Dubai unveils five flagship initiatives to transform food security by 2030

The strategy aims to guarantee a steady supply of safe and nutritious food for every resident of Dubai. It aligns with the UAE National Food Security Strategy 2051 and is designed to improve the country’s ranking in the Global Food Security Index (GFSI) and the Resilient Food Systems Index (RFSI).

Five strategic pillars

The framework rests on five core pillars: food availability, affordability, quality and safety, sustainability and resilience, and industry empowerment. Each pillar will be driven by a set of specific projects.

Ahmed Mohammed bin Thani, Director General of DECCA, said: “The Dubai Food Security Strategy 2030 is founded on a clear vision to position Dubai as a global leader in sustainable food security, supported by advanced technologies and resilient supply chains. This strategy will contribute to boosting local production, reducing food waste, and ensuring the availability and affordability of healthy food. We have set five strategic initiatives to achieve these goals, empowering the agriculture and food industries and advancing local markets in partnership with stakeholders across the ecosystem, thereby establishing a resilient and sustainable food security framework for Dubai.”

Five initiatives explained

The first initiative centres on supporting sustainable local agricultural production. It aims to grow the agriculture and food production sector, use resources more efficiently, increase competitiveness, and encourage sustainable methods. Key projects include expanding fisheries, developing the livestock sector, and forming cooperatives for small-scale farmers.

The second initiative focuses on building resilient food supply chains. Through a range of strategic projects, the goal is to create a food supply system that is efficient, agile, and responsive to changing demand, market conditions, and emergencies. Flagship projects involve diversifying food import sources and partnering with importers of strategic food commodities.

The third initiative promotes healthy and sustainable food consumption. It will educate consumers on responsible eating habits and sustainable diets while cutting food loss and waste. This initiative includes four strategic projects, most notably a comprehensive food waste reduction programme and a study of food consumption patterns.

The fourth initiative seeks to improve governance, regulation, and economic support for integrated food systems. It aims to strengthen the sector’s ability to attract sustainable investment. Three strategic projects are included, among them upgrades to the Food Security Platform and an Investor Information Platform dedicated to the AgriTech industry.

The fifth initiative is designed to create a food ecosystem that can adapt to market fluctuations. It relies on advanced, partnership-driven infrastructure that responds effectively to market demand and consumer needs. Three strategic projects make up this initiative, including international cooperation in research and development.

Implementation and awareness

DECCA’s Food Security Department will oversee the rollout of the initiatives, working in coordination and partnership with relevant stakeholders from local and federal government entities and the private sector.

Highlighting the pillars of the Dubai Food Security Strategy 2030 will help raise public awareness of food security as an integrated concept linked to the stability and sustainability of food supply chains. It will also reinforce understanding of the importance of resilient food systems in mitigating the impact of regional and global challenges, climate change, evolving food consumption patterns and fluctuations in global markets.