Abu dhabi: Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), emphasized the significance of agriculture and food security within GCC member states, marking it as a strategic priority and a central component of collective Gulf action.
According to Emirates News Agency, Albudaiwi highlighted the commitment of GCC states to advance agricultural and food production, improve sustainable resource use, and enhance their ability to meet food requirements while preparing for future challenges. His remarks were made during the 38th Meeting of the Committee of Agricultural Cooperation and Food Security in the GCC States, held in Manama.
Albudaiwi referenced the outcomes of the 19th Consultative Meeting of the Supreme Council held in Jeddah, which included directives to improve GCC states' readiness for crises, such as the potential establishment of strategic storage zones. He noted the widespread initiatives and programs in the region aimed at strengthening the agricultural and food security sectors.
In particular, the United Arab Emirates has focused on innovation and agricultural technologies to support sustainable local production in partnership with the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture. Bahrain is advancing its agricultural sector and local production projects, while Saudi Arabia is focused on bolstering strategic food reserves and reducing food waste. Oman is implementing programs to boost local production and enhance private sector involvement. Qatar is advancing its National Food Security Strategy 2030, and Kuwait is enhancing its agricultural production and strategic food reserves.
These collective efforts are seen as vital to achieving the objectives of the GCC Food Security Strategy, aiming to build a more integrated and resilient Gulf food ecosystem.