Using a One Health framework to promote food and nutrition security in the United Arab Emirates, focusing on Dubai

Abstract

This thesis examines the four main dimensions of food security and nutrition in the UAE focusing on Dubai, namely, availability, accessibility, utilisation, and stability, through a One Health lens. The research aimed to determine the current status of food and nutrition security in Dubai at the community and national level with a special focus on the availability and consumption of white and red meat and, food loss plus strategies that can support food and nutrition security into the future. Mixed methods research was undertaken in the UAE with an emphasis on Dubai, through questionnaires and interviews with companies, food retailers, local producers, small-scale farmers and governmental authorities and the analysis of secondary data sources. Currently, the UAE and Dubai specifically, are considered food secure; however, the challenges facing UAE and Dubai, such as the growing population, heavy dependence on imported food and water scarcity are still a concern. Accessing healthy food with suitable nutrient content is one of the challenges in the Emirate of Dubai. The researcher recommends that the National Food Security Strategy is implemented as soon as possible. Implementing this strategy will directly contribute to achieving food security. By adopting and implementing the recommendations of this research, Dubai will move closer to achieving a sustainable food and nutrition system.