Dubai, UAE — April 2026 — The UAE continues to solidify its status as a premier regional hub for food-sector economic activity, according to Minister of Economy and Tourism.
Citing an integrated infrastructure built on global best practices, advanced technology, and agile supply chains, Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri emphasized that these elements are key to ensuring the sustainability and abundance of food supplies in local markets.
His remarks came during a field visit to the Abu Dhabi Vegetable Oil Company, a leading national player in the food manufacturing sector, according to the Emirates News Agency.
The visit was aimed at assessing the efficiency and readiness of food supply chains, reviewing strategic stock levels of essential commodities, and strengthening the partnership between the public and private sectors.
Bin Touq highlighted that food industries, particularly vegetable oil production, are crucial drivers in reinforcing the national food security system. He noted that such sectors enhance economic and industrial integration, boost local production, and support economic diversification.
He further described national food manufacturing companies as exemplary models of advanced Emirati industry, pointing to their adoption of the latest production technologies and adherence to the highest food safety and quality standards.
These capabilities, he said, enable them to expand locally, regionally, and globally. Given current regional and global conditions, he stressed that such companies play a pivotal role in ensuring the continuity of food supply chains and market stability, reinforcing the UAE’s readiness to meet consumer demand and supporting its position among the top ten nations in the Global Food Security Index, in line with the “We the UAE 2031” vision.
The minister reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to maintaining market stability and securing strategic goods in sufficient and safe quantities, especially in light of ongoing regional and global developments.
In statements to WAM, he noted that the ministry continuously monitors market trends and remains dedicated to price stability, assuring the public that this stability will persist in the coming period. He also revealed that the Ministry of Economy and Tourism is set to issue new decisions this week aimed at strengthening price monitoring mechanisms and enhancing market transparency.
Stressing that food security is a national priority and a “red line,” Bin Touq explained that the UAE’s long-term strategies have focused on building an integrated system to guarantee sustainable food supplies. He pointed to the economic clusters launched last September, which placed food industries at the forefront of national priorities, reflecting a clear strategic direction for this vital sector.
Supporting this vision, Badreya Al Maidoor, assistant under-secretary for support services at the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, confirmed the availability of essential goods across retail outlets nationwide.
She noted that the ministry’s call center, operating throughout the week, has handled approximately 3,000 inquiries since the beginning of Ramadan through its specialized inspection teams.
During the tour, Bin Touq reviewed ADVOC’s production process, from the reception of raw oils from global markets through advanced refining technologies to final packaging under strict quality control systems.
He was briefed on the factory’s substantial operational capacity, which exceeds 200,000 metric tonnes annually, alongside storage capabilities of over 40,000 metric tonnes—enhancing inventory management and ensuring supply continuity across local and regional markets.
The company distributes nearly 17 cooking oil brands through an integrated logistics network and modern supply chain system, including third-party manufacturing and packaging.
Company officials also updated the Minister on ADVOC’s regional and international expansion, with products now reaching the GCC, the Middle East, Asia, North Africa, and the Horn of Africa, serving retail, food industries, hospitality, government entities, and international organizations.
The visit underscored the broader momentum in the UAE’s food sector, with total trade in food products reaching AED148.6 billion in 2024—a 16.8 percent increase from AED127.2 billion in 2023. National food exports also grew by 10.9 percent, totaling AED24.2 billion.
