UAE Celebrates World Food Day And Reaffirms Commitment To Global Food Security Initiatives

The UAE is set to mark World Food Day on October 16, highlighting its leadership in global efforts to boost food production, sustain supply chains, and combat hunger. This event occurs as 673 million people face hunger due to conflicts, climate change, and economic challenges. Additionally, 2.8 billion individuals cannot afford a healthy diet, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).

Throughout 2025, the UAE has been proactive in delivering emergency food relief to nations affected by natural disasters. Countries like Afghanistan, Myanmar, and Somalia have benefited from these swift actions. Such efforts underscore the UAE's dedication to addressing global food shortages impacting millions worldwide.

In July 2025, the UAE celebrated the completion of the "1 Billion Meals" initiative launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. This humanitarian effort successfully distributed meals across 65 countries. Plans are underway to deliver an additional 260 million meals in the upcoming year.

The UAE's commitment extends beyond immediate relief efforts. In June 2024, it signed an agreement with the UN World Food Programme (WFP), allocating US$25 million for emergency food aid in Sudan. Concurrently, US$5 million was contributed to FAO's food security programmes.

A tripartite cooperation initiative involving the UAE, Brazil, and Cuba was agreed upon during COP28 at Expo City Dubai from November 30 to December 12, 2023. This collaboration aims to provide US$50 million worth of food aid sourced from Brazil. It reflects a shared commitment to enhancing global food security.

The UAE also plays a significant role in the UK-led Agriculture Breakthrough Initiative. This initiative seeks to make climate-resilient agriculture the preferred choice for farmers worldwide by 2030. Such collaborations highlight the UAE's proactive stance on sustainable agriculture.

Commitment to Sustainable Agriculture

During COP28, a landmark declaration was made with 134 countries signing the COP28 UAE Declaration on Sustainable Agriculture, Resilient Food Systems and Climate Action. This initiative is unprecedented in its scope and ambition.

The UAE has announced mobilising over US$2.5 billion for global food security efforts as part of broader actions addressing climate change impacts. These initiatives reflect its unwavering commitment to promoting food security and human dignity globally.

The UAE's initiatives have significantly alleviated hunger among Palestinians in Gaza through sustainable projects like automatic bakeries and mobile kitchens. By September 2025, over 90,000 tonnes of humanitarian aid had been delivered under "Operation Chivalrous Knight 3," which has been ongoing for nearly two years.

Local Agricultural Promotion

In addition to international efforts, numerous initiatives within the UAE focus on promoting locally produced agricultural goods. These efforts aim to enhance local production capabilities while ensuring sustainability and resilience against external shocks.

The UAE's participation in these initiatives underscores its dedication to fostering global solidarity and building a more equitable world where everyone has access to nutritious food.

With inputs from WAM