Dubai’s agritech sector is undergoing a major shift, moving beyond the familiar “desert innovation” narrative. Today, a vibrant ecosystem of agile startups, dedicated incubators, and strategic investments is reshaping the region’s food technology landscape.
While the UAE ranked 21st globally in the Global Food Security Index (GFSI) 2022, the country — like much of the GCC — still imports over 85% of its food, highlighting a persistent reliance on external supply chains as of 2025.
This dependency has triggered long-term initiatives aimed at boosting local production and enhancing sustainability, with GCC countries aligning regional strategies in agriculture, livestock, and fisheries. In the UAE, these sectors now contribute 1.8% of GDP, with the number of active companies growing by 20%.
At the center of Dubai’s agritech ecosystem is in5, the TECOM Group’s incubator, playing a pivotal role in driving innovation. “Startups are the inherent problem-solvers we need to unlock sustainable growth,” said Majed Al Suwaidi, Senior Vice President of TECOM Group.
(Source: The Economic Times)
