Abu Dhabi launches first unified regulatory framework for novel foods to accelerate food innovation

The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA), Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council (QCC), and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) have unveiled a landmark initiative to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework for novel foods, underscoring Abu Dhabi’s ambition to lead global food innovation and strengthen national food security.

The new framework will simplify and accelerate the approval process for next-generation food technologies such as cultivated proteins, precision fermentation, and other novel food products, while ensuring the highest standards of food safety and halal compliance.

Aligned with international best practices adopted in the UAE, GCC, EU, Singapore, and the USA, the system is expected to cut registration times by six to nine months, enhancing Abu Dhabi’s competitiveness as a global hub for food-tech investment and innovation.

The initiative will also unify requirements for product registration, halal certification, and import permits under a single-point contact system, reducing bureaucracy and enabling faster market access for companies. A national database of approved food products will be created to ensure transparency, alongside updated technical and regulatory guidelines.

In addition, the framework introduces a science-based risk assessment model tailored to the type and maturity of new technologies. Abu Dhabi’s halal certification standards will be modernized and harmonized with global benchmarks, particularly those of Malaysia and Indonesia, to strengthen the international recognition of UAE halal certifications and boost export competitiveness.

“This partnership is designed to build a connected business ecosystem that combines forward-thinking regulations with Abu Dhabi’s strong investment climate and support for technological innovation,” said H.E. Badr Al-Olama, Director-General of ADIO. “By accelerating the adoption of advanced solutions such as alternative proteins and precision fermentation, this collaboration reinforces Abu Dhabi’s role as a global center for food innovation and supports the UAE National Food Security Strategy 2051.”

H.E. Dr Tariq Ahmed Al Ameri, Acting Director-General of ADAFSA, said the framework reflects the emirate’s commitment to global best practices. “It enhances the readiness of our regulatory ecosystem to embrace emerging technologies such as cultivated proteins and precision fermentation-based foods,” he said.

H.E. Eng. Fahad Gharib Al Shamsi, Acting Secretary General of QCC, said the agreement demonstrates Abu Dhabi’s focus on quality and safety. “We are enabling manufacturers to obtain halal certifications for their products, strengthening competitiveness and reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as a trusted regional hub in this field,” he said.

The collaboration represents Abu Dhabi’s integrated approach to aligning regulatory, investment, and scientific priorities in the food sector. By establishing clear and science-based governance for novel foods, the emirate aims to foster sustainable growth, attract international investment, and set new benchmarks for innovation in the global food system.