Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
Building upon the UAE National Food Security Strategy 2051 and utilising modern technologies, Dubai has initiated various programmes to consolidate innovative food technologies.
A recently published report by the Dubai Future Foundation, titled “Mission possible: Food security - a role for alternative proteins”, underlines the significance of alternatives to animal proteins in the global discourse on food security and sustainability.
The Dubai Future Foundation aspires to fulfill the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, propelling Dubai into the future and solidifying its global standing as a leading city of innovation and progress.
According to the report and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the production of animal products contributes to an increase in greenhouse gas emissions by 11% to 14.5%.
Besides, global consumption of animal proteins is expected to rise by 14% by 2030. Forecasts suggest that by 2030, the world’s meat supply will reach 374 million tonnes.
Among the top priorities are reducing the adverse environmental impacts of animal protein production and ensuring universal access to nutritious proteins.
This includes the development of plant-based meat, cultivated meat, seafood alternatives, and precision-fermented products.
Critics assert that conventional animal farming poses risks to both the environment and human health, urging the exploration of technology-driven alternatives.
Reimagining global food systems for sustainability has been a focal point at United Nations conferences and discussions at COP28.
The report assessed the plant-based, cellular culture, and precision fermentation sectors within the alternative protein ecosystem to visualise their future growth and understand their potential benefits.
Questioning future food opportunities, the report highlighted that advancements in the alternative protein sector required collective efforts, enclosing public policy, research, infrastructure investment, and educational pathways.
It also proposes manufacturing food, water, and medicines utilising personal portable bioreactors in future households, decentralised food production from atmospheric sources, substituting animal leather in fashion and automotive industries, and employing solar energy-powered bioreactors for food production during Mars missions.
The report observes that the alternative proteins ecosystem is evolving rapidly, with countries laying the groundwork for research, manufacturing, and distribution.
Further, global success is determined by various factors as outlined in the report’s conclusion, including extensive study of health and safety aspects, establishment of regulations for commercialisation, increased investments and funding for sustainable protein production, availability of appropriate curricula, and close consultation with consumers to ensure culturally consistent products and global technology adoption.
In agreement with the report’s suggestions, Dubai is implementing initiatives to support innovative food technologies, including establishing a “Food Tech Valley”, setting up plant-based meat manufacturing facilities, and hosting the largest “food of the future” tasting at the Dubai Future Forum, all in line with the UAE National Food Security Strategy 2051.
