Agriculture & Food Security
From The Report: Abu Dhabi 2020
View in Online Reader

Agriculture is a key target for expansion, modernisation and diversification in the emirate. The Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030 aims for the non-oil sector to make up 64% of the economy by 2030. Food and agriculture have an important part to play in achieving this and represent vast potential for growth into new areas. In spite of the emirate’s dry desert conditions and high summer temperatures, the sector has made significant progress in recent years. The authorities are working on increasing local production in the face of high imports and a growing population. While this presents challenges it also offers an opportunity to stimulate local food resources, farms and the private sector. Other priorities include advancing research and development, investing in agricultural technology, addressing water scarcity, and employing sustainable practices such as reducing food waste and ensuring the highest standards of food safety for a market that demands consistency and quality. This chapter contains an interview with Saeed Al Bahri Salem Al Ameri, Director-General, Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Growing smarter: Leveraging technological solutions and sector development plans to achieve greater food security
OBG
plus

As a globally strategic industry, agriculture is a key target for expansion, modernisation and diversification in the emirate. Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030 aims for the non-oil sector to make up 64% of the economy by 2030. Food and agriculture have an important part to play in achieving this and represent vast potential for growth into new areas. In spite of the emirate’s dry desert conditions and high summer temperatures, the sector has made significant progress in recent years. The…

Interview

Engineering success: Saeed Al Bahri Salem Al Ameri, Director-General, Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA), on promoting investment and developing agriculture output
OBG
plus

Interview:Saeed Al Bahri Salem Al Ameri How does the newly restructured ADAFSA plan to achieve its long-term goals for the local industry? SAEED AL BAHRI SALEM AL AMERI: The restructured ADAFSA will help achieve Abu Dhabi’s long-term goals of food security, food safety and biosecurity through the development of policies and strategies aimed at sustainable food and agriculture. These strategies will contribute to the consolidation of our food security system while also promoting Abu Dhabi’s…

Analysis

Grassroots innovation: Research and development efforts are finding solutions to the challenges posed by the natural environment
OBG
plus

New steps are being taken to enhance domestic agricultural production and food security in Abu Dhabi through innovative practices. Technology, and research and development (R&D) will be key to expanding the agriculture sector and making it more resilient and sustainable. With a rising global population, accelerating food demand, scarcity of agricultural land and a growing need for rapid reforestation to reduce greenhouse gases, there is a strong case for the application of technology…

Overview

Making every drop count: Governments and the private sector tackle water scarcity through policy reform, technology adoption and infrastructure investment
OBG
plus

Global food demand is expected to increase by anywhere between 59% and 98% by 2050. However, global freshwater resources are already overstretched due to climate change and soaring population growth, and it is unclear how agricultural production will keep up with these challenges. In recent years climate-induced water shortages in urban areas have brought water scarcity to the forefront of public debate, as major cities such as São Paulo, Cape Town and Barcelona have found themselves on the brink of major water crises. In response, policymakers have started to scrutinise and reform existing agricultural practices, which on average consume…

Overview

Making every drop count: Governments and the private sector tackle water scarcity through policy reform, technology adoption and infrastructure investment
OBG
plus

Global food demand is expected to increase by anywhere between 59% and 98% by 2050. However, global freshwater resources are already overstretched due to climate change and soaring population growth, and it is unclear how agricultural production will keep up with these challenges. In recent years climate-induced water shortages in urban areas have brought water scarcity to the forefront of public debate, as major cities such as São Paulo, Cape Town and Barcelona have found themselves on the brink of major water crises. In response, policymakers have started to scrutinise and reform existing agricultural practices, which on average consume…