Local produce in the UAE: from import reliance to sustainable farming

Dubai-based serial entrepreneur Atul Chopra writes that the use of locally sourced products has been increasing in the UAE in recent years, with a growing focus on sustainability and reducing carbon footprints. Currently, only 20 percent of the fruit and vegetables consumed in the UAE are grown locally, but this is changing as local farming contributes more to the market. With more than 30,000 farms in the UAE, initiatives such as hyperlocal sourcing have reduced carbon footprints, improved produce freshness, reduced kitchen waste and increased awareness of local produce. The hospitality industry is also playing a role in promoting local sourcing, with global hotel chains such as Hilton sourcing over 446 tonnes of local produce, reducing CO2 emissions. Independent restaurants have been more nimble in implementing these changes, while large chains are educating guests and improving their sourcing methods. Climate change has brought attention to the need for food security and the importance of the Sustainable Development Goals.

For restaurateurs, chefs and operators, the decision to commit to a sustainable strategy is a daunting task; but we all have to start somewhere.

Currently, only 20 percent of the fruits and vegetables consumed in the UAE are grown locally, with the rest imported from around the world. According to the Abu Dhabi and Dubai Statistics Centre, the total local crop, fruit and vegetable production in 2019 was 523,297 tonnes. In value terms, the UAE imported nearly $3.5 billion in fresh fruit and vegetables.

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Hotel Yearbook 2023

As we head into 2023, the hotel industry is clearly recovering strongly from the pandemic. Occupancy rates and prices have returned to pre-pandemic levels. However, the future of our industry depends on the flexibility of the hospitality industry to adapt to continuous innovation, changing market conditions, changing consumer preferences, new staffing challenges and the realities of sustainability. These uncertainties are the new normal in an unpredictable world.
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