Today's Edition
BATOOL GHAITH (Abu Dhabi)
The UAE is strengthening its position as a global hub for food trade by combining investment, technology, logistics and open trade networks as countries face growing pressure from climate change and shifting geopolitical conditions, Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade, said on Tuesday.
Delivering the ministerial address at the Global Food Security Summit (GFSS), part of Global Food Week 2026, which runs until October 8, Al Zeyoudi said the future of food security is no longer simply about increasing production.
“The future of food is no longer just about our ability to increase production, but about the need for more interconnected, adaptable and resilient food systems,” the minister said.
He emphasised that the ability to connect production centres with markets, from farms and ports to consumers, has become increasingly important to maintain food availability.
The minister indicated that the summit provides an opportunity to examine the challenges shaping the future of food and explore how innovation, investment and trade policies can help address them.
Al Zeyoudi said the UAE has strengthened its position in the global food industry by leveraging its strategic location between Asia, Africa and Europe, alongside its ports, airports, free zones and trade network.
In 2025, the value of the UAE’s trade in food, agriculture and related products reached $41.8 billion, according to the minister.
To support further growth, the country is accelerating investment in future technologies and projects aimed at strengthening food production and supply chains, he added.
Al Zeyoudi also noted that the private sector has an important role in translating innovation into scalable solutions. “It transforms innovations into scalable solutions and creates market opportunities for new projects, investments and production, warehouses, manufacturing and logistics,” he said.
He stressed that building more sustainable food systems requires governments and the private sector to work together. The minister also noted that the issues facing food security extend beyond supply and include trade, investment, technology, water and energy.
Al Zeyoudi emphasised that greater attention must be paid to ensuring food systems can connect and scale, withstand a changing global environment, diversify supply sources and maintain trade flows.
The summit should be used to create new partnerships, develop projects and connect ideas with practical needs, he added, expressing hope that the discussions would mark the beginning of a new phase of joint action towards more secure, resilient and sustainable food systems.
