Global Food Week Spotlights the Future of Food Security with Protein Alternatives

The second edition of Global Food Week has once again positioned Abu Dhabi at the forefront of global conversations on food innovation and sustainability. Organized by ADNEC Group in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), the event underscores the UAE’s growing leadership in advancing a secure and sustainable food ecosystem.

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President of the UAE, Deputy Prime Minister, Chairman of the Presidential Court, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of ADAFSA, the event’s centerpiece — the Protein Alternatives (PALT) Initiative — is creating waves across the agrifood sector. Launched by the AgriFood Growth & Water Abundance (AGWA) cluster at ADIO, the initiative is uniting industry leaders, innovators, and global experts to showcase cutting-edge solutions in alternative protein production.

A Bold Step Toward Food Security

The opening panel discussion, “Diversify to De-Risk: The UAE’s Food Agenda,” brought together leading voices in the global food security dialogue, including Sheikh Dr. Majid Sultan Al Qassimi, CEO of Soma Mater; Josef Schmidhuber, Deputy Director of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations; Dr. Arif Kalantar, Advisor to ADAFSA’s Director General; and Dr. Shamal Mohammed, CEO of Innovation Oasis.

Sheikh Dr. Majid Sultan Al Qassimi unveiled the UAE’s renewed National Food Security Strategy 2051, which aims to place the country among the world’s most food-secure nations. He emphasized that technology remains the backbone of the UAE’s food strategy — from smart farming to efficient distribution systems — and that true resilience can only be achieved through collaboration between government, industry, and the community.

He also reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to diversifying protein sources through plant-based and alternative protein innovations, noting that sustainable diets are essential to reducing the environmental footprint of global food production.

Global Insights, Local Impact

Offering an international perspective, Josef Schmidhuber drew parallels with Singapore’s advanced farming model and the Netherlands’ innovation-driven food systems, noting that the UAE’s unique environmental conditions demand a localized yet globally informed strategy. He described food security as an integral component of national security, reinforcing the UAE’s proactive approach under its 2030 vision.

Dr. Shamal Mohammed highlighted the importance of bolstering local agricultural infrastructure, especially through high-tech farming initiatives in Al Ain. He emphasized that while self-sufficiency is important, strategic global partnerships and targeted R&D will enable the UAE to thrive in its arid climate.

Meanwhile, Dr. Arif Kalantar focused on the business and consumer side of innovation, stressing that successful adoption of alternative proteins depends on three key pillars: health, consumer behavior, and market readiness. He called for robust market foundations to support long-term industry growth.

Innovation on Display

Beyond the discussions, the exhibition floor at PALT buzzed with innovation. Exhibitors showcased a range of plant-based, fermented, and cultivated protein products designed to meet the world’s growing food demands sustainably.

Among the standouts was Switch Foods, a UAE-based pioneer in the MENA region’s plant-based meat industry. The company offered visitors a taste of its locally produced, protein-rich alternatives, promoting both healthier lifestyles and environmental consciousness.

Also featured was Believer Meats, a global leader in cultivated meat technology, which demonstrated how meat can be produced directly from animal cells — eliminating the need for traditional livestock farming. The company’s groundbreaking process promises to reshape the global food landscape while reducing ecological impact.

Looking Ahead

Running until October 23, Global Food Week continues to serve as a dynamic hub for exploring how science, innovation, and shifting consumer trends are transforming the future of food. With sustainability at its core, the event reflects the UAE’s vision of becoming a global model for resilient and technology-driven food systems — one innovation at a time.