Dubai outlines five initiatives to strengthen food security by 2030

Dubai has outlined five key initiatives under its Food Security Strategy 2030, aimed at increasing local food production, strengthening supply chains and reducing food waste as the emirate seeks to build a more resilient and sustainable food system.

The strategy, approved by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, seeks to ensure residents have access to sufficient, safe and affordable food while reducing the emirate’s exposure to global supply disruptions.

Unveiled by the Dubai Environment and Climate Change Authority (DECCA), the strategy focuses on five pillars: food availability, affordability, quality and safety, sustainability and resilience, and industry empowerment.

The initiatives will support the UAE’s National Food Security Strategy 2051, which aims to strengthen domestic food production and improve the country’s standing in global food security rankings, supported by advanced technologies and resilient supply chains. The strategy aims to position the UAE as the global leader in the Global Food Security Index by 2051.

“This strategy will contribute to boosting local production, reducing food waste, and ensuring the availability and affordability of healthy food,” said Ahmed Mohammed bin Thani, Director General of DECCA.

He added that the initiatives would strengthen Dubai’s agriculture and food industries, support local markets and encourage collaboration between government and private-sector stakeholders to build a more resilient and sustainable food system.

The first initiative focuses on expanding sustainable agricultural production and improving the competitiveness of Dubai’s food industry.

Projects include developing the fisheries and livestock sectors, establishing cooperatives for small-scale farmers and encouraging more efficient use of agricultural resources.

The second initiative aims to strengthen food supply chains by diversifying import sources and building partnerships with suppliers of essential food commodities. The goal is to create a more flexible supply system capable of responding to changing demand, market disruptions and emergencies.

Reducing food waste is another priority. DECCA’s Food Security Department will introduce a comprehensive food waste reduction program alongside research into consumer eating habits, aiming to encourage healthier diets and more sustainable consumption.

Other measures focus on attracting investment and strengthening regulation across the food sector. Projects include upgrading Dubai’s Food Security Platform and developing an investor information platform dedicated to agricultural technology (AgriTech).

In addition, DECCA’s Food Security Department aims to build a food ecosystem better equipped to withstand market fluctuations through infrastructure development, international partnerships and research and development.

DECCA’s Food Security Department will oversee implementation in coordination with federal and local government entities and private-sector partners.

The strategy comes as climate change, shifting consumption patterns and rising shipping costs in global food markets place growing pressure on food supply chains. The UAE is accelerating investment in local food production and agricultural technologies to reduce its reliance on imports and strengthen its resilience to future supply disruptions.