Dubai to boost local produce and reduce waste in new food security strategy

Dubai has officially launched its Food Security Strategy 2030, a comprehensive plan designed to guarantee the availability and safety of food for all residents within the emirate. The strategy was announced on Sunday by the Dubai Environment and Climate Change Authority, known as DECCA. It received approval from Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who serves as the Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence of the United Arab Emirates. He also holds the position of Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai. The new framework aligns with the broader UAE National Food Security Strategy 2051, aiming to elevate the nation’s standing in international food security rankings. Ahmed Mohammed bin Thani, the Director General of DECCA, stated that the strategy is built upon a vision to position Dubai as a global leader in sustainable food security. This ambition relies heavily on advanced technologies and resilient supply chains. Bin Thani explained that the plan targets specific goals, including increasing local production, minimizing food waste, and ensuring that healthy food remains accessible and affordable for the population. He noted that five distinct strategic initiatives were established to empower the agriculture and food industries. These efforts involve partnering with stakeholders across the entire ecosystem to create a robust and sustainable food security framework for the emirate. The first initiative concentrates on fostering the growth of the agriculture and food production sectors. Its primary objectives include optimizing resource usage, enhancing sector competitiveness, and promoting sustainable practices. Specific projects under this pillar include the expansion of fisheries, the development of the livestock sector, and the creation of cooperatives for small-scale farmers. These measures are intended to bolster domestic production while encouraging more environmentally friendly farming methods. The second initiative focuses on fortifying food supply chains. The goal is to create an efficient, agile, and responsive system capable of meeting evolving demand and adapting to market conditions. Key projects involve diversifying food import destinations and forming partnerships with importers of strategic food commodities. By broadening sourcing options, Dubai aims to better manage potential disruptions and lower its exposure to price fluctuations in individual markets. The third initiative encourages healthy and sustainable food consumption habits among residents. It includes a comprehensive program designed to reduce food waste and loss, alongside a study examining current food consumption patterns. Public awareness campaigns are central to this effort, seeking to link household food choices with wider initiatives to curb waste and promote responsible eating. The fourth initiative aims to enhance governance, regulation, and economic support for integrated food systems. A major component of this area is the attraction of sustainable investments into the sector. Planned projects include upgrading the existing Food Security Platform and establishing a dedicated Investor Information Platform for the AgriTech industry. This platform is designed to provide investors with necessary information regarding agricultural technology opportunities. The fifth initiative is dedicated to creating a food ecosystem that can withstand market fluctuations. It utilizes advanced, partnership-driven infrastructure to respond effectively to consumer needs and market demands. International cooperation in research and development is included among the projects planned under this final pillar, highlighting the strategy’s emphasis on innovation and collaborative approaches. Implementation of the strategy will be overseen by DECCA’s Food Security Department. This department will coordinate efforts with both local and federal government entities, as well as private-sector partners. The overarching objective is to address everyday concerns for residents, ranging from the cost and availability of essential items to the stability of supplies during emergencies or global market disruptions. The strategy seeks to ensure that Dubai’s food systems remain robust against external shocks while maintaining high standards of quality and safety.