to a press release on Sunday.

The leading free zone in the Middle East has a dedicated food and agricultural portfolio of more than 550 companies from over 70 countries, with 38% from the Middle East, 23% from Asia, 19% from Europe, and 10% from Africa.

DP World, comprising the Jebel Ali Port and Jafza, focuses on all food and agricultural segments, including food processing, cereal processing, meat processing, edible oil processing, and sugar refining.

The Chief Operating Officer of Parks and Zones at DP World UAE Region, Ahmad Al Haddad, said: "The country is home to people from various countries and is accepting of traditions from varied cultures. With the recent developments between the UAE and Israel, we expect the demand for kosher food to be on the rise."

The President of STAR-K Kosher Certification, Rabbi Ahron Haskel, commented: "It is important, especially now, in light of the Israel-UAE peace agreement, to make entities in the food industry aware of the added value of kosher-certified products not only for the Jewish community here, but also for anyone looking for healthy and halal-compliant options."