Dubai Food Safety Forum 2025 Launched: Science in Action to Shape a Safer Future
Published: June 10, 2025
In alignment with World Food Safety Day, Dubai Municipality inaugurated the third edition of the Dubai Food Safety Forum 2025, reaffirming the city’s commitment to science-led strategies for public health protection and food system sustainability.
Held under the theme “Food Safety: Science in Action”, the Forum brought together international and local authorities, academic institutions, private sector leaders, and food safety experts to strengthen food governance frameworks and apply scientific tools to achieve global food security and consumer protection.
Advancing a Science-Based Food Safety Ecosystem
H.E. Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality, emphasized the Emirate’s leading role in translating science into practical food safety solutions. In his keynote speech, he stated:
“We are proud to host this forum to reinforce Dubai’s proactive approach to food safety, driven by innovation, scientific research, and collaboration. Our goal is to empower society with the tools and knowledge required to make safe and sustainable food choices.”
The Forum underlined the urgent need to integrate risk-based surveillance systems and enhance early detection mechanisms to prevent outbreaks and foodborne diseases. Officials and experts explored the increasing role of digital technologies such as artificial intelligence and blockchain in tracing food origins, improving inspections, and analyzing consumer data.
High-Level Participation and Collaboration
The event featured prominent speakers including:
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H.E. Mohammed Saeed Al Nuaimi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment
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Dr. Ahmed Mokhtar, Regional Economist at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations
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Representatives from the National Biosecurity Committee, the ZAD Portal, and local food businesses
These stakeholders stressed the importance of science-policy integration, emphasizing that evidence-based decisions are key to maintaining public trust, minimizing food waste, and ensuring fair trade practices.
Launch of Key Initiatives
Several major announcements were made during the Forum:
🏆 2nd Edition of the “Dubai Food Elite” Programme
Launched to incentivize excellence and innovation in food establishments across Dubai. More than 500 restaurants, caterers, and food suppliers are expected to compete in the 2025 edition. Applications open on June 15, and awards will be announced during the DIFSC in November.
📅 19th Dubai International Food Safety Conference (DIFSC)
The Forum officially opened registration for the Dubai International Food Safety Conference 2025, set to take place on November 17–19 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The event is expected to host over 3,000 food safety professionals, including key partners like FAO, IAFP, and NEHA.
A Proven Track Record in Food Safety
Dubai’s food safety ecosystem is supported by robust platforms and smart technologies:
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ZAD Portal for unified food import regulation
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Biosecurity Early Notification System to monitor threats in real time
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Smart inspection systems powered by AI for high-risk premises
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Public campaigns and awareness initiatives tailored to community needs
Key Forum Outcomes
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Stronger science-policy dialogue to influence national and regional food strategies
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Promotion of One Health approach—linking human, animal, and environmental health
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Enhanced consumer engagement and sustainability education
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Data-sharing mechanisms between regulators and international bodies like FAO
Aligning with the UAE Food Security Strategy 2051
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The Forum’s discussions directly support the UAE’s long-term vision for a resilient food system, echoing national strategies like:
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Food Security Strategy 2051
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Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan
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Dubai’s Smart City Strategy
These policies aim to secure food supplies, mitigate environmental risks, and prepare for climate change impacts on agriculture and consumption.
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