Today's Edition
Mays Ibrahim (ABU DHABI)
From thousands of farms boosting output to a growing presence of food brands in the market, the UAE’s food industry is seeing robust growth, Economy and Tourism Minister Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri said on Wednesday.
Speaking at the Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition in Al Ain, Bin Touq said the sector is expanding on the production side, with more than 10,000 companies and 38,000 farms now operating nationwide.
Local production currently meets more than 20% of domestic demand, rising to as much as 80% for certain crops, according to Bin Touq.
The sector’s growth comes as the UAE steps up efforts to strengthen food security, with increased investment in advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and data analytics to improve productivity and sustainability.
The country has also prioritised the development of an integrated legislative and regulatory framework to boost competitiveness, attract investment, and streamline the establishment of food and agriculture projects, Bin Touq added.
The minister also highlighted the critical role of small enterprises, emphasising the importance of bringing them into the broader food value chain.
By the end of March 2026, the total number of registered national and international trademarks in the UAE had reached 42,876, the minister said, noting that food-related brands continue to expand in the domestic market.
Annual agricultural output in the UAE exceeds 156,000 tonnes of vegetables, more than 500,000 tonnes of field crops and fodder, and around 200,000 tonnes of fruit.
Bin Touq noted that the government is working closely with private sector partners to address market challenges, strengthen supply chains, and improve the integration between production, manufacturing and distribution.
He reiterated that food security is a top priority for the UAE, with strategic efforts underscoring the country’s commitment to becoming a global model in the field.
Looking ahead, Bin Touq made a compelling case for artificial intelligence and advanced technology as cornerstones of a data-driven economy capable of improving productivity, ensuring long-term sustainability, and enabling smarter decision-making across the sector.
The minister described the Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition as a key national platform that brings together industry leaders to shape the future of food security, share expertise, showcase best practices, and spotlight the latest innovations in technology and artificial intelligence driving next-generation agricultural infrastructure.
He stressed that these advancements are key to boosting domestic production and forging meaningful strategic partnerships.
