Food security, an essential pillar of human well-being, stands at the forefront of global concerns. With the world population growing and climate change threatening agricultural productivity, nations worldwide actively seek strategies to safeguard their food supplies and combat hunger.
The United Arab Emirates, despite facing unique challenges due to its climate, has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to addressing food security through comprehensive initiatives and forward-thinking policies.
Food security refers to the availability, accessibility, and affordability of food for all individuals within a population. It is a fundamental aspect of human well-being and is crucial for sustainable development and social stability. Ensuring food security is a complex challenge that requires comprehensive strategies and coordinated efforts at various levels, including national, regional, and global.
In recent years, the issue of food security has gained significant attention worldwide, as the global population continues to grow and climate change poses new threats to agricultural productivity. Countries around the world are actively seeking solutions to safeguard their food supplies and protect their populations from hunger and malnutrition.
Undoubtedly, the UAE’s climate poses a significant hurdle to achieving self-sufficiency in food production. As a desert nation, it grapples with limited arable land, extreme summer temperatures, and minimal rainfall. These environmental conditions create obstacles to domestic food production, food storage, and water supply. While the nation acknowledges its reliance on food imports, primarily financed through fossil fuel revenues, it recognizes the need for diversification to ensure long-term food security.
Nevertheless, the UAE has taken decisive steps to mitigate these obstacles. By investing in innovative technologies, implementing sustainable farming practices, and optimizing water resources through desalination, the nation has made remarkable strides in ensuring agricultural productivity and reducing reliance on imports.
The country’s journey toward securing sustainable food imports is driven by a commitment to reducing vulnerability and building a resilient future by having programs such as the Food and Agriculture Entrepreneurs Programme, National Food Security Strategy, Emirates Council for Food Security, The National System for Sustainable Agriculture, UAE Aquaculture Pulse 2020, UAE Food Bank and the Federal law for the regulation.
The UAE is also implementing corporate tax law starting from the 1st of June 2023, it is intended to help the nation achieve its objectives and accelerate its development and its transformation. This would help to develop and transform the food and beverage industry to boost security.
In 2018, The UAE government presented the National Strategy for food security. The Strategy defines the elements of the national food basket, which includes 18 types, based on a primary criterion. It also includes 38 short and long-term key initiatives and is geared by strategic goals. The strategy aims to make the UAE the world’s best in the Global Food Security Index by 2051 and among the top 10 countries by 2021, to develop a comprehensive national system based on enabling sustainable food production through the use of modern technologies, to enhance local production, to develop international partnerships to diversify food sources, to activate legislation and policies to reduce waste and that contribute to improving nutrition.
By implementing measures to reduce this dependency, such as the introduction of corporate tax laws and the establishment of various food security programs, the UAE aims to build a more resilient and sustainable future.
The launch of the National Food Security Strategy 2051 represents the UAE’s unwavering commitment to global food security. The strategy sets forth an ambitious goal of achieving zero hunger by providing year-round access to safe, nutritious, and ample food worldwide.
By leveraging sustainable agricultural practices, incorporating modern technologies, and developing international partnerships, the UAE strives to lead the way in eradicating hunger and ensuring a sustainable food future for all.
The UAE’s relentless pursuit of food security stands as a testament to its visionary leadership and proactive approach. Despite challenging climatic conditions, the nation has demonstrated its determination to overcome obstacles through innovative strategies, economic diversification, and national initiatives. By aiming for zero hunger, the UAE is not only securing its food supplies but also actively contributing to global efforts to combat hunger and ensure a prosperous future for generations to come.
