SDG2: ZERO HUNGER
Food Security in the UAE
Food security is a significant concern for the United Arab Emirates (UAE), given its arid climate and reliance on food imports for the majority of its supply. The government recognizes the importance of achieving food security for its population and has implemented several strategic initiatives to address this challenge.
Government Initiatives for Food Security
National Food Security Strategy: Launched in 2018, this strategy aims to make the UAE one of the world's top countries in food security. It focuses on enhancing the efficiency of the food supply chain, improving food safety, and increasing local agricultural production.
Investment in Agriculture: The UAE government has invested in innovative agricultural technologies, such as hydroponics and vertical farming, to boost local food production. These technologies help mitigate the challenges posed by limited arable land and water resources.
Food Security Programs: Various programs are in place to ensure food access for all citizens and residents. This includes initiatives like the "Food Bank" program, which collects and redistributes food to those in need, reducing food waste and providing assistance to vulnerable populations.
Public-Private Partnerships: The government collaborates with private sector entities to enhance food distribution and storage capacities. These partnerships aim to strengthen the food supply chain and ensure that food is available and affordable.
Al Ain University and SDG 2
Al Ain University (AAU) actively contributes to Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG 2), which seeks to end hunger, achieve food security, and promote sustainable agriculture. The university's approach includes:
Educational Programs: AAU offers programs focused on agricultural sciences and food security, preparing students to tackle challenges in food production and distribution. This education is crucial for developing future leaders in the agricultural sector.
Research Initiatives: The university conducts research aimed at finding innovative solutions to food security issues in the region. This includes studies on sustainable farming practices, food preservation, and nutrition.
Community Outreach and Collaboration: AAU engages with local communities and organizations to promote awareness about food security. Collaborative projects often involve workshops and initiatives that educate the public on sustainable agriculture and nutrition.
Sustainability Practices: The university incorporates sustainability into its operations, promoting practices that support environmental stewardship, such as reducing food waste on campus and encouraging responsible consumption.
Conclusion
Food security is a critical issue for the UAE, and the government's multifaceted approach is essential for addressing it. Al Ain University plays an integral role in this effort through education, research, and community engagement related to SDG 2. By fostering knowledge and promoting sustainable practices, AAU contributes to the broader goal of ensuring food security for all in the region.
Cafeteria (Dining Services)
AAU provides modern cafeterias for both male and female students in each campus. The cafeterias provide service not only for commuting students, but also for those in the residences. There is a direct and ongoing inspection in the cafeteria for both staff and food by the local authority
MOU between Al Ain University and The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA)
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been signed between ‘Al Ain University and the ‘Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA)’, in order to develop the quality of agriculture and food sectors.
The MOU has been signed by HE Mr. Saeed Al Bahri Salem Al Ameri (Director General of ADFCA) and Prof. Ghaleb Al-Refae (AAU President).
The MOU will allow exchanging of experts and students to organize training and technical support activities and provide the researchers the facilities such as equipment, and laboratories, which leads to the co-publishing of scientific research papers and educational books of projects after the cooperation.
Al Ain University and ADAFSA focus on carrying out research that can help to improve the food quality and safety that are provided by different food establishments in Abu Dhabi.
Prof. Ghaleb El Refae, AAU President said that Al Ain University is keen to contribute in supporting the food quality system and the agricultural sector in the UAE and enhancing food safety in line with the pioneering role that the state plays in this field. He added that the signing of this memorandum would strengthen the partnership between the two parties and support the sustainable development efforts that Al Ain University is keen to achieve.
It is worth mentioning that Al Ain University offers a Bachelor of Science program in Nutrition and Dietetics, which includes a group of teaching staff and Nutritionists.
Food Safety event
Quality Food for better meal planning
An awareness event entitled; Nutrition Care for All
The Deanship of Student Affairs (Abu Dhabi Campus), in cooperation with the College of Pharmacy and the College of Education, Humanities and Social Sciences, organized an awareness day for nutrition under the slogan "Nutrition Care for All" under the supervision of the Nutrition and Diet Program and the Special Education Program and in the presence of Prof. Ghaleb El Refae, the President of AAU, and Prof. Ibtehal Abu Rezeq, Vice President of Development and Follow-Up, and the Dean of Student Affairs, and deputy deans.
The awareness day included a variety of activities aimed to educate the university community about healthy lifestyles through proper nutrition and following a healthy diet. The role of nutritionists was introduced, as well as healthy dishes, the importance of drinking water, and examples of healthy diets for some diseases
Many tips and instructions were also given regarding nutritional and medicinal interventions for people of determination. The students examined the body components of a number of attendees and informed them about the association of body weight and excess fat with heart disease and diabetes.
