To mark World Food Safety Day 2025, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) took part in the third Dubai Food Safety Forum, organized by Dubai Municipality, under the theme “Food Safety: Science in Action.” The event was organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment of the United Arab Emirates.

Held in Dubai, the Forum brought together national and international stakeholders from government, academia, and the private sector. Participants discussed the role of science in strengthening food safety systems, with a focus on policy development, risk assessment, and surveillance mechanisms to protect public health and enhance the resilience of food systems.

In his remarks, Ahmad Mukhtar, Senior Economist and Officer-in-Charge of the Regional Programme at the FAO Regional Office for the Near East and North Africa, highlighted the need for evidence-based action to reduce the burden of foodborne diseases. “Science is our most powerful tool to safeguard public health and ensure food is truly safe. If it’s not safe, it’s not food,” he said. He also acknowledged the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) efforts to strengthen food safety systems through innovation, regulation, and multi-stakeholder collaboration.

High-level representatives from the UAE addressed the Forum. HE Eng. Marwan Ahmed Bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality, emphasized the importance of building knowledge-driven food systems that support community health and long-term sustainability. HE Mohamed Saeed Al Nuaimi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, reaffirmed that food safety remains a key component of the National Food Security Strategy 2051. He noted ongoing collaboration with FAO to develop a national index to assess food control systems, based on international benchmarks and scientific indicators.

The Forum provided an opportunity to highlight the importance of science-based approaches to food safety, and the value of coordinated efforts at the national and international levels.

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Photo © FAO/ Marlon Gotingco
Representatives from FAO, the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, and Dubai Municipality at the Dubai Food Safety Forum 2025.