The UAE continues to strengthen its global position in the food security system

Abu Dhabi, October 25 / WAM / The UAE continues to consolidate its global position in the field of food security and the sustainability of the food system through strategic projects and qualitative initiatives that combine innovation, technology, investment and the provision of financing, and contribute to building an integrated food sector that enhances the country’s competitiveness regionally and internationally.
These efforts are integrated through cooperation between the government and private sectors within an ambitious national vision that aims to achieve self-sufficiency and enhance the flexibility of food supply chains.
In the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, the food and beverage sector is witnessing record growth that reflects the emirate’s position as a leading regional destination in the food industry, as the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry announced an increase in the number of active memberships in the sector to 24,594 memberships.
Chamber data showed that the food sector has become more attractive to small and medium-sized companies and emerging projects. The first half of 2025 witnessed a 42.2% growth in the number of new memberships compared to the same period in 2024.
Dubai hosts many innovative agricultural projects and accelerators, and is considered one of the leading cities in the world in supporting the food trade system, thanks to its advanced infrastructure and strategic geographical location, which has made it a major hub for the movement of food commodities between continents. It has also established its position as a global center for food trade thanks to its integrated logistics system that contributes to accelerating the flow of goods and enhancing efficiency. Supply chains.
Dubai includes Jebel Ali Port, the largest port in the Middle East, which handles about 73% of the UAE’s food and beverage trade by value, and connects companies to more than 150 ports around the world, ensuring smooth and safe food trade at the international level.
At the financing level, many entities in the Emirates are working to provide support requirements in this context, including the Emirates Development Bank, which in mid-2023 launched the agricultural technology financing program, the first of its kind in the country, and announced the allocation of a financial portfolio worth 100 million dirhams to finance vital food security projects, in a way that enhances innovation in the fields of agricultural technology and supports the growth of emerging companies in this vital sector.
Saleh Lootah, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Food and Beverage Manufacturers Group in the Emirates, confirmed in a statement to “WAM” that the UAE has today become one of the developed countries globally in the field of food security, thanks to the vision of the wise leadership and the pivotal role played by the Emirate of Dubai as a regional center for food re-export.
He added that the private sector contributes an active role through the spirit of initiative and continuous cooperation with government agencies, noting that the post-Corona pandemic phase has witnessed a tangible strengthening of the partnership between the public and private sectors, which enhances the state’s position in this vital field.
Regarding the projects affecting the sustainability of the national food system, Lootah referred to the “Emirates Food Cluster Economy” initiative launched by the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, describing it as a “quantum leap” in enabling the private sector to lead development in the areas of legislation, initiatives and projects.
He explained that this initiative works to integrate all stakeholders into an integrated system that includes farms, factories, supply chains, and retail trade, so that challenges are dealt with with a “win-win” mentality to ensure that all parties benefit and support the country’s competitiveness.
Lootah spoke about the role of these groups in achieving self-sufficiency and enhancing the UAE’s competitiveness as a regional center for food security, indicating that the system focuses on addressing the challenges of each specialized sector separately, whether in agriculture, manufacturing, or distribution, by developing technical competencies, stimulating innovation, and attracting foreign investments, in addition to preparing qualified national competencies to lead the sector in the future.
For his part, Ahmed Al-Shaibani, head of the Food Tech Valley project, confirmed that the project is one of the pioneering strategic initiatives in partnership with Wasl Company and the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, and that it represents an integrated platform that supports the development of the agricultural and food technology sectors, and provides an incubator environment for emerging and international companies working in the field of food.
He told WAM that the project represents one of the basic pillars for achieving the goals of the National Food Security Strategy 2051, by building an integrated system that includes the entire food value chain, from production to consumption, in a way that enhances the flexibility of the food system in the country and consolidates the UAE’s position as a regional center for food innovation.
He added that the project focuses on attracting international and regional companies looking to expand in the vital sectors related to food, and linking them with their counterparts within the value chain, enabling them to achieve integration and sustainable growth.
He explained that the role of the Food Technology Valley is not limited to providing advanced infrastructure for factories and research centers, but rather extends to facilitating investment procedures, providing innovative solutions for rent and construction, in addition to facilitating communication with relevant governmental and economic agencies.
He pointed out that recent years have witnessed a tangible shift in the presence of local products within the Emirati market, as they were relatively rare three or four years ago, while today they have become strongly present in associations and major stores, which reflects the country’s success in supporting local production and enhancing its competitive position.

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