The United Arab Emirates has secured the position of geographical representative for the Near East region within the Codex Alimentarius Commission for the term 2026 to 2028. This marks the first time the UAE has achieved this honor during the 48th session of the commission held in Rome, Italy.
The UAE’s selection was made possible through the efforts of Her Excellency Mouza Suhail Al-Muhairi, Deputy Director General of the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority for Regulatory and Administrative Affairs, who also chairs the National Codex Committee.
This accomplishment reflects the international community’s trust in the UAE’s leadership capabilities and significant contributions to the development of food standards and the enhancement of global food safety systems.
This achievement underscores the UAE’s growing prominence in international organizations focused on agriculture and food security, reinforcing its presence in shaping global policies and standards. It aligns with the nation’s vision and wise leadership towards achieving sustainable agricultural development and ensuring food safety, while also demonstrating the international community’s confidence in the expertise of national teams in managing critical strategic issues in this vital sector.
The appointment further supports the National Food Security Strategy 2051 and enables representation of the Near East region on the Executive Committee of the Codex Alimentarius, a role of strategic importance since the geographical representative participates in setting overall directions, developing strategic plans, and managing the commission’s programs related to international food standards. This considers the unique dietary patterns and production, economic, and health conditions of the region’s countries.
Her Excellency Mouza Al-Muhairi is recognized for her extensive administrative and scientific experience, spanning over 25 years in government service. She has played a pivotal role in establishing the food control system in Abu Dhabi, enhancing the emirate’s position in global food safety rankings, where it has ranked first in the Middle East.
As the head of the National Codex Committee appointed by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, she coordinates the national stance in Codex meetings and develops studies and proposals that support the evolution of international standards, ensuring alignment with national priorities and boosting the competitiveness of local products in global markets.
Her Excellency Mouza Al-Muhairi stated that the UAE’s election to this prestigious international role reflects its advanced standing in food security and safety, further solidifying its role as a key player in the formulation of global food policies.
She emphasized that this selection reinforces international confidence in the UAE’s regulatory and scientific capabilities, providing greater opportunities to affirm its leadership role within relevant international organizations, particularly the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO). This achievement is testament to the essential resources available to the UAE, including its positive reputation and high credibility in international forums, as well as its top rankings in various food security-related international indices, extensive technical expertise in food safety and quality standards, and advanced institutional capacities for food oversight, risk analysis, and food security enhancement, along with active participation in various Codex committees.
She noted that this role carries a responsibility and commitment to continue supporting the Codex Alimentarius Commission, collaborating with member states to improve food safety and develop international standards that reflect the region’s needs, thus opening new avenues for regional and international cooperation and providing the UAE with a larger platform to lead global discussions on food security and safety issues.
She reiterated that the country will persist in working with international partners to create innovative standards that support sustainable agricultural development, further positioning the UAE as a global hub for food innovation. This achievement not only represents a national success but also presents a valuable opportunity to enhance the competitiveness of local products and demonstrate the UAE’s commitment to supporting international efforts aimed at consumer protection and ensuring the sustainability of global food systems.