Abu Dhabi Launches Strategic Initiative to Lead Global Food Innovation and Security

Abu Dhabi has unveiled a landmark initiative aimed at positioning the emirate as a global leader in food innovation and sustainable food security, through the development of a comprehensive regulatory framework for novel foods. The project is a joint collaboration between the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA), the Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council (QCC), and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO).

The initiative reflects Abu Dhabi’s long-term vision to harness cutting-edge technologies in food production, attract high-value investments in advanced agriculture and biotechnology, and build a resilient food ecosystem that supports the UAE’s sustainability goals.

A cornerstone of this collaboration is the creation of a streamlined registration system for novel foods, aligned with leading international standards adopted in the UAE, GCC, EU, Singapore, and the US. By simplifying and accelerating the registration process, the new framework is expected to reduce approval timelines by six to nine months, enhancing Abu Dhabi’s competitiveness as a global hub for innovative food technologies.

The new system will also unify registration requirements for novel food products, halal certification, and production/import permits under a single-point contact model. Additionally, a national database of approved food products and detailed technical and regulatory guidelines will be established to ensure transparency, traceability, and reliability across the sector.

A major feature of the framework is the introduction of a science-based risk assessment approach, calibrated to the type and maturity of the food technology. The initiative will also modernize the halal certification system, aligning it with best practices from Malaysia and Indonesia, to enhance global recognition of UAE halal standards and boost national food export competitiveness.

Badr Al-Olama, Director-General of ADIO, emphasized the strategic importance of the initiative, stating:

“This partnership is designed to build a connected business ecosystem that combines forward-thinking regulations with Abu Dhabi’s strong investment infrastructure. With a focus on accelerating the adoption of advanced solutions such as alternative proteins and precision fermentation, this collaboration reinforces Abu Dhabi’s role as a global centre for food innovation and supports the UAE National Food Security Strategy 2051.”

Dr. Tariq Ahmed Al Ameri, Acting Director-General of ADAFSA, added:

“The development of this regulatory framework embodies Abu Dhabi’s commitment to adopting the highest global standards for food safety and innovation. It enhances the readiness of our regulatory ecosystem to embrace emerging technologies such as cultivated proteins and fermentation-based foods.”

Fahad Gharib Al Shamsi, Acting Secretary-General of QCC, stated:

“This agreement underscores our commitment to supporting the industrial and regulatory sectors through robust quality infrastructure that ensures product conformity, particularly halal products, to the highest international standards. We aim to strengthen the competitiveness of manufacturers and reinforce Abu Dhabi’s position as a trusted regional hub in this field.”

Through this integrated initiative, Abu Dhabi is creating a unified national ecosystem that connects regulatory, investment, and scientific expertise accelerating the transition toward a safe, sustainable, and innovation-driven food future, and solidifying the emirate’s role as a global leader in food security and technology.