SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
With diversified sources and innovative technologies, the UAE ensures a stable and resilient food supply chain amid ongoing regional developments, an expert said.
Speaking to Aletihad, Maryam AlFalasi, a National Experts Programme (NEP) representative for the Food Security Sector, said the country has built a robust system supported by advanced logistics and coordinated policies.
"Over the past decade, the UAE has strengthened diversified sourcing networks, advanced logistics infrastructure, and a coordinated regulatory framework to ensure reliable supply," she said.
AlFalasi highlighted diversification as a key strength of the sector, noting that sourcing from multiple global markets reduces reliance on any single region and boosts supply resilience. She also pointed to the role of strategic reserves and efficient supply chains in maintaining market stability, particularly during times of disruption.
"The country maintains stockpiles of essential food commodities. According to the UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism, as of March, the UAE's strategic reserves are sufficient to meet market needs for between four and six months, helping ensure availability and price stability even under emergency conditions."
In a nutshell, diversified imports and efficient logistics, combined with continuous monitoring, keep supplies moving, AlFalasi said. These measures form part of a wider, coordinated effort, reflecting the UAE's comprehensive national food security strategy, which is implemented across multiple initiatives, she explained.
"At its core are the UAE National Food Security Strategy 2051 and the UAE Food Security Policy Framework, both approved in 2018, which set the long-term direction for ensuring stable and sustainable food supplies," she said.
"This framework was further expanded through the UAE National Pathway for Food Systems Transformation, approved in 2021, which outlines how the country will implement and scale its food security agenda."
She emphasised that effective implementation relies on strong coordination across sectors, supported by the Emirates Food Security Council and aligned with national strategies including the UAE Water Security Strategy 2036, the UAE Climate Change Plan and Net Zero 2050 Strategy.
Innovations Bearing Fruit
Moving beyond imports and boosting self-sufficiency is another key element of the strategy, and this is where agricultural innovations come in.
AlFalasi said that investments in modern farming are already yielding results. For example, the UAE now hosts one of the world's largest vertical farms, producing over 1 million kilogrammes of leafy greens annually while using about 95% less water.
"In recent years, the UAE has invested heavily in controlled-environment agriculture, vertical farming, hydroponics, and water-efficient irrigation systems to increase production despite challenging climatic conditions."
By the end of 2025, local vegetable production covered more than 20% of market demand, she stressed.
AlFalasi also highlighted how public–private partnerships are crucial for developing creative, forward-thinking solutions. She cited the Food Innovation Hub UAE, which brings together policymakers, researchers, investors and industry leaders, and described the Food Innovation Conference 2024 in Dubai as a landmark event fostering collaboration and new technologies.
The UAE aims to expand domestic production of key crops and reduce agricultural water use from 8.2 million cubic metres in 2016 to 7.1 million by 2036, Al Falasi said, highlighting another primary goal: for the country to rank first globally in food security by 2051.