The UAE’s food and beverage (F&B) sector is on track for robust expansion, with industry estimates projecting the market to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 6.8 per cent to nearly $44 billion by 2029.
Central to this growth is the UAE Food Cluster, launched last year by Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism. The initiative has played a pivotal role in uniting stakeholders, advancing local production, and reducing the country’s reliance on imports while strengthening global trade partnerships.
Saleh Lootah, Chairman of the UAE Food & Beverage Business Group and the UAE Food Cluster, highlighted three key drivers shaping the industry. “First, innovation across the board is transforming the way we produce and distribute food. From vertical farming to AI-powered supply chains, these advancements are increasing efficiency and resiliency,” he said. “Second, with sustainability at the core, investments in climate-smart agriculture and renewable energy are paving the way for a greener future. Finally, the UAE’s role as a regional trade hub allows us to expand partnerships and market access.”
Lootah added that the Cluster’s mission goes beyond facilitation. “We have been appointed to be the catalyst for change. It’s about creating a shared vision for the future of food in the UAE, inspiring collaboration, and ensuring accountability among stakeholders to build a thriving, sustainable ecosystem,” he told Khaleej Times.
These themes will be at the forefront of the Future Food Forum, which opens in Dubai on Tuesday and runs through Wednesday. The annual event, backed this year by the UAE Food Cluster, will bring together leaders from across the food value chain — from production to retail — to align on strategies for food security and sustainability.
The Forum is also expected to deepen the UAE’s connections with international partners, with participants from Africa, Central Asia, and Europe exploring new avenues of collaboration and knowledge exchange.
Among the initiatives to be unveiled at the event are the Knowledge Hub, a platform for sharing best practices, and the Global Buyers Programme, designed to connect UAE producers with international markets. Discussions will span a wide range of issues, including trade opportunities under Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPA), innovations in food manufacturing, and advancements in nutrition.
In addition, the Forum will introduce the Cluster Champion Award, which will recognize companies that demonstrate outstanding leadership, innovation, and collaboration within the UAE Food Cluster.
Industry observers say the UAE’s proactive approach — combining innovation, sustainability, and global connectivity — positions the country to strengthen food security while cementing its role as a leading F&B hub in the region.
