'UAE is positioning itself as a global leader in food security'

MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)

The UAE is positioning itself as a global leader in food security through strategic collaborations, cutting-edge infrastructure and a commitment to sustainable agricultural solutions, industry leaders say.

In an interview with Aletihad on the sidelines of the Global Food Security Summit in Abu Dhabi, Fatima Al Dhaheri, Head of the AgriFood Growth & Water Abundance (AGWA) Cluster at the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) said that the interconnectedness of Abu Dhabi's public and private sectors makes it a unique environment for advancing food security.

"We are all working towards the same goal," she said.

The UAE capital's world-class infrastructure has also contributed to positioning it as a global hub for food security through innovation, according to Al Dhaheri.

Entities such as the Abu Dhabi Airport Free Zone and Masdar City provide the necessary infrastructure to nurture innovative solutions, while the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC) and institutions like Khalifa University play a pivotal role in driving cutting-edge research and development, she explained.

During a panel discussion at the Global Food Security Summit, Al Dhaheri noted the importance of collaboration to ensure long-term food and water sustainability.

Through the AGWA Cluster, launched earlier this year, Abu Dhabi aims to become a central hub for food and water security.

Al Dhaheri explained that the cluster not only attracts global pioneers in agri-tech but also supports local companies in scaling up their operations.

This dual approach, which connects companies with vital resources like infrastructure, research and development, is designed to create a thriving ecosystem that benefits all stakeholders, she added.

By 2045, AGWA aims to increase Abu Dhabi's GDP by Dh90 billion, attract Dh120 billion in foreign direct investment, and create more than 60,000 jobs.

Key to AGWA's strategy is the development of alternative food sources, such as plant-based proteins and precision fermentation technologies.

Al Dhaheri on Tuesday announced the creation of a flagship annual event, "PALT" (Protein Alternative), designed to bring together global leaders in the alternative protein space.

The event will serve as a platform for collaboration between international companies, regulators, investors and local innovators, she told Aletihad.

This commitment to sustainability and innovation is echoed by other industry leaders.

Suresh Vaidyanathan, CEO of Ghassan Aboud Group, noted that the UAE boasts a well-defined food security strategy that focuses on establishing a robust food supply chain.

The Abu Dhabi Food Hub aims to act as a gateway for both local and international food products, creating a platform for trade and investment while ensuring a steady flow of food into the country.

"We are creating an ecosystem, not just real estate," Vaidyanathan said, highlighting the hub's value-added services, such as certification, food control, and packaging support, designed to attract new investments in local food production.

Masdar City, known for its commitment to sustainable urban development, also plays a significant role in the UAE's food security programmes.

During the panel discussion, Mohamed Al Breiki, Executive Director of Sustainable Development at Masdar, explained that the city offers a comprehensive package of services, from research and development clusters to free zone services and startup incubation programmes.

He also noted the critical need for partnerships between the public and private sectors to address global challenges such as population growth and urbanisation, which will increase demand for sustainable food solutions.

Hassan Halawy, CEO of Elite Agro Projects, noted that agri-tech companies are increasingly looking to the UAE as a hub for innovation.

Elite Agro Projects focuses on state-of-the-art technologies, including high-efficiency irrigation and protective growing environments, to produce crops in a region where traditional farming methods are not viable.

Halawy said that while large multinationals have focused their research on other regions, the UAE is becoming a testing ground for climate-smart technologies tailored to its specific conditions.

In an interview with Aletihad, Alan Smith, CEO of Agthia, one of the UAE's largest food and beverage companies, echoed these sentiments.

"The UAE is at the forefront of food security both regionally and globally. Its forward-thinking strategies and initiatives in that area have placed it in the spotlight," he said.

Agthia's investments in sustainable practices, such as the launch of recyclable and plant-based water bottles, and its focus on reducing CO2 emissions, are part of its broader effort to contribute to the UAE's food security strategy.