United Arab Emirates’ NDC

Food System Overview

Food systems occupy a unique role in the United Arab Emirates, in part due to the country’s geography and landscape. The United Arab Emirates has limited potential for agricultural development since over 80% of the land is desert.[i] Its environment is characterised by low rainfall, high temperatures, poor soil, and lack of natural waterways, all of which have an impact on the agricultural sector. However, despite the harsh weather conditions and soil and water constraints, in recent decades, the UAE has made efforts to improve its agricultural sector by adopting sustainable and climate smart agriculture methods that focus on the optimal utilisation of the cultivated land and the quality of local produce to enhance its competitiveness. The UAE's approach involves using innovative technologies like hydroponics, aquaponics, and organic farming.[ii]

NDC Development

The revision and update process of the UAE’s NDC was led by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment. The process involved engagement with prominent private sector organisations, local NGOs, as well as dedicated representatives of women, youth, and individuals with determination. Furthermore, the government has established the National Dialogue for Climate Ambition (NDCA) as a platform for climate collaboration across various sectors of the economy. The NDCA conducts monthly stakeholder assemblies, bringing together government officials, private sector representatives, and NGOs to discuss sector-specific requirements, priorities, and future strategies for decarbonisation.

Food System Measures

The UAE has implemented an all-round approach in its NDC to enhance the sustainability and resilience of its food systems. This includes the adoption of sustainable and controlled-environment agricultural systems, efforts to reduce food waste, and diversification of food imports. The National Food Security Strategy 2051, launched in 2018, focuses on year-round access to safe and sufficient food through sustainable agricultural and consumption practices, promoting productivity, soil and water conservation, food diversification, and food waste reduction.[iii] Through public-private partnerships, the UAE has supported vertical farming projects. Furthermore, it has also leveraged government initiatives such as the Ne’ma initiative, a collaboration involving various entities, which aims to reduce food loss and waste by 50% by 2030. The UAE has also launched a nationwide Food Waste Pledge to cut food waste in half by 2030.[iv]

NDC Implementation

In implementing its NDC, the UAE includes measures such a comprehensive financial assessment, which has estimated a need for AED 134 billion in investments between 2023 and 2030 to support climate initiatives. The UAE has plans to create investment opportunities within the industrial and building sectors through public-private partnerships (PPPs). The UAE Space Agency is playing a significant role in promoting sustainability by utilising space data and technology for environmental monitoring and enhancing agricultural productivity. Furthermore, the establishment of the Climate Change Research Network (CCRN) aims to encourage collaboration among scientists and researchers, with a particular focus on climate-related information and adaptation methods. The UAE is developing an MRV-Transparency System to monitor and report on greenhouse gas emissions and air quality pollutants in line with their mitigation targets.

Sources

[i] AQUASTAT - FAO’s Global Information System on Water and Agriculture. (2008). Country Profile - United Arab Emirates. Retrieved November 11, 2023, from https://www.fao.org/aquastat/en/countries-and-basins/country-profiles/country/ARE.

[ii] Agriculture Development & Health | Knowledge | UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment. (n.d.). Retrieved November 21, 2023, from https://www.moccae.gov.ae/en/knowledge-and-statistics/agricultural-development.aspx.

[iii] The United Arab Emirates Government. (n.d.). National Food Security Strategy 2051. The United Arab Emerates Government. Retrieved from https://u.ae/en/about-the-uae/strategies-initiatives-and-awards/strategies-plans-and-visions/environment-and-energy/national-food-security-strategy-2051.

[iv] UAE’s Food Waste Pledge and Winnow Tackle Food Waste. (2020, February 6). Food Tank. Retrieved November 21, 2023, from https://foodtank.com/news/2020/02/uaes-food-waste-pledge-and-winnow-tackle-us4-billion-problem/.