The UAE has unveiled a major food and agriculture strategy that aims to grow the sector to $10 billion and create 20,000 new jobs within the next five years.
The strategy, which was launched by Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy, at the Future Food Forum in Dubai, focuses on seven key pillars:
- Localizing innovation: The strategy will support the development of new food and agriculture technologies in the UAE.
- Fostering a UAE-first culture and food supply chain: The strategy will promote the use of locally produced food and ingredients, and support the development of a more resilient food supply chain.
- Providing farmers and producers with the necessary support and resources: The strategy will provide financial and technical support to farmers and producers, and help them to access new markets.
- Attracting global food and agriculture companies to the UAE: The strategy will create an attractive environment for foreign investment in the UAE’s food and agriculture sector.
- Empowering women and youth in the food and agriculture sector: The strategy will encourage women and youth to participate in the food and agriculture sector and provide them with the necessary support and training.
- Promoting healthy and sustainable food consumption: The strategy will promote healthy and sustainable eating habits among the UAE population.
- Strengthening international cooperation in food and agriculture: The strategy will strengthen the UAE’s international cooperation in food and agriculture, and promote the exchange of knowledge and expertise.
The UAE’s food and agriculture sector is already a major contributor to the country’s economy, accounting for over 10% of GDP in 2022. The sector is also a major employer, with over 300,000 people working in the industry.
The new strategy is expected to further boost the sector’s contribution to the UAE economy, and create new jobs for Emiratis and expatriates alike.
UAE announces major food and agriculture strategy as it plans 20,000 new jobs
The UAE has announced a major food and agriculture strategy that aims to create 20,000 new jobs and grow the sector to $10 billion within the next five years.
The strategy, which was launched by Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy, at the Future Food Forum in Dubai, is aimed at making the UAE a global leader in agricultural innovation and sustainability.
One of the key pillars of the strategy is to localize innovation. The UAE will invest in the development of new food and agriculture technologies, and work with the private sector to commercialize these technologies.
The strategy will also focus on fostering a UAE-first culture and food supply chain. The UAE will promote the use of locally produced food and ingredients, and support the development of a more resilient food supply chain.
The UAE will also provide farmers and producers with the necessary support and resources. This includes financial and technical support, as well as help to access new markets.
The strategy also aims to attract global food and agriculture companies to the UAE. The UAE will create an attractive environment for foreign investment in the food and agriculture sector, and offer incentives to companies that relocate to the country.
The UAE will also empower women and youth in the food and agriculture sector. The strategy will encourage women and youth to participate in the sector and provide them with the necessary support and training.
The strategy will also promote healthy and sustainable food consumption among the UAE population. This includes educating the public about the importance of healthy eating and making healthy food more accessible and affordable.
Finally, the strategy will strengthen the UAE’s international cooperation in food and agriculture. The UAE will work with other countries to promote the exchange of knowledge and expertise, and to develop joint projects.
The UAE’s new food and agriculture strategy is a bold and ambitious plan. If it is successful, it will transform the UAE into a global leader in agricultural innovation and sustainability.