In collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

In cooperation with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations  (FAO), the College of Medicine and Health Sciences and the College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine at the United Arab Emirates University held a scientific symposium entitled "The Role of Food Systems in the Prevention of Obesity and Chronic Diseases in the United Arab Emirates", in the presence of Prof. Ahmed Rashid Al-Suwaidi - Acting Dean of the College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Prof. Dr. Habiba Ali - Vice Dean for Health Sciences, Prof. Dr. Aisha Salem Al Dhaheri - Advisor at the Office of the President of the University, and representatives of the Food and Agriculture of the United Nations "FAO", and a number of government agencies and institutions, the private sector and higher education institutions, which were held at the Grand Ayla Hotel, Al Ain.

In his speech, Prof. Ahmed Rashid Al Suwaidi, Acting Dean of the College of Medicine and Health Sciences, said: "This symposium provides an opportunity to present research results and discuss its outputs with academics, experts, researchers and partners from government institutions and the private sector in the country concerned with the health sector, food, agriculture and food industries." The seminar concluded by highlighting the causes and challenges and finding solutions to address chronic diseases, looking at food system transformations, and how to enhance food efficiency and safety in the UAE.

Dr. Mohamed Abdulwahab Ahmed, Policy Officer of the Regional Office for the Near East and North Africa at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, pointed to the importance of joint cooperation between the United Arab Emirates University and the Food and Agriculture Organization, where he reviewed the most prominent results and recommendations related to this cooperation, which was implemented between 2019 and 2020. For his part, Dr. Marcus, General Coordinator of the Regional Office in Abu Dhabi, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, pointed out that the decisions of this symposium are in accordance with the strategic vision of the organization with regard to supporting Food security and sustainability.

The symposium reached a number of recommendations and outlined the promotion of health and food security policies in the country, including those related to motherhood and childhood, nutrition and public health, and achieving the efficiency of food chains to provide healthy and balanced food for individuals in order to achieve sustainability and food security. In addition to a number of recommendations for the fields of scientific research and knowledge cooperation between all competent authorities.  

The seminar hosted representatives from the Ministry of Health and Prevention, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, and representatives from municipalities, local authorities, higher education institutions and the private sector who actively contributed to reaching recommendations and future action plans to address health challenges.