UAE to enhance sustainable national food security

Dr. Amna Bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, affirmed that the UAE places food safety at the forefront of its strategic priorities for enhancing sustainable national food security, and considers it indispensable to the stability of food supply chains.

In a statement on the occasion of World Food Safety Day 2025, Dr. Al Dahak noted that the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment has been consistently working to develop a comprehensive framework of laws and regulations based on scientific principles, in line with global best practices in this field.

Dr. Al Dahak stated, “This year’s World Food Safety Day is held under the theme ‘Food Safety - Science in Action,’ which highlights the use of scientific knowledge as key to ensuring food safety, protecting society and driving well-being in a world experiencing rapid changes and increasing food challenges.”

She continued, “Food safety is a shared national endeavour and an imperative for our future. The UAE has forged a robust foundation, building a flexible and modern legislative system, powered by advanced digital infrastructure, and strengthened by seamless integration across regulatory bodies, government, and the private sector. We continue to enhance our regulatory capabilities and update tracking and early warning mechanisms, ensuring food quality and safety from source to consumer, and further strengthening public trust in the national food system.”

The minister pointed out that the growing challenges related to food call for cooperation and coordination among all stakeholders at both local and global levels to share best practices and regulatory standards to ensure the highest levels of food safety.

She further stated that the UAE’s vision extends beyond its borders committing to international collaboration in food safety. The nation stands ready to partner on initiatives that integrate food safety systems worldwide, sharing expertise as a testament to its international responsibility.

Dr. Al Dahak concluded, “The UAE is committed to continuing investment in knowledge, legislation, and innovation, propelling food safety to new heights and driving the nation’s vision for a healthy, safe, and food-secure future.”

Earlier Dr. Amna Bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, said that the UAE is continuing its pioneering efforts to reduce plastic pollution at the national and global levels.

In a statement marking World Environment Day, which falls annually on June 5th, Dr. Al Dahak reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to protecting its precious environment, inspired by the vision of the Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who recognised the link between a healthy environment and a thriving society.

“The UAE remains steadfast in its dedication to safeguarding our natural heritage. We envision a future with thriving ecosystems and protected life both on land and in the sea - a legacy we build together as a community,” she added.

This year, World Environment Day calls for collective action to tackle plastic pollution, a challenge that demands our immediate attention and unified efforts. In response to this pressing issue, the UAE is implementing a comprehensive system to ensure proper and effective management of plastic products.

Starting 1st January 2026, Dr. Al Dahak clarified, the UAE will implement a comprehensive ban on the import, production, and trade of single-use plastic products. This builds upon the phased approach initiated in 2024 with the ban on plastic bags. This decisive action underscores our resolve and commitment to environmental stewardship, driving us towards a future where waste and pollution are designed out of our systems.

She emphasised that as part of the UAE’s global efforts to reduce plastic waste, the Clean Rivers, one of Erth Zayed Philanthropies’ initiatives, tackles plastic pollution in river systems by empowering communities and driving innovative solutions to create plastic-free waterways.

The Minister of Climate Change and Environment explained that the UAE’s Circular Economy Policy is a key driver of this transformation, optimising resource use in critical sectors such as green infrastructure, transportation, manufacturing, and responsible food production and consumption.

“The policy prioritises reducing plastic waste and promoting innovative solutions for sustainable packaging and recycling. Furthermore, we are resolutely committed to managing hazardous waste and aggressively reducing plastic waste at every level,” she further said.

WAM