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9/24/25, 4:22 PM Future Food Forum 2025 Opens In Dubai, Reinforces UAE’s Role In Global Food Security, Trade | Pakistan Point
500 companies, set targets to grow the sector’s GDP contribution from AED30 billion to
AED40 billion by 2028, expand food trade from AED 25 billion to AED40 billion, and create some
20,000 new jobs, positioning the UAE as a hub for global food innovation.

At this year’s Forum, the Cluster also launched the Knowledge Hub, designed to connect
academia and industry, and the Global Buyers Programme, which facilitates
international market access for UAE producers. The day also included the signing of a
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between GS1 Emirates Limited and UAE Food Cluster
CLG FZCO to collaborate on the creation of a universal product catalogue for the UAE’s food
and beverage sector. The agreement outlines a joint commitment to digitalize product data using
GS1 global standards, enabling enhanced traceability, fraud prevention, and better management
of parallel imports through validated product information at entry points.

The initiative will unify product identification across stakeholders, integrate with
key government and commercial databases, and support regulatory compliance. This
collaboration is expected to significantly improve efficiency, strengthen consumer trust, and
support the UAE’s food security agenda by fostering seamless cooperation between public and
private sector players.
Saleh Lootah, Chairman at UAE Food Cluster, said: “At this year’s Forum, we are providing a
collaborative platform where key stakeholders can come together and plant the seed to new
initiatives and partnerships to spark the next phase of growth. Our commitment remains on
strengthening global trade connections and advancing long-term food security, here and
beyond.”

Partners also reaffirmed their commitment, with Hassan Safi, CEO of Al Ain Farms commenting:
“As a founding partner, Al Ain Farms is proud to sponsor the Future Food Forum 2025. This
reflects the wider commitment of Al Ain Farms Group to support the UAE’s vision for resilient
and sustainable food systems. The Forum is where collaboration and ideas turn into action, and
through the Group’s leadership we aim to strengthen food security here at home and contribute
to solutions with regional impact.”

Day one of the Forum reinforced the UAE’s leadership in shaping the global food agenda.
Strategic discussions explored new models for resilient and integrated food ecosystems,
highlighted how CEPA agreements are creating manufacturing and export opportunities, and
showcased how global best practices such as Switzerland’s Food & Nutrition Valley can inform
local strategies, positioning the Cluster as a model for accelerating competitiveness through
collaboration. Panels on SMEs, logistics, consumer trends, and sustainable proteins further
underlined how the UAE is aligning global trends with its national priorities.

Alongside the main programme, high-level CEO sessions with the Minister, UAE Food
Cluster board reflections, and technical workshops on standards harmonisation demonstrated
the Forum as a collaborative platform for strategic execution and alignment.
Looking ahead, day two of the Forum will turn toward advanced technology integration,
innovation-driven growth, and digital transformation in food manufacturing.

The Forum is presented by Food Tech Valley, with founding partners Almarai, Al Ain Farms, Al
Ghurair Group and IFFCO Group. DP World joins as trade enabling partner, while Abu
Dhabi Food Hub – KEZAD serves as the food market access and supply chain partner. Platinum
partners include Al Islami, Nestlé middle East, RSA Cold Chain, and BRF, with GS1 UAE as the
innovation partner.

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