ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
TRENDS Research and Advisory and the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MoCCAE) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at achieving sustainable development goals and supporting the food security system in the UAE through conducting a series of nationwide surveys and field studies targeting various segments of the UAE community over three to four months.
The signing took place on the sidelines of the Abu Dhabi Global Food Security Week, currently being held at the ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi until November 28, in the presence of HE Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment. The agreement was signed by Mohammed Saeed Al-Nuaimi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, and Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS Research and Advisory.
Mohammed Saeed Al-Nuaimi emphasised that the signing of the MOU with TRENDS Research and Advisory reflects the Ministry’s commitment to identifying all challenges to achieving sustainable food security in the UAE. He highlighted the role of advanced technologies and data utilisation in transforming food and agricultural systems into sustainable frameworks.
“The Ministry, in collaboration with federal, local and private sector entities, is working towards achieving the objectives of the National Food Security Strategy 2051, particularly in the agricultural sector, to increase local production of strategic crops. Through partnerships with TRENDS and other stakeholders in the UAE and globally, we will be better equipped to meet our goals and ensure a secure food future for the country,” he stated.
Providing Vital Data
Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS Research and Advisory, highlighted that the MOU with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment aims to achieve sustainable development goals and support the food security system through field studies and surveys. These efforts will provide vital and accurate data that play a critical role in understanding the current state of food security and its challenges.
Dr. Al-Ali emphasised that field surveys and opinion polls help guide the Ministry’s initiatives to meet sustainable development objectives in the UAE by collecting and analysing data. This process identifies gaps in the agricultural and food sectors, proposes solutions, and offers effective recommendations. Such efforts will enable evidence-based decision-making, improving food security in the long term and supporting sustainable development goals.
Scientific Methodologies
Dr. Al-Ali further stated that TRENDS prioritises field studies and surveys due to their capacity to gauge local public opinion trends on achieving sustainable development goals and enhancing food security systems from the perspective of respondents. He explained that these surveys follow rigorous scientific methodologies, employing various approaches to deliver precise and well-analysed results. These include practical applications to assess the current food security landscape, understand community needs, identify challenges and opportunities, and develop plans and strategies to achieve sustainable development goals.
Understanding Community Trends
Under the MOU, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and TRENDS will conduct a series of field surveys and studies to identify obstacles facing agriculture and food production in the UAE. These surveys will also examine consumer behaviour through opinion polls, offering deeper insights into the habits and preferences of Emirati consumers regarding sustainability and healthy nutrition. The findings will help shape food policies to meet local community needs and advance sustainable development objectives.