Dubai: The Dubai Municipality has registered more than 1.5 million food goods, and 217,642 applications were received for the registration and evaluation of food products throughout the Emirate in 2023. Furthermore, the Municipality committed to improving the flexibility of Dubai’s food sector by issuing 99,567 health certifications for food exports. These numbers highlight the Municipality’s commitment to guaranteeing that citizens have access to wholesome, nutrient-dense foods that meet the strictest globally recognized standards.
The Municipality has implemented extensive food safety control measures for both imported and domestically produced goods. In the previous year alone, a total of 65,230 inspection visits were carried out across the 26,612 registered food institutions in Dubai.
The Municipality has conducted inspections on 7,367,163 tons of food shipments, involving over 2,272,400 individual food items. These inspections covered more than 363,553 food shipments and approximately 533,790 food containers.
Sultan Al Taher, Director of the Food Safety Department at Dubai Municipality, emphasized the Municipality’s commitment to prioritizing the development of the food industry by offering support, providing necessary infrastructure, and promoting investment opportunities to encourage its growth. These initiatives are in line with Dubai Municipality’s dedication to establishing a sustainable food system, ensuring the availability of adaptable food supply chains for all commodities, and aligning with the goals of the Dubai Food Security Strategy.
Al Taher said that, “In 2023, the food industry showcased remarkable figures, highlighting Dubai’s position as a global commercial hub. These results also underscore the efficacy of regulations and laws that have fortified the industry’s resilience, contributing to increased growth, development, and enhanced investment opportunities.”
The Director stated that Dubai Municipality has been making proactive efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of the community from food-related risks. This can be achieved by consistently monitoring all institutions and activities in the food sector throughout the year. The aim is to uphold food safety standards and ensure compliance with approved quality standards, further enhancing the quality of life for both residents and visitors of Dubai.