Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
The impact of food innovation in the UAE, including the role of AI, came to the fore at Gulfood 2025, which brought together 4,595 exhibitors from 106 countries to explore "The Next Frontier in Food" at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
Speaking to Aletihad on the sidelines of the event, food specialist Andrey Dribny, Managing Director - Culinary, at IFFCO Group, said AI is making a real impact on the UAE's food system, improving everything from supply chains to food production and waste tracking.
Dribny laid emphasis on the important role of chefs and food scientists in innovation and food trends in the UAE.
He stated: "In many respects, chefs and food scientists are the architects of culinary evolution, effortlessly incorporating innovation with tradition to shape consumer palates and redefine food experiences."
He pointed out that chefs and food scientists are driving the creation of exciting new flavours and reimagining traditional recipes.
"Consumers in the UAE are increasingly leaning toward healthier cooking oils, driven by heightened awareness of nutrition and wellness. Consumers want oils that contain less saturated fats, give better nutritional benefits, and are sustainably sourced," Dribny said.
Dribny also highlighted the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention's National Nutrition Strategy for 2022-2030 and efforts to cut trans fats in food products.
"The UAE is seeking to develop sustainable nutritional systems and to strengthen food governance."
Furthermore, Dribny acknowledged how food producers have responded to the national nutrition and health scheme by lowering sodium, sugar, and calorie levels while keeping high quality and taste in their products.
The plant-based food sector was another emerging area for growth.
"Consumers are increasingly realising the importance of plant-based diets for health, environmental, and ethical reasons," Dribny said.
He drew attention to the UAE plant-based meat industry's rapid growth, with a 20.6% annual growth predicted by 2030.
However, he acknowledged that producing the taste and texture of plant-based meat products matching closely those very much accepted by Emirati consumers is a challenge.
He added that initiatives like Net-Zero by 2050 and the National Food Security Strategy 2051 are vital in driving change through alternative proteins, vertical farming and AI innovations.
In the UAE, a tech-driven and sustainable food landscape is what Dribny visualises: "We foresee that by 2050, the UAE food landscape will be tech-driven, sustainable, and climate-resilient."
"The whole nation of the UAE is tackling the food security dimension with a multi-pronged approach, and the key areas are technology, sustainability and innovation," Dribny said.
"The UAE is rapidly establishing its position as a global powerhouse of food innovation development, making use of its strategic location and high-tech investments in breakthroughs and progressive policies to shape the industry," Dribny added.
Gulfood runs until February 21 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
