Future Food Forum 2026 Unveils National Food Catalogue and Entrepreneurial Support Programme

The eighth edition of the UAE's premier food industry gathering will showcase digital innovation and industry partnerships designed to strengthen national food security and support emerging producers.

The Future Food Forum returns for its eighth edition on 29–30 September at Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre, convening leaders across the UAE’s food value chain under the patronage of the Ministry of Economy and Tourism.

Hosted jointly by the UAE Food & Beverage Business Group and the UAE Food Cluster, this year’s Forum represents a pivotal moment for the nation’s food ecosystem as it advances implementation of the National Food Security Strategy 2051. The gathering brings together decision-makers and innovators to explore the partnerships, technologies and supply chain reforms essential for building lasting food resilience.

A landmark announcement at the Forum will be the launch of the National Food Catalogue, developed through collaboration between the UAE Food Cluster and GS1. This digital infrastructure initiative establishes standardised protocols for traceability and collaboration, enhancing efficiency and transparency throughout the national food ecosystem.

The Forum will also reveal strategic partnerships designed to strengthen productivity and competitiveness across the sector. A collaboration between the UAE Food Cluster and Majra, the UAE’s National CSR Fund, aims to help smaller producers scale their operations and access wider markets, democratising growth opportunities within the industry.

In recognition of emerging talent, the Forum introduces NextGen Founders, a mentorship and development programme backed by Nestlé, Sheraa, Majra and the UAE Food Cluster. The initiative provides early-stage food entrepreneurs with professional guidance, skills training and market access to accelerate their ventures from launch through growth.

The two-day programme culminates in the Cluster Champion Awards, honouring organisations demonstrating excellence across critical dimensions of the food ecosystem, including innovation, sustainability, market expansion, food safety, talent development, operational resilience and collaborative practice.

Saleh Lootah, Chairman of the UAE Food Cluster and UAE Food and Beverages Manufacturers Group, emphasised the strategic importance of these initiatives: “As populations grow, trade dynamics evolve and pressure on natural resources increases, strong local capabilities and better-connected supply chains are critical to national resilience and long-term prosperity.”

The Forum’s comprehensive programme features ministerial sessions, technical panels, executive discussions and stakeholder roundtables, positioning dialogue as the foundation for collaborative, outcomes-focused engagement that reinforces the UAE’s standing as a trusted participant in global food systems.

Source: WAM