Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, recently reviewed the country's action plan in the post-COVID-19 recovery process during a meeting focusing on the efforts of the UAE administration to reinforce food and water security in the country. Addressing the meeting, Sheikh Mohammed affirmed that food and water security is one of the top priorities of the UAE government in the post-pandemic recovery efforts.

Adding that the UAE is planning to launch qualitative initiatives to enhance its readiness to face all types of crises, Sheikh Mohammed noted that the Coronavirus pandemic has given the government a more comprehensive vision and greater ability to handle various challenges. He further emphasised on capitalizing this experience of dealing with crises to further boost the country's food and water security.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister also instructed Mariam bint Mohammed Saeed Hareb Al Muhairi, UAE Minister of State for Food Security, to check the national stock, invest in food technology, establish necessary international partnerships, and implement practical solutions to challenges faced by the country in the area of food and water security.

“Our food and water security is part of our national security and the sustainability of our food and water resources is a guarantee for the sustainability of development in our country,” Sheikh Mohammed stressed.

He further noted that protecting these resources calls for national awareness in relation to the ways of harnessing these resources to put them to the most appropriate use towards the creation of an integrated self-sufficient system.

Speaking at the meeting, Al Muhairi highlighted the various efforts and initiatives undertaken by the government to boost food and water security in the UAE. She gave a presentation explaining the food and water strategy of the UAE and the various challenges faced by the world in relation to food and water resources in the aftermath of COVID-19 outbreak.

“The UAE leadership is moving ahead based on a forward-looking vision to harness all means and capabilities and find practical solutions to global future challenges that affect societal and economic stability,” Al Muhairi said.

She further affirmed that food and water security is the need of the hour to support the operations of the vital sectors in the UAE, adding that it also serves as a fundamental pillar for the sustainable development and resource management.

The minister also said that partnerships are a basic approach in the UAE’s government work, asserting that all bodies will work hand-in-hand to achieve the goal of food and water security.

"We will work with various relevant local and international bodies to formulate a framework that we will follow in order to achieve the common interest and upgrade our capabilities in the food and water sectors, meet our aspirations, strengthen our leading position and enhance our readiness for the future,” the minister added.

The meeting was also attended by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Chairman of the Executive Council, and Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs.