The UAE’s food and beverage industry is anticipated to grow at an annual rate of 6.8%, reaching approximately $44 billion by 2029, according to projections.
Established last year by Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, the UAE Food Cluster has played a crucial role in bringing stakeholders together and initiating projects that boost local production, enhance trade partnerships, and importantly, decrease reliance on imports.
Saleh Lootah, Chairman of the UAE Food & Beverage Business Group and UAE Food Cluster, highlights three key drivers shaping the UAE’s food sector. “Firstly, innovation is revolutionizing food production and distribution, with advancements like vertical farming and AI-driven supply chains enhancing efficiency and resilience. Secondly, with sustainability as a core focus, investments in climate-smart agriculture and renewable energy are driving a greener future. Lastly, the UAE’s role as a regional trade hub has bolstered partnerships and expanded market access. The UAE Food Cluster acts as a catalyst for change, fostering a shared vision for the future of food in the UAE, promoting collaboration, and ensuring accountability among stakeholders to build a thriving, sustainable ecosystem,” Lootah stated to Khaleej Times.
Saleh Lootah, Chairman of the UAE Food & Beverage Business Group and UAE Food Cluster
The Future Food Forum, taking place in Dubai on Tuesday and Wednesday, gathers stakeholders from across the food supply chain to align on future strategies. This year’s forum is particularly noteworthy as it is guided by the UAE Food Cluster, focusing on uniting stakeholders and advancing the UAE’s food security and sustainability goals. The forum also seeks to connect the UAE with global ecosystems in Africa, Central Asia, and Europe, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange.
“We will introduce new initiatives like the Knowledge Hub for sharing best practices and the Global Buyers Programme to link local producers with international markets. Topics will range from trade opportunities under CEPA agreements to innovations in food manufacturing and nutrition. The forum will also debut the Cluster Champion Award, recognizing companies with exemplary leadership, innovation, and collaboration within the UAE Food Cluster,” Lootah announced.
