MOCCAE bolsters UAE aquaculture with focus on exports, sustainability and food security

Al Etihad

3 days ago

2 July 2025 00:56
AMEINAH ALZEYOUDI (ABU DHABI)The UAE's fisheries and aquaculture sector has seen significant expansion in recent years, driven by strategies that balance sustainability with economic growth. Now, locally farmed fish not only cater to domestic demand but are also part of a broader push to boost exports and tap into high-potential global markets, according to an official from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE).
In an interview with Aletihad , Dr. Ebrahim Abdulla Husain Al Jamali, Director of the Fisheries Sustainability Department at the MOCCAE, said the ministry is actively working to expand aquaculture exports to meet rising global demand. 'This strategic push includes expanding access to new global markets, with a particular focus on regions demonstrating strong demand for high-quality, sustainably farmed seafood. The strategy also involves promoting species with proven market acceptance and significant export potential,' he said. In 2022, aquaculture production in the country reached 3,526.5 tonnes, with ongoing efforts to increase this figure through farm expansion and improved technology.The goal, he added, is to 'position the UAE as a leading regional exporter of premium aquaculture products, while simultaneously supporting broader economic diversification and sustainable growth objectives'.
Boosting National Food Security Within the country, fish is a key part of the National Food Security Strategy 2051. Recent studies on consumer behaviour have found that the UAE's per capita seafood consumption —26.4kg in 2022 — exceeds the global average, underscoring the importance of this sector within the country's food system. The ministry has been leveraging such insights to tailor strategies, as it works towards enhancing aquaculture's contribution to building a stable and resilient national food supply. 'The ministry is actively streamlining aquaculture development by significantly simplifying licensing procedures, eliminating unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles, and prioritising environmental sustainability,' Dr. Al Jamali said.'Complementing these regulatory efforts, comprehensive support programmes are in place to support local farmers.'Technical expertise and advisory services have been been made available to farmers, while investors benefit from dedicated guidance being provided throughout the licensing process, he added. In support of efficient farm operations, MOCCAE has launched an integrated suite of smart digital services that streamline aquaculture-related processes, including licensing and the importation of live fish and broodstock. Among these services is an advanced permitting system for importing live aquatic organisms, ensuring rigorous inspection at entry points to uphold biosecurity standards.The system enhances transparency and speed, with permits valid for up to three months and additional services available for exporting and re-exporting aquaculture products. 'These smart services foster a business-friendly environment… encouraging private sector engagement within the aquaculture industry,' Dr. Al Jamali said.
Responsible GrowthIn a bid to innovate and expand production, MOCCAE is also investing in research and development with private sector partners, focusing on the commercial viability of new local species, Dr. Al Jamali said. A pivotal collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) led to the creation of the UAE Aquaculture Toolkit, which provides a scientific and operational foundation for modern aquaculture practices. Key components of the toolkit include an 'Atlas of Potential Offshore Aquaculture Zones', a 'Consumer Preferences Study,' and comprehensive biosecurity guidelines for disease prevention at the farm level. Consumer studies conducted as part of the Aquaculture Toolkit have provided valuable insights that guide production, marketing, and policy decisions within the UAE's aquaculture sector, Dr. Al Jamali said.'These consumer insights directly inform policy, guiding the sector to focus production on high-demand species that exhibit excellent taste, texture, and growth performance. They also highlight the need to invest in modern production systems, such as Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) to maintain consistent quality.'With insights gathered through this toolkit, a National Aquaculture Development Plan is in the works, Dr. Al Jamali said. This plan aims 'to expand farms, diversify production, ensure sustainability (environmental, social, economic), improve investment, boost GDP contribution, and create export opportunities', he added. Sustainability remains at the core of the UAE's aquaculture expansion. MOCCAE's efforts are underpinned by Federal Law No. 23 of 1999 on the Exploitation, Protection, and Development of Living Aquatic Resources and Federal Law No. 24 of 1999 on Environment Protection and Development.
'Together, these laws form a comprehensive and strong legal foundation that ensures the responsible growth of the aquaculture sector, effectively balancing industry expansion with the protection and conservation of the natural environment,' Dr. Al Jamali said.