Launch of the Conference on Initiatives to Achieve Food Security in the Arab World in Dubai, with the Participation of Ministers and International Experts

Launch of the Conference on Initiatives to Achieve Food Security in the Arab World in Dubai, with the Participation of Ministers and International Experts

Date: 06 Feb, 2026

Location: دبي - دولة الإمارات العربية المتحدة

The Arab Authority for Agricultural Investment and Development (AAAID) convened its Conference on Initiatives to Achieve Food Security in the Arab World under the theme "Sustainability Is the Path to Food Security," held concurrently with the World Government Summit, from 4-5 February 2026 at the Ritz-Carlton, Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), in Dubai, under the gracious patronage of the Ministry of Finance of the United Arab Emirates.

The opening session of the conference witnessed high-level attendance and broad participation from government leaders and representatives of regional and international organizations, reflecting the growing importance of food security at both the Arab and global levels, and its pivotal role in achieving economic and social stability as well as sustainable development.

The session opened with a keynote address delivered by H.E. Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs of the United Arab Emirates, in which he emphasized that food security constitutes a strategic pillar of sustainable economic development in the Arab world. He stressed the need for comprehensive approaches based on the integration of fiscal policies, the stimulation of long-term investment, and the adoption of innovation as a core driver to enhance productivity and sustainability, and to build more resilient food systems.

The conference also featured several keynote speeches addressing the current state of food security and highlighting the importance of investment, innovation, and institutional integration. H.E. Dr. Abdallah Ould Sidiya, Minister of Economy and Development of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania and Chairman of the Shareholders of AAAID, affirmed that convening the Conference on Initiatives to Achieve Food Security in the Arab World reflects advanced Arab awareness that food security has become a cornerstone of national sovereignty amid rapidly evolving global challenges.

In the same context, H.E. Dr. Obaid Saif Hamad Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Board of AAAID, stated that the conference is being held at a pivotal moment coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the establishment of AAAID. He announced the launch of AAAID's new corporate identity and outlined four strategic pillars that constitute a roadmap for the next phase, aimed at narrowing the Arab food gap and strengthening food security on integrated investment and development foundations.

For his part, Dr. Conrad Rein, Secretary General of the Global Flagship Initiative for Food Security, highlighted that sustainability represents the fundamental pathway to achieving long-term food security. He underscored the importance of relying on scientific solutions, strengthening international partnerships, and scaling up successful, replicable initiatives with broad applicability.

In the context of strengthening strategic partnerships and institutionalizing collaborative frameworks, the Arab Authority for Agricultural Investment and Development (AAAID) signed three (3) Memoranda of Understanding with its strategic partners, encompassing the launch of several initiatives aimed at supporting the agricultural investment ecosystem and enhancing food security across the Arab region.

An agreement was signed to establish the first investment portfolio dedicated to food security in the Arab region, along with the launch of an Arab Food Security Index, in collaboration with Azimut Group and S&P Global. The initiative aims to invest in food security-related equities across Arab countries and to stimulate sustainable investments in this vital sector.

In addition, a strategic agreement was signed with Equiti Group to develop a specialized digital platform for listing food security companies. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was also signed with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) to launch a financing fund, provide technical assistance and capacity building, and promote sustainable agricultural investment.

Furthermore, award-winning scientific research papers across the various conference themes were honored, along with the conference sponsors, in recognition of their contributions to supporting and sponsoring the event.

The Conference on Initiatives to Achieve Food Security in the Arab World continued into its second day, during which 67 distinguished research papers were discussed across 12 parallel sessions, focusing on initiatives supporting food security and sustainability in the agricultural and food sectors. The conference concluded with dedicated closing sessions presenting key discussion outcomes and messages, and formulating final recommendations aimed at strengthening joint Arab action and advancing pathways toward sustainable food security.