Page 861 - MOE ENGLISH PR REPORT - OCTOBER 2024
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10/14/24, 9:51 AM Minister of Economy opens Future Food Forum 2024
partnership with the Dubai Chamber and features FoodTech Valley as an organising
partner. Hosted at the Le Meridien Airport Hotel in Dubai, the event is also
supported by the Abu Dhabi Food Hub and DP World.
The Future Food Forum has evolved into a platform driving policy and sector
leadership in the UAE's economy through innovation, sustainability, and emerging
technology.
In his inaugural address, Al Marri emphasised the significance of the UAE's Food
Cluster Strategy, which was launched at last year's Forum. He said, "We have
worked closely with the F&B Group and industry leaders to advance the clustering
process. With more than 15 working sessions and 300 participants, over 20
actionable initiatives are currently in design, which include Made in the UAE Food,
Agri-Science Universities, Ecosystem Data Sharing platforms, Value Chain Finance
Programs, and Food Fraud and Shield Programs."
He reaffirmed that these initiatives aim to increase the food sector's contribution to
the UAE's GDP by US$10 billion and create 20,000 jobs by 2030, and said, "The
UAE's commitment to food security is evident from the fact that UAE has placed
food security as a national priority, since the 2007 global food crisis. We are proud
of our progress in domestic food production, with the aim of reducing food imports
from 90 to 50 percent by mid-century,"
He further outlined the key pillars of the UAE's food security, which is anchored in
fostering innovation through world-class R&D and nurturing future food disruptors
who will grow into global champions, as well as embedding sustainable practices
across the food production value chain to ensure the protection of our environment
for future generations.
Al Marri highlighted the growth potential of the GCC food and beverage sector,
which is expected to hit US$128 billion by 2029, and urged the industry to harness
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