UAE’s Food Security Leap: Targeting a Top 10 Spot in the Global Food Security Index
The UAE economy continues to demonstrate outstanding performance under effective leadership and strategic directives. The realized indicators and significant outcomes underscore the nation’s advancement towards the objectives of the ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision. This vision aspires to elevate the country’s GDP to AED 3 trillion in the forthcoming years and foster a transition towards an innovative and diversified economic model. Yet, a major challenge in realizing this vision is elevating the country to the top 10 of the Global Food Security Index (GFSI).
UAE's Economic Progress
- GDP Growth Index:
UAE’s GDP secures the 5th largest economy position in real GDP growth index globally
- Non-oil GDP:
The non-oil GDP reached AED 1.25 trillion, reflecting a 6.2% growth compared to 2022 - PMI:
56.6 in January 2024, indicating robust economic activity - Wage Growth Increase:
7.4% in Q4 of last year - Private Sector Employment Increase:
3.1% in Q4 of last year - GDP Increase:
In 2023, the GDP stood at AED 1.68 trillion at constant prices, marking a 3.6% increase from 2022 - Consolidated Fiscal Balance Surplus:
AED 61 billion in the first nine months of 2023 (4.4% of GDP)
We the UAE 2031
‘We the UAE 2031’ aims to transform the UAE’s future vision into a tangible reality. Accordingly, all institutions in the UAE strive to realize this goal, paving the way for the achievement of the UAE Centennial Plan 2071 and the Principles of the 50.
The vision aspires to double the country’s GDP from AED 1.49 trillion to AED 3 trillion. This ambitious target will be achieved through a series of strategic goals outlined in the vision.
Economic Growth:
- Generate AED 800 billion in non-oil exports.
- Raise the value of the UAE’s foreign trade to AED 4 trillion.
Tourism and Quality of Life:
- Raise the contribution of the tourism sector to the GDP to AED 450 billion.
- Position Emirati cities among the best 10 cities globally in quality of life.
Legislation and Safety:
- Rank 1st globally in developing proactive legislations for new economic sectors.
- Position the UAE as first in the ‘safety’ index.
- Position the UAE among the top 3 countries in the ‘Global Cybersecurity Index’.
Talent Attraction:
- Position the UAE among the top 10 countries in attracting global talent.
Highlighted Global Rankings:
- Rank the UAE as one of the top 10 countries globally in the ‘Human Development Index’.
- Rank the UAE as one of the top 10 countries globally in the quality of healthcare.
- Position the UAE among the top 10 countries in the ‘Global Food Security Index’.
(A major challenge in realizing this vision is elevating the country to the top 10 of the Global Food Security Index (GFSI). In 2022, the UAE was ranked first in the MENA region and 23rd globally on
the GFSI, marking a significant rise from 35th in 2021. Despite this impressive progress, securing a spot among the top 10 in the GFSI remains a persistent challenge).
Key Challenges of Food Security in the UAE:
The significant barriers to food security in the UAE include:
Natural Challenges
- Land Desertification: The unique challenges of the Arid regions are characterized by rainfall scarcity and a severe lack of available water, which makes it difficult for most plant and animal life to thrive.
- Shrinking Freshwater Resources: The agricultural and forestry sector, despite contributing less than 0.1% of the UAE’s GDP, accounts for around 73% of the nation’s freshwater demand, exacerbating water scarcity.
- Climate Change: Rising temperatures, and growing pressures from climate change phenomena on food and water availability.
Additional Significant Challenges
- Dependence on Imports: The UAE imports around 85–90% of its food supply.
- Growing Population: The population, forecasted to reach 11 million by 2050, is expected to increase the strain on food availability.
To address these challenges, the UAE has launched the ambitious National Strategy for Food Security. This initiative aims to position the UAE as the global leader in the Global Food Security Index by 2051 and within the top 10 countries in the near future.
The strategy seeks to establish a comprehensive national system that promotes sustainable food production through advanced technologies and enhances local output.
