On January 13, 2025, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) in Dubai organized the inaugural Agricultural and Veterinary Quarantine Forum. This event focused on reviewing scientific insights related to transboundary animal diseases and agricultural pests, as well as discussing strategies to prevent their entry into the UAE. The forum also aimed to promote collaboration among federal and local authorities, along with the private sector, to tackle these challenges effectively.

The forum underscores MOCCAE’s commitment to adopting global best practices in agricultural and veterinary quarantine procedures while ensuring a smooth flow of goods that does not compromise biosecurity standards. Representatives from relevant UAE authorities and international organizations dedicated to advancing quarantine measures participated in the forum, sharing innovative solutions to mitigate the impact of animal diseases and agricultural pests.

Marwan Abdullah Al Zaabi, Assistant Undersecretary for the Regions Sector at MOCCAE, highlighted the UAE’s ongoing efforts to improve the production of strategic crops, expand livestock resources, and regulate import operations. These initiatives align with the National Food Security Strategy 2051, which aims to position the UAE as a leader in the Global Food Security Index by the year 2051. Al Zaabi emphasized the importance of fostering cooperation among stakeholders and utilizing the resources of various entities, including testing laboratories and animal quarantine facilities.

As reported by WAM, in his remarks, Al Zaabi stated, “Through this forum, we aim to foster greater cooperation with all relevant stakeholders, and leverage the resources and capabilities of various entities, including testing labs and animal quarantine facilities. In addition to this, we aim to ensure the smooth flow of goods and strengthen international trade.” He also noted the goal of enhancing the agricultural and veterinary quarantine system by updating legislation to meet international standards and incorporating advanced equipment for efficient testing.

The forum featured presentations from various experts, including Dr. Donna Bennett, Agriculture Counsellor at the Australian Consulate in Dubai, who shared Australia’s best practices in maintaining biosecurity. She discussed the importance of adopting quarantine procedures based on integrated risk analysis and developing programs to monitor agricultural pests and animal diseases. Additionally, Prof. Gobena Ameni Chimdi from UAE University presented on the epidemiology of transboundary animal diseases and key prevention strategies.

Prof. Dr. Abdullah Mohammad Alsadi, Vice Dean of the College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine at the University of Al Dhaid, addressed the challenges facing agricultural quarantine in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. He emphasized the need to update quarantine legislation and highlighted the opportunities available to enhance biosecurity standards within the sector.

The forum saw participation from various local and international entities, including the Regional Office of the International Fund for Animal Welfare and the General Department of Anti-Narcotics at Dubai Police, with strong involvement from the private sector, which is crucial in advancing agricultural and veterinary quarantine operations. Additionally, the Central Veterinary Research Laboratory’s tests for infectious animal diseases were reviewed during the event.

A session held alongside the forum also focused on enhancing collaboration between federal and local authorities and the private sector to improve agricultural and veterinary quarantine procedures. This initiative aims to facilitate the flow of goods while adhering to biosecurity standards, contributing to the broader efforts to support the food and biosecurity system in the UAE.

During this session, the technical and technological capabilities of local authorities in Abu Dhabi and Dubai were evaluated. These capabilities are essential for implementing agricultural and veterinary quarantine procedures and ensuring compliance with biosecurity and health standards. The discussions also spotlighted the latest technologies used in monitoring operations and executing quarantine protocols, which are pivotal in achieving 100 percent accuracy in results and enhancing consumer confidence in imported products.