The United Arab Emirates continues to establish its global reputation in the realm of food security and sustainable food systems through strategic projects and innovative initiatives. These efforts combine innovation, technology, investment, and financing, contributing to the development of a comprehensive food sector that enhances the country’s competitiveness both regionally and internationally.
These initiatives are supported by collaboration between the public and private sectors, guided by an ambitious national vision aimed at achieving self-sufficiency and strengthening the resilience of food supply chains.
In Abu Dhabi, the food and beverage sector is experiencing remarkable growth, highlighting the emirate’s position as a leading regional hub in the food industry. The Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry reported an increase in active memberships in this sector, reaching 24,594.
Data from the chamber indicates that the food sector is increasingly attracting small and medium enterprises and startups, with a 42.2% growth in new memberships during the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.
Dubai hosts numerous innovative agricultural projects and accelerators, making it a global leader in supporting food trade systems. This is thanks to its advanced infrastructure and strategic geographic location, positioning it as a central hub for the movement of food goods across continents. Dubai’s integrated logistics capabilities further enhance the efficiency and flow of food supplies, solidifying its status as a global food trade center.
The emirate is home to Jebel Ali Port, the largest port in the Middle East, which handles approximately 73% of the UAE’s food and beverage trade by value, linking businesses to over 150 ports worldwide and ensuring seamless and secure international food trade.
Regarding financing, various entities in the UAE are working to provide essential support. For instance, the Emirates Development Bank launched the country’s first agriculture technology financing program in mid-2023, with a financial portfolio of 100 million dirhams dedicated to supporting vital food security projects, promoting innovation in agricultural technology, and assisting the growth of startups in this critical sector.
Salih Lootah, Chairman of the Emirates Food and Beverage Manufacturers Group, stated that the UAE has become a global leader in food security due to the visionary leadership and the pivotal role played by Dubai as a regional re-export hub for food.
He emphasized that the private sector plays a significant role through continuous collaboration and initiative with government entities, noting that the post-COVID-19 phase has seen a noticeable strengthening of partnerships between the public and private sectors, enhancing the country’s position in this vital field.
Regarding impactful projects aimed at achieving national food system sustainability, Lootah mentioned the “Food Cluster Economy” initiative launched by the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, describing it as a major advancement empowering the private sector to lead development in legislation, initiatives, and projects.
This initiative aims to integrate all stakeholders within a cohesive system comprising farms, factories, supply chains, and retail, addressing challenges with a win-win mentality to ensure benefits for all parties and support the country’s competitiveness.
Lootah discussed the role of these clusters in achieving self-sufficiency and enhancing the UAE’s competitiveness as a regional food security center, explaining that the system focuses on addressing specific sectoral challenges, whether in agriculture, manufacturing, or distribution, through developing technical skills, fostering innovation, attracting foreign investments, and training qualified local talents for the future leadership of the sector.
Ahmed Al-Sheibani, head of the Food Tech Valley project, affirmed that this initiative is a leading strategic partnership with Wasl and the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, serving as a comprehensive platform that supports the development of agricultural and food technology sectors while providing a nurturing environment for startups and global companies in the food field.
He indicated that the project forms one of the essential pillars for achieving the goals of the National Food Security Strategy 2051 by creating an integrated system that encompasses the entire food value chain from production to consumption, thereby enhancing the resilience of the state’s food system and reinforcing the UAE’s position as a regional innovation hub in food.
Moreover, the project aims to attract global and regional companies seeking to expand in vital food-related sectors and connect them within the value chain to enable integration and sustainable growth.
Al-Sheibani explained that the role of Food Tech Valley extends beyond providing advanced infrastructure for factories and research centers to facilitating investment procedures, offering innovative solutions for leasing and construction, and easing communication with relevant government and economic entities.
He highlighted the recent significant increase in the presence of local products in the UAE market, which were relatively scarce three or four years ago but are now strongly represented in major supermarkets and associations, reflecting the country’s success in supporting local production and enhancing its competitive position.