Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI:THE UAE continues to consolidate its global position in food security and sustainable food systems through strategic projects and innovative initiatives that combine technology, investment and financing, reported WAM. These efforts aim to build an integrated food sector that enhances the nation’s competitiveness both regionally and internationally.
According to WAM, these initiatives are advancing through close cooperation between the public and private sectors under a national vision that seeks to achieve self-sufficiency and strengthen the resilience of food supply chains. In Abu Dhabi, the food and beverage sector has witnessed record growth, underscoring the emirate’s standing as a leading regional hub for the food industry. According to the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the number of active memberships in the sector has risen to 24,594.
Data from the Chamber showed that the food sector has become increasingly attractive to small and mediumsized enterprises and start-ups, with the first half of 2025 recording a 42.2 percent increase in new memberships compared to the same period in 2024.
Dubai is home to a range of innovative agricultural projects and accelerators and has emerged as a global leader in food trade, supported by its advanced infrastructure and strategic geographical location, which make it a key hub for food movement between continents. The emirate’s integrated logistics ecosystem further enhances its role as a global centre for food trade, accelerating supply chains and ensuring efficiency.
Jebel Ali Port, the largest in the Middle East, handles around 73 percent of the UAE’s food and beverage trade by value, linking companies to more than 150 ports worldwide and ensuring smooth and secure global food trade operations.
In terms of financing, several national institutions are supporting this effort, including Emirates Development Bank, which launched the UAE’s first AgriTech financing programme in mid2023. The bank allocated a fund worth AED100 million to support vital food security projects, fostering innovation in agricultural technology and empowering start-ups in this critical sector.
