UAE sets 25% local sourcing target for hospitality sector in landmark food security initiative

UAE – The UAE has launched a major national initiative mandating that 25% of all agricultural and animal products used by hotels and restaurants be sourced from local farms.

Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, announced the ‘Sustainable Product’ initiative during the signing of six strategic Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between the National Agriculture Centre and leading hospitality groups.

From Farm to Five-Star: A New Economic Model

The initiative represents a pivotal shift in the nation’s food security strategy, moving beyond subsidizing production to actively creating sustainable market demand.

By establishing a direct commercial pipeline between Emirati farmers and luxury hotels, the government aims to provide farmers with the economic confidence to invest and expand.

Dr. Al Dahak emphasized that featuring local produce on premier hotel menus is a definitive testament to its quality, safety, and competitiveness, inviting the private sector to act as a development partner rather than just a consumer.

Strategic Partnerships with Hospitality Leaders

The foundational MoUs were signed with key industry players, including Abu Dhabi National Hotels Company PJSC, Luxury Hotels Management MEA Limited, and Legacy Hotels Holding Co. Ltd, among others.

These agreements create the first executive framework for integrating local produce into high-volume supply chains.

Sultan Salem Al Shamsi, Director of the National Agriculture Centre, stated that these partnerships embody an effective model to establish reliable marketing channels for farmers, ensuring steady sales outlets and encouraging the expansion of agricultural activity with advanced technologies.

Aligning with National Vision and Technological Innovation

This initiative is a core pillar of the UAE’s National Food Security Strategy 2051, aimed at reducing import reliance and building a resilient, integrated agricultural ecosystem.

The approach leverages technology to overcome regional challenges like water scarcity.

Lulwa Al Marzouqi, Head of the Innovation Team for the UAE Government Leaders Programme, highlighted that the initiative advances climate-smart solutions, integrating artificial intelligence and robotics to enhance supply-chain efficiency, reduce waste, and elevate crop quality to meet international hospitality standards.

Catalyst for Broader Agricultural Development

The launch event also served as an invitation for stakeholders to participate in the upcoming second edition of the Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition (EACE) in late April.

The conference will focus on strengthening the entire farm-to-table value chain and opening new horizons for agricultural investment.

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