Food Innovation Conference 2024 Crucial For Gulf Region's Future, Says MBRGI CEO

Dr. Abdulkareem Sultan AlOlama, CEO of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), highlighted the importance of the Food Innovation Conference 2024 for the Gulf region. He noted that the region, characterised by its desert landscape and limited natural resources, requires innovative solutions to ensure future food sustainability.

The conference aims to tackle global food and agricultural challenges by exploring new approaches such as vertical farming, climate-smart agriculture, smart agriculture, and alternative proteins. Dr. AlOlama emphasised that modern technology and artificial intelligence in agriculture have become urgent necessities.

He pointed out that Dubai hosts the world's largest vertical farm relying on hydroponics, "Bustanica," with an investment of US$40 million. Owned by Emirates Flight Catering, one of the largest providers of aircraft catering services globally, it supplies meals to approximately 250,000 passengers daily.

Global Research Centres

Dr. AlOlama mentioned that global research centres are being developed in Colombia, India, Kenya, Europe, and Vietnam under the World Economic Forum's affiliation. He stressed that hosting over 150 experts in this vital field in the UAE offers a significant opportunity for exchanging solutions among research centres, experts, and specialists.

Partnerships and Initiatives

The conference is an extension of the partnership between MBRGI and the World Economic Forum. In 2022, both entities collaborated to establish the "Global Initiative for the Food Innovation Hubs Network." Additionally, they set up the Food Innovation Hub in the UAE last December during the COP 28 climate summit.

Dr. AlOlama's remarks underscore the UAE's commitment to addressing food sustainability challenges through innovation and international collaboration.

With inputs from WAM