Dubai: Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Agriculture Centre, has unveiled the Sustainable Product initiative. The initiative's goal is to increase the use of locally sourced agricultural and animal products within the UAE's hospitality sector to 25%.
According to Emirates News Agency, the initiative was announced during the signing ceremony of six strategic Memoranda of Understanding by the National Agriculture Centre with prominent hospitality and industry stakeholders in the UAE. These agreements are part of the initiative's initial framework, laying out a sustainable path for incorporating UAE farm produce into the supply chains of major tourism and hospitality entities.
The event, held at Emirates Towers in Dubai, was attended by Sultan Salem Al Shamsi, Director of the National Agriculture Centre, and representatives from the signatory organizations, including Abu Dhabi National Hotels Company PJSC, Luxury Hotels Management MEA Limited, Legacy Hotels Holding Co. Ltd, Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi, Barakat Vegetables and Fruits Co. LLC, and SAFCO International General Trading LLC.
Dr. Al Dahak highlighted the initiative as a shift in the UAE's approach to food security, emphasizing the importance of consumption alongside production. She asserted that the initiative would provide Emirati farmers with greater confidence and economic stability, encouraging them to expand agricultural investments.
She further explained that tying farm output to the needs of the tourism sector and other industries will ensure continued production and agricultural development in line with international standards. The signing of the MoUs with leading hospitality institutions marks a practical step towards building a sustainable market for local produce and addressing the marketing challenges faced by farmers.
The initiative is seen as a crucial element in achieving national goals related to increasing local production and reducing food import dependency, aligning with the objectives of the National Food Security Strategy 2051. The MoUs represent a new phase of economic cooperation, focusing on supporting Emirati agricultural products and ensuring a steady supply of fresh local produce to the hospitality sector.
Sultan Salem Al Shamsi emphasized the Centre's strategic vision of building an integrated national agricultural ecosystem that empowers Emirati farmers. He stated that the Sustainable Product initiative exemplifies an effective strategic partnership with the private sector, establishing sustainable marketing channels for locally grown crops.
Lulwa Al Marzouqi, Head of the Innovation Team - UAE Government Leaders Programme, described the initiative and MoUs as a call to advance modern agricultural solutions, addressing challenges such as water scarcity and limited arable land through innovative approaches. She stressed the role of artificial intelligence and robotics in enhancing supply-chain efficiency and improving produce quality.