Her Excellency Dr Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, inaugurated the first-ever Biosecurity Forum — a landmark event that brings together federal and local government leaders, global experts, academics, and private-sector innovators.
The Forum represents a pivotal step in the UAE’s mission to build a sustainable, integrated, and future-ready biosecurity ecosystem, ensuring the nation’s resilience against emerging biological risks.
Guardians of the Blue Heart: Why Saving Marine Life Is Saving Humanity Itself
Discussions centred on national legislation, the One Health approach, advanced digital modelling, and the transformative role of artificial intelligence in early detection and response.
In her opening remarks, HE Dr Amna Al Dahak emphasized that the Forum marks the beginning of a new chapter in the UAE’s biosecurity strategy. She highlighted the foresight of the country’s leadership in recognising biosecurity as a core pillar of national security — essential to safeguarding public health, food systems, environmental safety, and economic continuity.
“We meet amid global transformations that have shown us that biological risks know no borders,” she said. “Our goal is to transition from crisis response to a proactive prevention model, guided by the second edition of the National Biosecurity Framework — our strategic compass for the coming years.”
Her Excellency underscored the nation’s commitment to building “sustainable bio-immunity” driven by strong legislation, innovation, accurate data, and the One Health principle. Collaboration with experts and the private sector, she noted, will enable the UAE to transform challenges into opportunities for scientific advancement and global leadership.
A central focus of the Forum was the National Biosecurity Framework (Second Edition), adopted by the UAE Cabinet in May. Serving as the nation’s guiding blueprint for the next decade, the Framework focuses on four strategic pillars:
Strengthening preventive and response capabilities
Expanding research and innovation in biosecurity
Building a comprehensive biological emergency management system
Enhancing national biosecurity infrastructure and resilience
The overarching objective is clear: secure business continuity, protect public health, and fortify the national economy against potential biological threats.
The opening dialogue titled “National Policies and Legislation as a Cornerstone of Biosecurity: Reality and Aspirations” convened experts from MOHAP, NCEMA, EOCN, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Emirates Health Services.
Speakers stressed that aligned, future-ready national legislation is essential to meeting international obligations and tackling transboundary biological threats. Reinforcing governance frameworks, they noted, will accelerate coordination, crisis readiness, and compliance with global biosecurity standards.
A specialist lecture by the Global Institute for Disease Elimination (GLIDE) underscored the One Health approach as a central pillar of modern biosecurity.
By integrating human health, animal health, and environmental systems, the One Health framework enhances early detection, anticipates disease risks, and strengthens epidemic preparedness — especially in a world where pathogens can emerge and spread rapidly.
The second dialogue, “Harnessing Modern Technologies and Artificial Intelligence as a Shield for Biosecurity”, brought together experts from:
Dubai Police
UAE BIOTECH Research Centre
Khalifa University
Baynunah Genetic Solutions
The session examined how AI-driven modelling, genetic fingerprinting, machine learning, and big-data analytics can transform early detection, refine risk prediction, enhance diagnostic accuracy, and speed up vaccine development.
These technologies, speakers noted, are crucial not only for epidemic management but also for strengthening supply chain resilience and ensuring rapid crisis response.
The Forum concluded with an in-depth workshop titled “Digital Modelling: An Early Warning System for Future Biological Risks”.
Experts from MOCCAE, UAE University, and ADAFSA presented simulation scenarios demonstrating how advanced algorithms and real-time data can forecast biological threats, guide rapid decision-making, and enhance national preparedness.
The session highlighted the critical role of predictive analytics in shaping proactive responses — shifting the national approach from reactive management to anticipatory action.
Participants concluded that robust biosecurity cannot rely on government action alone. Instead, it demands a unified national ecosystem that integrates:
Government entities
Private-sector innovation
Research institutions
International best practices
Recommendations included adopting global standards, localising advanced smart technologies, expanding the One Health framework, and accelerating the use of AI and digital modelling tools.
These outcomes align with the National Biosecurity Framework 2023–2032, reinforcing the UAE’s commitment to becoming a global model of resilience, preparedness, and adaptive recovery.
Read More: UNEA-7 Opening Plenary: Inger Andersen Calls for Unity and Action on Global Environmental Crises