H.E. Abdullah bin Touq, Minister, Ministry of Economy & Tourism

Saleh Lootah, Chairman, UAE Food & Beverage Business Group

The UAE’s food ecosystem is at the cusp of a transformation, driven by cutting-edge technologies and visionary economic policies. This fireside chat will explore a high-level discussion on how AI, data analytics, and smart manufacturing are reshaping the food industry — from boosting local production and export competitiveness to advancing food security and sustainability goals.

Panelists -

• H.E. Abdullah bin Touq, Minister, Ministry of Economy & Tourism
• H.E. Omar Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications of the United Arab Emirates

H.E. Abdullah bin Touq, Minister, Ministry of Economy & Tourism

This session will share insights into the strategic growth of UAE’s food cluster, its development, success stories, regulatory support, and the pathway toward becoming a key economic growth driver for the country

The presentation will focus on the emerging shifts, market disruptions, and transformative trends poised to reshape the F&B manufacturing landscape, sharing actionable insights for the future.

The discussion will lay emphasis on the benefits and opportunities emerging from the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPA), and discuss multilateral approaches to maximizing trade potentials across international markets.

As the global food industry continues to face pressing challenges—ranging from fragmented supply chains and climate volatility to food insecurity and shifting trade policies—there is an urgent need to explore new models of equitable distribution, efficiency, sustainability, and resilience. This panel will delve into how integrated food ecosystems are shaping the future of food trade, by bringing together physical infrastructure, policy alignment, logistics, and digital enablement under a unified, future- ready framework.

In this fireside chat, leading experts delve into groundbreaking developments in novel food ingredients, regulatory environments, and explore consumer-driven product innovations reshaping manufacturing practices and market dynamics

This discussion will discover how partnerships between R&D departments and universities are
leading to breakthroughs in food preservation, packaging, alternative proteins, and product
innovation—creating mutual value for industry and academia.

This session explores how the region’s expanding network of agri-food free zones, co-manufacturing spaces, and plug-and-play food hubs is unlocking opportunities for startups, SMEs, and multinationals alike.

The fireside chat will explore how academia, industry, and funding bodies can nurture entrepreneurship—supporting FoodTech startups, research commercialization, and innovation hubs that address real-world challenges in the F&B sector.

The session will elaborate how global shifts—like plant-based diets, health-conscious consumers, and regulatory changes—impact the UAE market, and how academia can proactively prepare students for emerging roles and research areas.

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