The UAE Food Security: From the Farm to Sustainability

H.E. Saeed Al-Bahri Salem Al Ameri

Arabic

08 Dec 2024

Listen On:

  • Youtube

This episode features H.E. Saeed Al-Bahri Salem Al Ameri, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority.

We delve into the UAE’s pioneering approach to food and water security, a topic of global importance. The discussion highlights the UAE’s remarkable foresight in addressing food security over 20 years ago under the leadership of His Highness, the President of the UAE. Early directives led to the development of a comprehensive strategy, focusing on sustainable solutions despite challenges like limited agricultural land, scarce water resources, and high temperatures.

The UAE’s strategy includes maintaining strategic stockpiles of essential commodities and fostering robust partnerships with the private sector. By leveraging its mature infrastructure and regulations, the country has become a hub for investments in food production, storage, and distribution.

On water security, the conversation reveals the UAE’s innovative efforts to tackle low annual rainfall and reliance on desalinated water. These include cutting-edge research into technologies like graphite-based desalination, water extraction from air, rainwater harvesting, and replenishing underground reservoirs.

The episode also explores the UAE’s role as a global leader in sharing knowledge and solutions for food and water security. Through international platforms like World Food Week, the UAE brings together experts, governments, and private sectors to address challenges, exchange insights, and foster investment opportunities. Its resilience during crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, has positioned it as a model for others navigating resource scarcity.

Join us to learn how the UAE transforms challenges into opportunities, setting a global standard for sustainability and innovation in securing food and water for future generations.