Key Takeaways
- Abu Dhabi has announced a landmark initiative to establish a regulatory framework for novel foods, reinforcing its leadership in global food innovation and sustainable agriculture.
- The 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) aims to streamline the registration of next-generation food products and position the emirate as a world leader in advanced food technologies.
- The framework will reduce registration timelines by up to nine months, unify requirements for food registration and halal certification, and create a national database of approved food products aligned with international best practices.
- It supports the UAE National Food Security Strategy 2051 and strengthens the emirate’s role as a global hub for food innovation and investment.
Abu Dhabi Strengthens Its Position as a Global Food Innovation Hub
The initiative will modernize the way emerging food technologies — including cultivated proteins, alternative ingredients, and precision fermentation — are evaluated and approved. By reducing regulatory complexity, Abu Dhabi aims to attract international investment and accelerate the introduction of sustainable food innovations into local and global markets.
“This partnership builds a connected business ecosystem that combines forward-thinking regulations with strong investment infrastructure,” said Badr Al-Olama, Director-General of ADIO. “It demonstrates our commitment to supporting technologies such as alternative proteins and precision fermentation, in alignment with the UAE’s long-term food security strategy.”
Unified Food Registration and Halal Certification
The framework introduces a single-point registration system for novel foods, halal certifications, and import permits, simplifying procedures for investors and manufacturers. A national registry of approved products will enhance transparency, traceability, and regulatory confidence.
It also adopts a science-based risk assessment model to evaluate novel food technologies according to their maturity and safety standards. “This regulatory framework represents a major step toward adopting the highest international standards for food safety and innovation,” said Dr. Tariq Ahmed Al Ameri, Acting Director-General of ADAFSA. “It strengthens Abu Dhabi’s readiness to regulate next-generation food technologies and ensures sustainable growth in this critical sector.”
Enhancing Halal Standards and Export Competitiveness
To improve global trade alignment, the collaboration will update the UAE’s halal certification system to match benchmarks set by Malaysia and Indonesia. This will increase the recognition of UAE halal exports and improve competitiveness in international markets.
“We are committed to enabling manufacturers to obtain certifications that meet the highest safety and quality standards,” said Fahad Gharib Al Shamsi, Acting Secretary-General of QCC. “This strengthens confidence in our products and reinforces Abu Dhabi’s position as a trusted regional hub for food innovation.”
Building a Sustainable and Resilient Food Future In Abu Dhabi
The joint effort among ADAFSA, QCC, and ADIO reflects Abu Dhabi’s integrated approach to food security and innovation. By combining regulatory modernization, scientific collaboration, and investment facilitation, the emirate is laying the foundation for a sustainable, innovation-driven food system capable of supporting global demand.
