UAE puts food and water security as top priority post COVID-19

The challenges posed by the global outbreak of COVID-19 has highlighted the need for the UAE government to make food and water security a top priority.

That's the word from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who highlighted how the UAE aims to launch qualitative initiatives that "boost our readiness to confront all kind of crises".

"The coronavirus pandemic has given us more comprehensive vision and a greater ability to deal with various challenges and we must build on this experience to bolster our food and water security," he said.

Sheikh Mohammed’s remarks came during a meeting that looked at the post-COVID-19 phase.

His Highness also directed Minister of State for Food Security, Mariam Al Mheiri, to follow up on the UAE national food reserve, invest in food technology and develop international partnerships that will help provide practical solutions.

"The UAE’s food and water security is an integral part the national security and the sustainability of our food and water resources is a guarantee for our sustainable development," he stressed. 

Meanwhile, Al Muhairi highlighted that initiatives are being worked on to meet the challenges. "We will work with relevant local and international entities to draft a framework that will help achieve mutual interests and support (the country's) food and water sector," she said.

The meeting was attended by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council, and His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs.

.@HHShkMohd, in the presence of @HamdanMohammed & @HHMansoor, reviews food and water security plans following the recent restructuring of the #UAE Cabinet in preparation for the post-COVID-19.https://t.co/q76o6mzkdF pic.twitter.com/xFgFYUD3zo

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) August 23, 2020