UAE and FAO Convene Regional Food Safety Dialogue for Gulf Cooperation Council Nations

The UAE has completed the first comprehensive food safety assessment in the Gulf region, working with the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to evaluate and strengthen its national food control systems. The project brought together over 90 experts from government agencies, international organizations, and private sector companies in Dubai to develop new standards that could reshape food safety across the Gulf Cooperation Council states.

Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, said the assessment marks a strategic milestone that strengthens the country's position as a leader in building resilient and safe food systems according to international standards. The evaluation used an updated FAO tool that examined 25 competencies and more than 160 criteria across 1,500 data points covering legislative, regulatory, oversight, and administrative frameworks.

This represents the first complete application of the assessment tool in the GCC region. The process identified strengths and development priorities in the national system, leading to a comprehensive national action plan aimed at improving oversight efficiency and ensuring alignment with international standards and practices.

The collaboration with FAO enabled the UAE to apply evidence-based approaches and transparency in developing its national food safety framework. The assessment tool, jointly developed by FAO and the World Health Organization, provides an international standard for evaluating national food control systems.

Abdul Hakim El Waer, FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for the Near East and North Africa, emphasized that food safety is essential for achieving food security and ensuring safe, nutritious food for everyone. He said the cooperation with the UAE represents an effective model for building integrated oversight systems that support safe trade and enhance the sustainability of food supply chains.

The national strategic workshop ran from November 10-13, 2025, representing the final phase of the technical assessment process. It included technical focal points from relevant UAE authorities and featured analytical sessions focused on reviewing recommendations, setting priorities, and drafting a comprehensive national action plan with development procedures, responsibility distribution among concerned entities, and performance indicators to measure progress.

Following the national workshop, cooperation between the Ministry and FAO moved to the regional level through a two-day regional workshop. This brought together senior officials from agriculture, health, and trade ministries in GCC countries, alongside the Standing Committee for Food Safety at the GCC Secretariat General and representatives from FAO regional and international offices.

The regional meeting served as a platform for dialogue and experience exchange, exploring ways to harmonize standards and regulatory systems in line with the Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS) Agreement. Participants discussed strengthening regional cooperation mechanisms and highlighted the role of evidence-based assessment in developing food policies while ensuring sustainable and smooth safe trade in the region.

For traders and food companies operating in the Gulf, this development signals more standardized regulations across the region. The harmonized approach could reduce compliance costs and create more predictable trading conditions. The assessment framework may also influence how other Middle Eastern countries approach food safety regulation, potentially creating broader regional standards.

The project aligns with the UAE's broader strategy to become a regional hub for food innovation and sustainability. By establishing evidence-based food safety systems, the country aims to attract more international food companies and strengthen its position as a food trading center connecting Asia, Africa, and Europe.

This cooperation continues the ongoing partnership between FAO and the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, supporting regional vision toward building safer and more sustainable food systems while enhancing cooperation in food safety and food security areas in line with sustainable development goals.