Food Security In The Arab World: Financing, Investment And Innovation For Sustainable Resilience

The Conference on Initiatives to Achieve Food Security in the Arab World opened in Dubai under the theme "Sustainability Is the Path to Food Security". The event, held under the patronage of the UAE Ministry of Finance, gathers ministers, senior officials, regional and international organisations, financial and development institutions, plus experts and academics focused on agriculture, food and investment.

During the opening session, Younis Haji AlKhoori, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Finance, and Obaid Saif Hamad Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Authority’s Board of Directors, launched the first Food Security Index in the Arab world. Developed with Azimut Group and S&P Global, the index tracks listed food sector companies and gives investors a transparent benchmark for capital allocation decisions.

In his keynote address, Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs, said food security remains a strategic pillar for sustainable economic development across Arab economies. Al Hussaini explained that progress requires integrated frameworks which align fiscal policies, attract long-term investment and place innovation at the core of productivity, sustainability and resilience within regional food systems.

Al Hussaini underlined that well-designed fiscal policies can attract agricultural and food investments by introducing innovative financing instruments and promoting effective public-private partnerships. Al Hussaini added that stronger cooperation among Arab countries, better integration of existing initiatives and systematic sharing of expertise are vital to reduce the regional food gap and build a resilient, sustainable Arab food system.

The conference programme is structured around six main themes, including efforts to achieve Arab food security, agricultural investment and financing, and developments in food production, manufacturing and trade. Other themes address innovation and advanced technologies, and the management of investment portfolios. Sessions feature panel discussions, research presentations and parallel dialogue forums that connect policymakers, financiers, researchers and private sector specialists.

On the second day, participants will review 67 scientific papers spread across 12 parallel sessions, followed by closing meetings to present key outcomes and final recommendations. The opening day concluded with recognition for distinguished scientific research papers and for sponsoring organisations, reflecting the event’s emphasis on evidence-based policy dialogue and collaboration between public institutions, academia and business stakeholders.

Food security in the Arab world: institutional roles and strategic plans

Abdullah bin Suleiman bin Sheikh Sidiya, Minister of Economic Affairs and Development of Mauritania and Chairman of the Shareholders’ Council of the Authority, said the conference reflects growing Arab awareness that food security has become a pillar of national sovereignty amid global challenges. Sidiya noted that discussions addressed investment, production, innovation and marketing through a sustainability-driven approach.

Al Zaabi noted that the conference coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Arab Authority for Agricultural Investment and Development and follows the launch of its new corporate identity. Al Zaabi outlined four strategic pillars for the Authority’s next phase: developing food security benchmarks, advancing digital transformation, creating a financing fund for small farmers and fishermen, and deepening regional integration through strategic investments.

Dr. Conrad Rein, Director of the University of Chicago Innovation Commission for Climate Change, Food Security and Agriculture, said sustainability is the primary pathway to achieving long-term food security, emphasising scientific solutions, international partnerships and scaling successful initiatives. Established in 1976 and headquartered in Dubai, the Arab Authority is an independent Arab financial institution with 21 member states, contributing to 42 companies and projects focused on agro-industrial processing, crop and livestock production, and agricultural services across the Arab world.

With inputs from WAM