The UAE Office for future food security held a workshop with representatives from established fish farms across the UAE to explore the major challenges facing the development of the country’s aquaculture industry
The workshop discussed methods to improve the production and supply chain, as well as to develop and adapt relevant legislation to the requirements of the market, the stakeholders and fish farmers.
Mariam bint Mohammed Saeed Hareb Almheiri, minister of state for future food security, said, “The UAE government has a clear plan to ensure future food security, which includes, most notably, supporting local agricultural production and developing it to meet international standards. This, in turn, establishes the UAE as a key player in the food sector a strategic goal for the local economy.”
Participants in the workshop explored potential practices to increase production to meet the needs of the market, bridging the gap between production and consumption.
The discussion focused on the necessary mechanisms and legislation to facilitate the cultivation and breeding of fish in farms, which include standardising procedures for permits, certificates and licenses for the establishment of aqua farms at the federal and local levels.
“We have a great opportunity to create added value by tapping into the competitive advantages of the Aquaculture sector, forecasting the future of this industry, capitalising on its strengths and overcoming the challenges that face it,” Mariam added.
