Concerns about food global food supplies have been exacerbated by the Russia-Ukraine crisis, compelling states across the Middle East and North Africa to revisit their food security policies. The UAE, for one, announced its “National Food Strategy 2051” in 2018, and has since acquired substantial agricultural and food production assets from Latin America to South Asia. It also aims to become a major player in the production and distribution of fertiliser, while combining this approach with sustainability policies (particularly renewable energy) and the acquisition of shares in global food commodity trading firms.

Considering that the UAE imports 80 to 90 per cent of its food, how does it address the perennial debate between imports and self-sufficiency? Is value chain management a more appropriate strategy than farmland investments? How does Abu Dhabi manage food accessibility for vulnerable groups such as migrant workers? More broadly, what is the future of global security as several crises loom?

About the Speaker: H.E. Dr. Abdulnasser Al Shaali, the UAE’s Assistant Minister for Economic and Trade Affairs

H.E Dr. Alshaali was appointed as the Assistant Minister of Economic and Trade Affairs (ETA) in January 2020, where he works closely with H.E Ahmed Al Sayegh, the Minister of State in charge of the economic sector in the ministry. In his capacity, Alshaali is responsible for facilitating the implementation of the country’s economic policy towards other countries, promoting the country’s economic, commercial and financial interests, and ensuring the necessary support is provided to facilitate foreign investments growth and that such investments are in line with the country’s bilateral and multilateral relations policy. Concurrent to this role, in January 2021, he was tasked with overseeing the Policy Planning Department (PPD).

Prior to that, Dr. Alshaali was Director of ETA since March 2019. He was also the Acting Director and the Director of PPD from December 2016 to February 2019. As Director of PPD, he led a department that reports to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. Dr. Alshaali is also Vice Chairman at the UAE International Investors Council (IIC). His board memberships include the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy (AGDA) Board of Trustees and the Zayed Unviersity (ZU) Council.

Dr. Alshaali joined the Ministry in March 2013 as an Economist in the Office of the Foreign Minister, before being appointed as the Head of Research and Content Management in November 2014. In November 2015, he was assigned as Deputy Director in PPD. Prior to joining the Ministry, Dr. Alshaali worked in the Revenue Optimisation Division of the Yield Management Department at Emirates Airline. He was also the Financial Manager in the family’s business between the years 2010 and 2012.

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