Can AI solve the MENA region food security challenges?

Gulf Business

21-02-2025

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Food security in the MENA region is no longer just a matter of supply and demand. It is a strategic priority that demands urgent action.
With over 60 per cent of the region classified as arid or semi-arid, the reliance on food imports and inefficient agricultural practices has deepened vulnerabilities in our food systems.
While the challenges are daunting, the solution lies in artificial intelligence (AI) and predictive analytics, which have the power to revolutionise agriculture, optimise supply chains, and create a more resilient food ecosystem.
AI-enabled precision agriculture a game-changer for MENA
One of the most powerful applications of AI in food security is precision agriculture. Instead of traditional, resource-intensive farming, AI is enabling farmers to make data-driven decisions that maximise yield, reduce waste, and optimise water and soil use.
In the UAE, we are already witnessing groundbreaking projects that are setting new standards in agricultural efficiency.
Take Elite Agro for example, a leading agricultural EPC contractor that is leveraging advanced machine learning (ML) and AI-driven digital surveillance to detect abnormalities such as plant diseases, pest infestations, and water stress.
By identifying these issues early, farmers can take targeted actions, reducing resource wastage and financial losses while improving productivity.
Another exciting development is the
AI-driven supply chain optimisation reduces waste, boosts efficiency
A staggering 13 per cent of food is lost between harvest and retail, and an additional 19 per cent is wasted at the consumption level, according to the United Nations. These inefficiencies are unacceptable in a region that faces severe food security risks. AI is helping reverse this pattern through predictive demand forecasting, smarter inventory management, and improved traceability.
One of the most compelling examples comes from the hospitality sector. AI-powered solutions implemented by major hotel chains in the UAE have led to a dramatic reduction in food waste. Hilton for instance has successfully cut its food waste by 62 per cent using AI and
These insights allow businesses to manage their food supply more efficiently, ensuring that excess inventory is minimised while meeting customer demand.
Beyond hotels, AI is also transforming food distribution networks. Smart logistics powered by AI can help optimize transportation routes, reduce spoilage, and ensure food reaches its destination faster and in optimal condition.
As MENA nations continue to invest in food security, AI must become a central component of the region's supply chain strategy.
The marketplace revolution engaging the next generation of consumers
While AI is optimising production and supply chains, it is also reshaping the way food is marketed and consumed. The younger generation interacts with the world differently, and businesses must adapt. The Foodverse, an initiative by the UAE Food and Beverage Business Group, is a bold step in this direction.
This virtual marketplace serves as both a networking hub for industry players and a futuristic platform for consumer engagement.
This is just the beginning. We must continue to integrate AI and data-driven platforms into the broader food ecosystem from farm to table.
Bridging the gap in the role of public-private collaboration
Despite the immense potential of AI, one critical challenge remains, ensuring that technological advancements reach small and medium-sized farmers. Over 80 per cent of agricultural holdings in the region are small-scale farms, with many under five hectares. These farmers are often excluded from cutting-edge innovations due to financial and logistical barriers.
This is where public-private partnerships become essential. Governments and businesses must work together to ensure that AI-driven agricultural technologies and financing solutions are accessible to all farmers, not just large-scale enterprises. We must answer the pressing question.
How do we ensure that technological investments trickle down to those who need them most? The answer lies in developing financing schemes that align with farmers' asset conversion cycles, providing affordable access to AI-driven solutions, and integrating small farmers into the modern digital economy.
Without these interventions, food security will remain an unfulfilled promise.
Enabling food security: A call to action
AI is not a luxury, it is a necessity for the future of food security in the MENA region. From precision agriculture to supply chain optimization and AI-driven marketplaces, the technology exists to transform the way we produce, distribute, and consume food. The real challenge now is scaling these solutions and ensuring that they reach the farmers and businesses that need them most.
The path forward requires bold investments, cross-sector collaboration, and a commitment to digital transformation. The future of food security in MENA is in our hands. It is time to harness the full power of AI and data-driven strategies to build a resilient, sustainable, and food-secure region.
The clock is ticking. Are we ready to act?
The writer is the partner and managing partner UAE, LOGIC Consulting.