UAE Launches “Sustainable Product” Initiative to Lift Local Produce Use in Hospitality to 25%
The UAE has taken a decisive step toward strengthening sustainable food security and boosting demand for locally produced food, with the launch of the Sustainable Product initiative by Her Excellency Dr Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Agriculture Centre.
The initiative aims to raise the share of locally sourced agricultural and animal products used in the UAE’s hospitality sector to 25%, creating stable, long-term demand for Emirati produce while supporting the nation’s food security goals.
Six MOUs to Anchor Local Produce in Hospitality Supply Chains
The announcement was made during the signing of six strategic Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) between the National Agriculture Centre and leading hospitality and industry partners. These agreements form the first executive framework of the initiative, establishing a clear and commercially viable pathway to integrate produce from UAE farms into hotel and restaurant supply chains.
The MOUs were signed at an event held at Emirates Towers, Dubai, attended by Sultan Salem Al Shamsi, Director of the National Agriculture Centre, and representatives from the participating entities:
Abu Dhabi National Hotels Company PJSC
Luxury Hotels Management MEA Limited
Legacy Hotels Holding Co. Ltd
Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi
Barakat Vegetables & Fruits Co. LLC
SAFCO International General Trading LLC
Shifting the Food Security Equation
HE Dr Al Dahak underscored that strengthening the agricultural ecosystem is central to the UAE’s future vision, noting that the sector has evolved into a strategic driver of technology, innovation and resilience, with the Emirati farmer at its core.
“The Sustainable Product initiative represents a fundamental shift—from supporting production to ensuring consumption and creating market demand,” she said. “By linking farm output directly to the needs of the hospitality and tourism sector, we are giving farmers the confidence and economic viability to expand their investments and adopt advanced agricultural practices.”
She added that featuring Emirati products on the menus of leading hotels is a clear endorsement of their quality, safety and competitiveness, and an invitation for the private sector to act as a true development partner.
A Direct Link Between Farms and Luxury Hospitality
At its core, the initiative establishes an integrated economic model that directly connects national farms with the requirements of the luxury hospitality sector. By targeting a defined percentage of local procurement, it creates predictable demand, encourages production expansion and accelerates the adoption of advanced, climate-smart agricultural technologies.
The initiative also supports national priorities under the National Food Security Strategy 2051, helping reduce reliance on imports while increasing domestic production capacity.
Building a Sustainable Agricultural Ecosystem
Sultan Salem Al Shamsi explained that the National Agriculture Centre is working to build a fully integrated and sustainable agricultural ecosystem—one that aligns farm output with real market demand.
He noted that the Sustainable Product initiative and the six MOUs represent a practical model of public–private partnership, ensuring reliable marketing channels for farmers and a consistent supply of high-quality local produce for hotels and restaurants across the UAE.
Innovation, Data and Climate-Smart Agriculture
Lulwa Al Marzouqi, Head of the Innovation Team at the UAE Government Leaders Programme, highlighted the role of innovation, data, artificial intelligence and robotics in overcoming challenges such as water scarcity and limited arable land. She emphasized that these tools can improve supply-chain efficiency, reduce waste and further enhance the quality of local produce.
From Farm to Table: A Live Showcase
On the sidelines of the signing ceremony, the venue hosted a vibrant mini-exhibition showcasing the diversity and quality of Emirati agricultural products. Elite local producers presented fresh vegetables and food products that met international standards, while four Emirati chefs transformed the ingredients into standout dishes—offering a live demonstration of their flavour, versatility and premium quality.
For hospitality leaders and procurement officials in attendance, the message was clear: UAE-grown produce is ready to take centre stage on the nation’s menus.
With the Sustainable Product initiative, the UAE is moving decisively from policy to practice—linking farms to tables, empowering local farmers and reinforcing the country’s position as a global hub for sustainable, innovation-led agriculture.
