The UAE is taking significant steps to increase food security and reduce its reliance on food imports. The country aims to create 20,000 jobs in the food sector by 2030, with the goal of decreasing food imports from 90% to 50% by 2050, said Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy. The initiatives are also expected to boost the food sector’s contribution to the UAE’s GDP by $10 billion. The UAE has made food security a national priority, especially since the 2007 global food crisis, and has been heavily investing in ensuring a sustainable food supply for residents.
In 2023, the UAE saw a total volume of food imports amounting to $23 billion, while food exports reached $6.6 billion. During the first half of the year, the sector experienced a 20% growth in total trade, with food imports increasing by 23% and exports seeing a 19% rise. The growth potential of the GCC food and beverage sector is expected to reach $128 billion by 2029, and Al Marri urged the industry to harness this momentum to drive the UAE’s cluster strategy further. The goal is to create a sustainable future for the country and ensure that the UAE remains a global leader in food security.
The key pillars of the UAE’s food security strategy include fostering innovation through world-class R&D, nurturing future disruptors in the food industry, and embedding sustainable practices across the food production value chain. The country is committed to creating a dialogue between stakeholders in the food sector, including universities, scientists, research institutions, and ministries, to enhance food security, supply chain, and export opportunities. A high-level discussion was held on the Food Cluster strategy, bringing together vital ministries to explore policy reforms, collaboration, and investment in the sector.
The concept of creating food clusters is aimed at facilitating dialogues among stakeholders to ensure food security in the future. As a country heavily reliant on food imports, the UAE recognizes the importance of enhancing food security, supply chain efficiency, increasing exports, and implementing practical policies to protect the market. These topics need to be openly discussed among stakeholders in the sector to drive innovation and sustainability in the food industry. The UAE’s commitment to food security and sustainable practices reflects its dedication to creating a thriving and self-sufficient food sector that benefits the economy and the environment.
