DUBAI – Dr Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Agricultural Center, has launched a sustainable products initiative aimed at increasing the share of locally produced agricultural and livestock products used across the UAE’s restaurant and hotel sector to 25 per cent.
The launch was announced as she took part in the signing ceremony of six strategic memorandums of understanding between the National Agriculture Center and the UAE’s leading hospitality industry and industry players. The agreement forms part of the initiative’s initial executive framework and establishes a clear and commercially sustainable pathway for integrating agricultural products from UAE farms into the supply chains of major tourism and hospitality facilities.
The announcement was made at an event held at Emirates Towers in Dubai, attended by Sultan Salem Al Shamsi, Director of the National Agricultural Center, as well as representatives from signatories including Abu Dhabi National Hotels Company PJSC, Luxury Hotels Management MEA Limited, Legacy Hotels Holding Ltd, Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi, Barakat Vegetable & Fruit Company, and SAFCO International General Trading LLC.
Dr. Al Dahak emphasized that sustainable food security and strengthening agro-ecosystems are key priorities in the UAE’s future vision. He noted that the country’s agricultural sector has evolved beyond its traditional role, with Emirati farmers serving as a pillar of the country’s food production and a strategic driver of technology and innovation.
He said the Sustainable Products Initiative represents a major shift in the UAE’s approach to food security, moving beyond supporting production to enhancing consumption and creating market demand. He pointed out that this will give Emirati farmers greater confidence and economic sustainability to expand agricultural investments.
He added that linking agricultural products with the needs of the tourism sector and other key industries will help ensure the continuation of production and agricultural development in line with the highest international standards.
Dr. Al Dahak said the signing of the MoU with a leading hospitality institution is a practical step towards establishing a sustainable market for local agricultural products and filling the marketing gap faced by farmers. He further emphasized that the inclusion of Emirati products on the menus of the country’s leading hotels and hospitality establishments is a testament to their quality and competitiveness, a clear vote of confidence in the security of the country’s food production, and an invitation to the private sector to act as development partners rather than just consumers.
He also called on all partners and stakeholders to participate in the second Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition (EACE) scheduled for late April. The event will focus on strengthening connections across the entire food value chain from farm to fork and opening new horizons for agricultural investment and entrepreneurship. The focus will be on supporting local farmers and strengthening the UAE’s position as a global center for agricultural innovation.
The strategic importance of this initiative lies in the establishment of an integrated economic model that creates a direct and sustainable link between the production of state farms and the requirements of the luxury hospitality sector. By targeting a certain percentage of local procurement, this initiative contributes to the creation of stable, long-term demand for locally produced products, and encourages farmers to expand production and introduce advanced agricultural technology.
The initiative will also serve as a key pillar to achieve national goals related to increasing local production and reducing dependence on food imports, in line with the goals of the National Food Security Strategy 2051.
The six MoUs signed under this framework mark a new phase of economic cooperation with a direct focus on supporting UAE agricultural products and ensuring a stable supply of fresh local vegetables and produce to the UAE’s major hotel and restaurant supply chains. This measure reflects the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment’s commitment to expand institutional partnerships and strengthen integration between the public and private sectors through the National Agricultural Center.
Sultan Salem Al Shamsi explained that the center operates based on a strategic vision to build an integrated and sustainable national agricultural ecosystem that empowers Emirati farmers and positions them as key partners in promoting food security in the UAE. This is achieved by providing a supportive and productive environment that introduces the latest agricultural technology and adjusts local farm output to meet growing market demands.
Commenting on the Sustainable Products Initiative and the Memorandum of Understanding signed with six leading hospitality companies, Al Shamsi said it embodies a model of effective strategic partnership with the private sector aimed at establishing sustainable marketing channels for locally produced products. This will ensure a reliable outlet for farmers, encourage expansion of agricultural activities, and ensure a steady supply of fresh local produce to the market.
Al Shamsi added that the National Agriculture Center will continue to pursue partnerships and conclude agreements to support domestic production and reduce dependence on imports. He said the ongoing efforts are focused on strengthening the entire agricultural supply chain and ensuring that products meet the highest international standards to meet the needs of the hospitality and other industries across the UAE.
Lulwa Al Marzooqi, Head of Innovation Team at the UAE Government Leaders Programme, said the initiative and MoU are a call to advance modern climate-smart agricultural solutions, which are the best path forward to overcome natural challenges such as water scarcity and limited arable land.
Al Marzouki added that the National Agriculture Center’s vision goes beyond marketing and instead focuses on deploying innovative solutions and accurate data to boost local production of essential crops in line with growing market demand. She emphasized that integrating artificial intelligence and robotics into agricultural systems will directly improve supply chain efficiency, reduce waste and improve the quality of agricultural products.
