UAE scores high on Global Food Security Index

The UAE is ranked first in the MENA region and 23rd overall in the latest Global Food Security Index.

According to the rankings compiled by Economist Impact, the UAE scored high on indicators related to food availability, quality and safety.

"Strengthening food security is a strategic priority for the UAE. To achieve this objective, we have adopted an integrated approach that includes the implementation of national strategies and the creation of an enabling legislative and regulatory framework," said Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, Minister of Climate Change and the Environment (MOCCAE). 

The UAE's National Food Security Strategy 2051 aims to develop sustainable food systems by using modern technologies, supporting local production and building international partnerships to diversify food sources.

The Minister added that ensuring the availability of food and the continuity and flexibility of supply chains is one of the main pillars of the strategy.

She explained that this involves boosting cooperation with other countries worldwide, diversifying food import sources, increasing foreign agricultural investment, and monitoring import markets to verify compliance with the highest international food safety standards.

Globally, the UAE ranked 23rd in the overall food security index, seventh in food availability, and 16th in food safety and quality.

The country scored 75.2 points on the general scale of the 100-point index, compared to 71 points recorded in 2021, registering growth by 4.2 points.

In August 2021, MOCCAE signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Emirates Development Bank (EDB) to cooperate in identifying innovative financing solutions to support entrepreneurship in the agrifood industry based on the use of modern technologies and sustainable systems.

Food trade is one of the most important and dynamic sectors in the country that has witnessed rapid recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic.

The daily food import rate now exceeds 41,000 tonnes, a growth of 21 per cent compared to the same period of the previous year.

The annual Global Food Security Index records and measures year-on-year changes in the structural factors that affect food security.

It takes into account several metrics, including food cost, availability, quality, and safety, as well as natural resources and resilience across 113 nations.