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UAE’s Comprehensive Strategy to Combat Hunger
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is leading a global initiative to address hunger and malnutrition, leveraging humanitarian aid, strategic partnerships, and advanced agricultural innovations. These efforts aim to fortify food security and ensure resilience in food supply systems on an international scale.
International Collaborative Efforts
This year, the UAE launched various initiatives, highlighted by humanitarian campaigns targeting the most vulnerable communities, and forming international partnerships to expand nutritional programs. There is a strong emphasis on innovative projects that aim to boost agricultural productivity and enhance the capability of communities to endure food crises.
One notable initiative, the ‘Edge of Life’ campaign, launched in February 2026 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, aimed to save five million children from the threat of hunger. The campaign successfully raised over AED 2.822 billion, far surpassing its initial goal of AED 1 billion, with contributions from over 44,000 donors.
Strategic Partnerships and Funding
The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI) has partnered with UNICEF and the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF) on a US$300 million project to implement the campaign. This collaboration includes a US$100 million joint contribution from MBRGI and CIFF, with UNICEF securing an additional US$200 million through its partners to enhance life-saving nutrition programs.
Further supporting global food aid, the UAE contributed a US$20 million grant to the World Food Programme (WFP) to assist those impacted by conflict in Sudan and delivered 30 tonnes of food aid to Kenya to support families afflicted by drought and climate challenges. Additionally, US$8 million was allocated to Chad to tackle the effects of the El Niño phenomenon and address hunger risks.
Logistics and Supply Chain Enhancements
In collaboration with DP World, the UAE supported the transportation of 5,000 metric tonnes of rice to aid humanitarian operations in Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Rwanda. This partnership focused on optimizing logistical arrangements to cover part of the maritime shipping costs.
In 2026, the UAE was appointed to the WFP Executive Board for a two-year term. This strategic position allows the nation to contribute to guiding global efforts against hunger and supporting humanitarian supply chains, ensuring food reaches those most in need despite global challenges.
National and International Policy Initiatives
The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) played a pivotal role at the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 81) by hosting a High-Level Ministerial Majlis. The discussions centered on translating national priorities into actionable projects focusing on water-secure agriculture, improving irrigation efficiency, and advancing digital solutions in agriculture.
Additionally, Dubai Cares launched the ‘Feed a Child, Build a Kitchen’ campaign, which supports Kenya’s eco-friendly school meals program. Plans are underway to extend this initiative across sub-Saharan Africa, aiming to provide sustainable food solutions and strengthen children’s resilience against malnutrition.
Investment in Agricultural Innovation
The UAE, alongside the United States, initiated the Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate (AIM for Climate) in 2021. The initiative, which initially secured a US$4 billion investment, has since increased to over US$13 billion. This commitment underscores the UAE’s focus on boosting global agricultural innovation.
At COP28, the UAE successfully gathered 134 countries to sign a declaration on sustainable agriculture and climate action, mobilizing over US$2.5 billion to support food security amidst climate challenges.
Domestic Initiatives and Future Goals
Domestically, the UAE has launched the ‘National Programme to Strengthen Supply Chain Resilience in the UAE’ to diversify import sources, bolster local manufacturing and agriculture, and enhance international partnerships. The nation recently hosted World Food Week, capitalizing on its strategic geographical position and advanced logistics infrastructure.
The UAE’s trade in food and agricultural products reached US$41.8 billion in 2025, while initiatives like Food Tech Valley in Dubai attracted US$50 billion in investments to support a sustainable food ecosystem. These efforts are part of the UAE’s National Food Security Strategy 2051, which outlines 38 initiatives to establish the country as a global leader in food security by 2051.
