UAE Food Sector Takes Centre Stage at Future Food Forum 2026
The UAE food sector will take centre stage at the eighth edition of Future Food Forum 2026, scheduled for 29–30 September at Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre. Held under the patronage of the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism, the forum will bring together more than 750 CEOs and participants from over 70 countries to discuss food security, supply chain resilience, innovation and industry partnerships.
Hosted by the UAE Food & Beverage Business Group (FBMG) and the UAE Food Cluster, the event will convene decision-makers from across the food value chain as the country continues to advance its National Food Security Strategy 2051.
This year’s programme will focus on strengthening the UAE’s food ecosystem through technology, improved traceability, support for local producers and collaboration between public and private sector stakeholders. Several national initiatives and partnerships are also expected to be announced, supporting the UAE Food Cluster’s vision for 2028.
UAE Food Sector Advances Food Security and Resilience
Food security remains a key national priority for the UAE, with long-term efforts focused on strengthening domestic capabilities, improving supply chain efficiency and supporting a more resilient food ecosystem.
Future Food Forum 2026 will provide a platform for industry leaders to examine the partnerships and technologies needed to respond to changing trade dynamics, resource pressures and evolving consumer requirements.
The event’s focus aligns with the UAE National Food Security Strategy 2051, which aims to strengthen the country’s ability to ensure access to safe, nutritious and sufficient food. Collaboration across manufacturers, distributors, retailers, technology providers and government bodies is an important part of building a connected food supply chain.
Through ministerial sessions, technical panels, CEO discussions and stakeholder roundtables, the forum will bring participants together to explore practical opportunities for collaboration and industry development.
Saleh Lootah, Chairman of the UAE Food Cluster and UAE Food & Beverages Manufacturers Group, highlighted the importance of strengthening local capabilities and connecting supply chains.
He noted that population growth, changing trade dynamics and pressure on natural resources make stronger domestic capabilities and collaboration increasingly important to national resilience and long-term prosperity.
National Food Catalogue to Support Traceability
One of the key announcements planned for Future Food Forum 2026 is the National Food Catalogue, being developed by the UAE Food Cluster in partnership with GS1.
The initiative is intended to support standardisation, traceability and collaboration across the UAE food ecosystem. More consistent product information and identification can help businesses exchange data more efficiently and improve visibility across supply chains.
For food manufacturers, distributors and retailers, standardised product data can support more consistent processes and strengthen coordination between different stages of the supply chain.
Traceability also plays an important role in food safety and operational transparency. Better access to reliable product information can help stakeholders manage product records and coordinate responses when information needs to be checked or updated.
The National Food Catalogue is part of a wider set of initiatives expected to be presented at the forum, reflecting the UAE Food Cluster’s focus on digital infrastructure and a more connected food industry.
UAE Food Cluster and Majra to Support Smaller Producers
Future Food Forum 2026 will also highlight partnerships intended to strengthen productivity, competitiveness and market access across the UAE food sector.
Among the initiatives is a partnership between the UAE Food Cluster and Majra, the UAE’s National CSR Fund. The collaboration is intended to help smaller producers scale their operations and reach wider markets.
Smaller food businesses can face challenges when expanding distribution, improving operational capacity or connecting with larger buyers. Partnerships that improve access to support and commercial opportunities can help these businesses develop their capabilities and participate more effectively in the wider food ecosystem.
Supporting smaller producers also contributes to a more diverse domestic food sector by creating opportunities for businesses at different stages of development.
The initiative forms part of the forum’s broader emphasis on collaboration and practical measures that can strengthen the UAE’s food industry.
NextGen Founders Programme to Develop Food Entrepreneurs
The forum will introduce NextGen Founders, a programme backed by Nestlé, Sheraa, Majra and the UAE Food Cluster.
The initiative is designed to support emerging food entrepreneurs through mentorship, training and market exposure as they launch and grow their businesses.
For early-stage founders, access to industry knowledge, experienced mentors and potential market opportunities can help address some of the challenges involved in building a food business. These may include developing products, refining commercial strategies and establishing connections with potential partners.
By bringing together established organisations and emerging entrepreneurs, the programme aims to support innovation and encourage the development of new businesses within the UAE food ecosystem.
The programme will conclude with the Cluster Champion Awards, which will recognise organisations demonstrating excellence across key areas of the sector.
Award categories will cover innovation, sustainability, market expansion and trade, food safety, talent development, operational resilience and industry collaboration.
The awards are intended to recognise contributions across the food value chain and highlight organisations helping to advance the sector’s development.
Industry Partnerships Drive the Forum’s Agenda
Future Food Forum 2026 is presented by Food Tech Valley, with Dubai Economy and Tourism as a partner. Nestlé and IFFCO are founding partners, while PepsiCo, Al Islami Foods, Tilda and Almarai are listed as platinum partners.
Abu Dhabi Food Hub will serve as the supply chain partner, and DP World will participate as the trade-enabling partner. Strategic partners include Majra, Ne’ma and ICCA, while APCO is the strategic communication partner.
The participation of organisations across food manufacturing, distribution, trade, technology and sustainability reflects the breadth of collaboration needed to strengthen the food ecosystem.
By bringing different parts of the industry together, the forum aims to encourage dialogue that can lead to partnerships and practical outcomes. Its programme will address issues relevant to businesses across the value chain, from product identification and supply chain management to entrepreneurship and market expansion.
Future Food Forum 2026 Reinforces the UAE’s Global Food Role
The eighth edition of Future Food Forum comes as the UAE continues to develop its position as a connected participant in the global food system.
International trade, reliable logistics and effective supply chain coordination are important to the country’s food ecosystem. At the same time, supporting local producers, improving data infrastructure and encouraging innovation can help strengthen the sector’s long-term capabilities.
The initiatives planned for the forum address several of these priorities. The National Food Catalogue is focused on standardisation and traceability, the partnership with Majra aims to support smaller producers, and NextGen Founders is designed to help emerging entrepreneurs develop their businesses.
Together, these initiatives reflect an approach that combines digital infrastructure, commercial collaboration and talent development.
Across 29–30 September 2026, the forum will bring together business leaders and stakeholders to discuss opportunities for strengthening food resilience and improving industry collaboration. Its sessions and partnerships are intended to support progress towards the UAE National Food Security Strategy 2051 while advancing the UAE Food Cluster’s 2028 vision.
Through its focus on technology, entrepreneurship and connected supply chains, Future Food Forum 2026 aims to contribute to a more productive, competitive and resilient UAE food sector.
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Ahmed Abdul Wasey
Managing Editor, Eat ‘N Stays
Ahmed Abdul Wasey is the Managing Editor in Eat ‘N Stays, overseeing all editorial coverage of travel, hospitality, and food across Saudi Arabia and the wider Gulf region. He sets the publication’s editorial direction and reviews coverage across hotels, restaurants, tourism, cruise, and industry news before it publishes.
Have a story tip, correction, or question about our coverage? Reach Ahmed directly at pr@eatnstays.com.
