Dubai municipality builds momentum for global food safety with regional forum, 2025 international conference launch

DUBAI – Dubai Municipality recently hosted the third edition of the Dubai Food Safety Forum in conjunction with World Food Safety Day, uniting representatives from the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), and key academic, public, and private sector stakeholders.

The Forum explored strategic themes centred on the role of science in food safety policymaking and risk management, reflecting Dubai Municipality’s ongoing efforts to promote and anticipate a future with safe, innovative and integrated food systems that contribute to public health and long-term food security.

“At Dubai Municipality, we believe that food safety starts with knowledge, understanding the challenges and pursuing excellence-driven solutions that translate into tangible actions,” said His Excellency Eng. Marwan Ahmed Bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality.

Discussions focused on how science-based surveillance systems can enhance food supply chain resilience while enabling consumers to make informed and sustainable choices. 

This emphasis on a science-based approach, according to HE Mohamed Saeed Al Nuaimi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, comes at a time when global food supply chains are becoming more complex and challenging. 

He noted that the UAE has placed food safety at the core of its national priorities and as a key pillar of the National Food Security Strategy 2051.

The country has done this through strong partnerships across regulatory bodies, academic institutions, and the private sector, with the Ministry advancing a fully integrated food safety system. 

The system encompasses digital transformation efforts, risk assessment capabilities, and national initiatives, such as the ‘ZAD’ unified food trade portal and the Biosecurity Early Notification System, which contribute to maintaining high food safety standards and enabling seamless food trade across the country’s borders.

“Today, the UAE stands as a global leader in building a robust legislative and regulatory framework for food safety,” HE Al Nuaimi said. “In partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), we are currently developing a new strategic index to assess national food control systems based on the latest scientific benchmarks.”

He emphasized the UAE’s commitment to safeguarding public health, strengthening agri-food innovation, and ensuring the sustainability of food systems for future generations.

Dr Ahmed Mokhtar, Acting Regional Programme Leader and Senior Economist at FAO’s Regional Office for the Near East and North Africa, praised the UAE’s science- and governance-based approach, highlighting its importance in reducing foodborne illnesses and shaping global food safety policies.

In line with this recognition, the Forum also served as a platform to unveil key future food safety initiatives.

Future food safety initiatives in Dubai 

The Dubai Municipality announced that registration is now open for the 19th edition of the Dubai International Food Safety Conference, scheduled to take place from November 17 to 19, 2025, at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

Organised in collaboration with FAO, the International Association for Food Protection (IAFP), and the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA), the event is the largest of its kind in the region, bringing together more than 3,000 participants from across the globe, including international experts, researchers, academic institutions, regulatory authorities, and private sector leaders. 

To mark World Food Safety Day, Dubai Municipality also launched the second edition of the Dubai Food Elite programme. The initiative celebrates excellence in food safety, nutrition, sustainability, innovation, and social responsibility across food establishments in the Emirate.

Building on the success of the inaugural programme, this year’s edition aims to include more than 500 establishments and further promote a culture of excellence in Dubai’s food sector.

Applications will open on 15 June, with winners to be announced during the Dubai International Food Safety Conference.

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