UAE to host first regional centre of excellence to boost food security

The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) of the United Arab Emirates, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), recently hosted an interactive workshop in Dubai focused on advancing food security and sustainable agricultural practices across the region.

A key announcement during the event was the UAE’s selection as the host country for the first Regional Center of Excellence for Transforming Food Systems — a pivotal step aimed at driving innovation and strategic transformation in food systems across the Middle East and North Africa.

This centre will focus on driving innovation and solutions in food security, particularly through the application of modern, climate-smart technologies, which are central to the UAE’s long-term food strategy.

Efforts to support food systems, agriculture

Dr Mohammed Salman Al Hamadi, Assistant Undersecretary for Food Diversity at MOCCAE, emphasised the need for a robust and modern agricultural sector to enhance national food security.

He highlighted key initiatives such as the “Plant the Emirates” programme and the establishment of the National Agricultural Center, both of which aim to foster local agricultural production and improve quality and competitiveness.

These efforts are designed to provide comprehensive support to UAE farmers while integrating smart technologies into agriculture to address challenges such as climate change and food supply disruptions.

“Supporting our national food security efforts relies heavily on modern, climate-smart agricultural practices,” said Dr Al Hamadi. “Through our continued partnership with the FAO, we will address key challenges, implement practical solutions, and advance the agricultural sector in collaboration with all relevant stakeholders.”

Read: Sheikh Mohammed launches ‘Plant the Emirates’ national programme

The FAO, a key partner in the UAE’s food security journey, expressed its commitment to supporting the UAE’s initiatives.  Kayan Akram Jaff, head of Mission for the FAO Subregional Office for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) States and Yemen, said, “The Food and Agriculture Organization is dedicated to supporting the UAE in addressing food security challenges. Our partnership will focus on strategic initiatives that align with the UAE’s goals and regional priorities.”

An ongoing partnership

The workshop also included discussions on the structure and mission of the FAO Subregional Office and its pivotal role in advancing food security in the region. Both organisations reaffirmed their commitment to developing a clear roadmap for collaboration, including enhancing agricultural practices and food security mechanisms across the GCC.

As part of this ongoing partnership, MOCCAE and FAO aim to work together on practical solutions that will shape the future of food systems in the UAE and the broader region.

The establishment of the UAE-hosted Regional Center of Excellence is expected to position the country as a regional hub for food innovation, contributing to global efforts to combat food insecurity and improve agricultural sustainability