Poultry drives the UAE’s food security efforts

The UAE is ramping up efforts to boost food security, aiming to lead the Global Food Security Index by 2051. With the population projected to exceed 15 million by 2050, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), ensuring a stable supply of essential food products is a national priority. Poultry companies are stepping up – expanding production, adopting automation, and integrating sustainable farming practices to meet surging demand.

From AI-powered production processes to automated handling, the industry is leveraging technology to enhance efficiency. With the National Food Security Strategy 2051 in full swing, the UAE is not just securing its food future but setting a global benchmark.

“The UAE’s National Food Security Strategy is a comprehensive plan designed to address the nation’s reliance on food imports, improve local food production, meet nutritional needs, and create a more resilient and sustainable food system,” says Tareq Sallam, CEO-Holding, Arabian Farms, which produces chicken and eggs under the brand SAHA.

Historically, the UAE depended heavily on imports for essential food items. But strategic investments and supportive policies have enabled a stronger, more self-sufficient poultry sector. Local producers are now rapidly scaling up operations to ensure a steady supply of fresh chicken and eggs.

“Earlier, the majority of eggs consumed in the UAE were imported from neighbouring countries and as far as Brazil and Holland. However, over the past two decades, the country has made significant strides in boosting local production, with eggs being a key focus,” says a spokesperson from Al Jazira Poultry Farm.

Al Jazira Poultry, which started with an annual production capacity of 60 million eggs, now produces over 200 million eggs per year – more than tripling its output. With the ability to scale up to 450 million eggs annually, the company is positioned to meet growing demand.

Other local poultry producers are following suit, expanding operations and investing in technology to ensure a stable, high-quality supply of eggs and chicken.

Al Rawdah Farm, a key player in contributing to the nation’s food security, operates a large-scale, fully integrated poultry farm. “This helps us ensure a consistent supply of fresh, locally sourced chicken, reducing reliance on imports,” says Jeanette Kristensen, General Manager of Emirates National Food (Al Rawdah Farm) and Al Salwa Farm.

Al Rawdah Farm also uses environmentally-friendly farming methods, including efficient water systems, waste recycling, and controlled breeding programmes, to support long-term sustainability.

By increasing local production, poultry farms help reduce the need for imports and drive the economy. “As local production increases, reliance on imports decreases. This not only strengthens the country’s food security but also stimulates economic growth, benefiting multiple industries and service sectors,” the Al Jazira Poultry spokesperson adds.

Quality remains a key focus alongside expansion to ensure consistent production standards.

“For us at Arabian Farms, enhancing the UAE’s food security means meeting the nutritional needs of people with the best quality chicken and eggs,” says Tareq Sallam. “Our feed mills ensure consistency in taste and quality, while we provide our hens with a stress-free environment and a 100 per cent vegetarian, nutritionally fortified diet.”

Al Jazira Poultry echoes this sentiment, emphasising that optimised housing, high-quality feed, and hygienic conditions are essential for producing safe and nutritious eggs.

Al Ain Farms, another key player, has strengthened its operations through advanced hatchery technology and high-quality feed sourcing. The company supplies over 160 million eggs in RPET (recycled PET) trays, supporting sustainability by reducing its ecological footprint.

“At Al Ain Farms, we are committed to innovation and sustainability. By continuously enhancing production and quality standards, we provide consumers with fresh, locally sourced poultry and eggs they can trust,” says CEO, Hassan Safi.

Meanwhile, Al Ghurair, with the flagship brand Jenan, has strengthened biosecurity measures to safeguard poultry health amid growing global disease concerns.

“Our fully automated production process minimises human handling, ensuring higher food safety and consistently high-quality standards,” says Andrew Gibson, Senior Vice President, Al Ghurair Foods.

Ensuring a seamless supply chain is just as critical as increasing production. Poultry companies are investing in logistics, e-commerce, and direct-to-consumer delivery services to improve accessibility and minimise delays.

Al Ajban Chicken, based in Abu Dhabi, has strengthened its market reach by analysing consumer demand trends and expanding distribution across retail, food service providers, and the HORECA (hotel, restaurant, catering) sector.

“By strategically aligning with market demand, we ensure our fresh, high-quality poultry is widely accessible,” says Dr Mohammad Ezzat, CEO of Al Ajban Chicken.

Al Jazira Poultry has also built an extensive distribution network to serve businesses of all sizes, ensuring fresh eggs reach consumers daily.

“Our focus is on delivering the freshest possible eggs every day of the year. This level of freshness and reliability is something that imported products simply cannot match, giving us a competitive edge in the s market.”

By partnering with major retailers and food service providers, poultry brands are increasing their market reach, making locally produced eggs and chicken more accessible to consumers.

Al Rawdah partners with retailers, supermarkets, and food service businesses to expand the reach of its poultry products. “These collaborations enhance market accessibility, strengthen restaurant and catering partnerships, boost brand visibility through promotions, and improve supply chain efficiency,” says Kristensen.

To drive demand, poultry brands are also launching awareness campaigns highlighting the nutritional value and freshness of local poultry products. Social media marketing, in-store promotions, and collaborations with chefs and nutritionists are helping educate consumers on the benefits of choosing locally-produced eggs and chicken.

Al Ghurair employs a three-pronged approach — education, marketing, and distribution — to raise awareness about the benefits of consuming locally-produced poultry.

“We highlight the benefits of eating eggs through fun, visual content on our social media platforms and use influencers to showcase the diverse assortment of recipes they can prepare with them,” says Gibson, adding, “We are also rejuvenating the packaging to create distinct segments within the category, led by consumer benefits, and not ingredients. Additionally, we partner with big retailers to revitalise the eggs’ category in-store through outstanding merchandising executions.” ■