MBRGI, Silal sign MoU to implement Food Innovation Hub UAE’s Access Program

UAE, Dubai – 11 December 2024: Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI) and Abu Dhabi based food and technology company Silal signed a Memorandum of Understanding related to the UAE Food Innovation Hub Access Program, during the inaugural Global Food Security Summit, which convened as part of the Global Food Week that was held in Abu Dhabi from 26 to 28 November under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister,Chairman of the Presidential Court and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority.

The signing was attended by HerExcellency Amnah bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change andEnvironment.

The MoU was signed by Dr. Fuzan AlKhalidi, Director of Programs and Initiatives at MBRGI and Salmeen Alameri, CEOof Silal. It aims to bolster bilateral cooperation and support the Food Innovation Hub UAE, a joint initiative between MBRGI and the World Economic Forum launched during COP28 with a focus on promoting sustainable practices within the food industry.

By establishing the Food InnovationHub UAE, MBRGI aims to enhance global food security, create sustainable solutions to combat hunger, and support the nutritional needs of underserved communities, ultimately transforming the future of food innovation.

Its Access Program empowers food andagriculture innovators by providing resources, networking opportunities, and arobust support system. This includes funding, guidance, technological resources, and collaborative opportunities, all aligned with the Hub's strategic objectives.

Quality programs

Dr. Fuzan Al Khalidi stated that MBRGI, under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid AlMaktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, continues to launch quality programs designed to foster comprehensive food innovation systems and address the needs of underserved communities globally. He highlighted the crucial role of the Food Innovation Hub UAE in providing an ideal environment for implementing innovative ideas and establishing sustainable food industry practices through collaborations with various partners.

"The MoU with Silal for Access Program is a step forward in advancing the Hub’s plans into action, connecting it to national talent who are qualified and dedicated to food sustainability and protecting our environment. Silal's expertise in agriculture and diversifying food sources will breathe new life into the Hub's work as well as align with its strategic aims,” Dr. Al Khalidi said.

“Additionally, the MoU with Silal opens new horizons for the UAE Food Innovation Hub by establishing its presence within the Silal Innovation Oasis. This will raise awareness of the Hub, its activities and its positive impact in creating realistic solutions to address global sustainable food challenges. This promising collaboration with Silal will prioritize hands-on training programs for innovators at the InnovationOasis,” he added.

Salmeen Alameri said: “We are excited to announce Silal's partnership with the Food Innovation Hub UAE, emphasizing our shared commitment to driving agri-food innovation. Through Silal's Innovation Oasis, we aim to create a dynamic platform that fosters advanced solutions to address the unique challenges and opportunities facing agriculture in the UAE."

This partnership represents a crucial step towards integrating expertise, technology, and innovation to enhance food security and sustainability, he noted. "By collaborating with the Food Innovation Hub, we will accelerate the development and adoption of cutting-edge practices, empowering local farmers, entrepreneurs, and innovators to shape the future of the region's agri-food ecosystem."

“Silal believes that collaboration is key to progress, and this partnership starts a new chapter of accelerating innovation and creating a resilient, sustainable food systems in the UAE,” Alameri concluded.

Hands-on training

This MoU fosters further collaboration by providing the Food Innovation Hub UAE with access to Silal's Innovation Oasis resources, including dedicated space to showcase the Hub's promotional and media materials.

Within the Innovation Oasis, Silal will organize hands-on training programs for innovators and facilitate the implementation of their prototypes. This provides innovators with access to Silal's resources and expertise to develop and showcase impactful solutions.

Under the MoU, Silal will be joining the Food Innovation Hub UAE’s Leadership Council.

The MoU also stipulates that the Hub and Silal will jointly select innovators to receive these benefits and funding,b ased on the Access Program objectives. MBRGI will support these innovators by identifying funding sources, though not providing direct financial support, and will promote the AccessProgram both nationally and internationally.

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