Page 853 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT - OCTOBER 2024

10/14/24, 9:50 AM H.E. Abdullah Bin Touq Al Marri Opens Future Food Forum 2024, says Food Security is National Priority with Aim to Reduce Food …
and create more than 20,000 jobs. This growth should not remain a statistic—it represents livelihoods, opportunities, and a
sustainable future for our country. Together, we can innovate for a sustainable tomorrow and ensure that the UAE remains a
global leader in food security,” he concluded.

Food Cluster Strategy in Action: Building the Future of Food in the UAE
A high-level ministerial discussion on the Food Cluster strategy saw vital ministries, including the Ministry of Industry and
Advanced Technology, Ministry of Economy, and Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, convening to explore policy
reforms, collaboration, and investment in the sector. The strategy emphasises the inclusion of a diverse range of
stakeholders, including government authorities, industry leaders, universities, and research institutions. One of the central
goals is to foster knowledge transfer, maximise the contributions of all players, and address industry challenges through
innovative ideas and research and development (R&D).
The meeting focused on ongoing initiatives aimed at driving collaboration and innovation in the food sector. A key outcome
was the proposed governing board for the food cluster to enable the effective execution of the food cluster strategy. This
board will monitor the implementation of strategic initiatives, align the goals of the industry with national economic priorities,
and play a critical role in integrating scientific research and innovation into the industry, ensuring that stakeholders are

continuously engaged in developing new approaches. It emphasised the importance of creating a self-driven initiative led by
the industry, with government facilitation, to ensure its long-term success and scalability.
Opening the meeting, H.E. Abdullah Ahmad Al Saleh, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy, said, “The idea behind
creating the clusters is to enable dialogues between all the stakeholders, including universities, scientists, research institutions
and ministries, to ensure food security in the future. As an import-heavy country, we know that there are a number of things
that we, as a key sector, can do to enhance food security and supply chain, increase export, protect our market and practical
policies. These topics should be openly discussed between the stakeholders.”
The meeting also reviewed key trends and highlighted the F&B sector’s strong performance and future potential. In the
previous year, the UAE saw a total volume of food imports amounting to US$23 billion, while food exports reached US$6.6
billion. During the first half of the year, the sector experienced a 20% growth in total trade. Food imports increased by 23%,
and exports saw a 19% rise, showcasing the UAE’s commitment to bolstering its food security and expanding its role in the
global food trade industry.

UAE Foodverse Launches: A Virtual Ecosystem for Data and Partnerships
One of the key announcements as F&B Group Chairman Saleh Abdullah Lootah opened the event was the launch of the UAE
Foodverse by the F&B Group. This innovative virtual platform aims to transform the nation’s food ecosystem by offering real-
time data, fostering collaborations, and creating partnerships within the industry. The Foodverse will bridge the gap between

industry stakeholders, enabling seamless information sharing and more strategic decision-making in the food sector.
“UAE Foodverse is a revolutionary metaverse platform designed to connect the global F&B industry virtually. As part of the
UAE’s Food Cluster Strategy, the Foodverse will foster collaboration, innovation, and trade within a virtual environment,” said
Saleh Lootah. Some of the key features of the platform include educational modules to understand food security regulations
and supply chain management, VR-based interactive workshops for training and product demonstrations, gamified
experiences targeting the Gen-Z and future consumers, as well as a virtual marketplace for showcasing products, linking
directly to e-commerce platforms, and streamlining operations from farm to fork.

Agenda Highlight:
The Future Food Forum 2024 features a dynamic agenda addressing critical topics in the food and beverage industry, tackling
the GCC’s response to the global food crisis, with insights from industry leaders.
Further highlights include discussions on food security and climate change, with panels delving into innovative technologies

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