Al Ain University is a Packing House for “Ramadan Aman 9”
As a packaging house in the city of Al Ain for the campaign “Ramadan Aman 9”, Al Ain University received a huge number of volunteers who are participating in the campaign, which was launched by the Al Ihsan Charity Association, In Partnership with the Ministry of Interior and in cooperation with the Traffic departments and police.
This campaign contributes to reducing traffic accidents and over speed through distributing meals to drivers at Maghreb prayer timings, With the participation of thousands of volunteers.
Dr. Enas Abulibdeh, from the College of Education, Humanities and Social Sciences, and the main supervisor of the packing house at Al Ain, praised the efforts of all volunteers, and stressed on the importance of this campaign in spreading the culture of volunteering, and enhancing social and humanitarian communication with different groups of society.
It is worth to mention that, Al Ain University is keen on supporting “Ramadan Aman” campaign because of its deep belief in the need to interact with the community, and contribute in promoting a culture of volunteerism and the preservation of the security and safety of all.
A Field Visit to National Dairy “Hayatna”
The College of Pharmacy, Nutrition, and Dietetics program at Al Ain University (Abu Dhabi Campus) arranged a field trip for its students and academic staff to visit the "National Dairy Hayatna" dairy factory.
During the visit, students were given a comprehensive tour of the factory, allowing them to observe the various processes involved in the production of different dairy products. They also had the opportunity to learn about the evaluation techniques used, which encompassed both subjective and objective methods.
The primary objective of the visit was to enhance the student's comprehension of the theoretical concepts taught in their curriculum and to expand their understanding of practical applications. The students were delighted with the knowledge they gained during this excursion and expressed their appreciation for the experience.
Awareness workshop on food allergy
The Deanship of Student Affairs at Al Ain University, Al Ain Campus, organized a workshop on food allergy (types - symptoms - treatment), presented by Dr. Mona Othman from Mediclinic Hospital (Al Ain Branch), ENT specialist. The workshop dealt with several axes, most notably the concept of food allergy, which occurs when a person's immune system interacts with substances in the environment. These substances are often harmless to most people. These substances are known allergens, such as dust mites, pet pollens, insects, ticks, mold and some types of foods and medicines. She also talked about the symptoms of allergies such as skin rashes, shortness of breath, etc., and then treating them. The workshop also included some tests such as blood pressure and sugar.
Ramadan Iftar for pharmacy students
Coinciding with the Holy Month of Ramadan, the College of Pharmacy at Al Ain University, Al Ain Campus, organized an Iftar for the pharmacy students, in the presence of their faculty members. Where they spent fun times during their participation in games and entertaining competitions to break the routine of university life.
Dr. Khairi Mustafa, Dean of the College of Pharmacy, expressed his happiness with this event which is considered as a positive step to create an environment of communication between students, and promote the spirit of brotherhood and harmony among them.
‘Pharmacy and Nutrition’ students learn about developing healthy food products
Faculty members and students from the College of Pharmacy and from the Nutrition, and Dietetics program from both Al Ain university campuses visited “Tate and Lyle” Food Beverage Solutions Company Technical Center in Dubai, one of the top food research and development companies in the Middle East.
This company provides ingredients and solutions to the global food and beverage industries to produce healthy types of different food items.
It was a good experience for the Nutrition and Dietetics students to get the chance to know more about producing different healthy food products. Also, the students on this visit got a tour of the technical center where they witnessed how different healthy food products can be developed and evaluated at small scale levels by using several subjective and objective techniques.
Enhance the nutrition student’s skills with a visit to Gulfood
The faculty members and students from the College of Pharmacy, Nutrition, and Dietetics program from both AAU campuses attended and participated in the Gulfood meeting, which was held in Dubai.
The Gulfood meeting introduced the AAU students to different food production sectors in the UAE. Where one of the most important aims of the Nutrition and Dietetics program is to engage the students with different activities related to Nutrition and Food Science and to represent Al Ain University at these activities.
The Nutrition students enhance awareness of safe food handling
The College of Pharmacy at Al Ain University, Al Ain campus, organized an awareness event under the theme "Food Safety, Nutrition, and health", where the Nutrition students prepared posters to raise awareness about routines in the preparation, handling, and storage of food meant to prevent foodborne illness and injury.
Dr. Khairi Mustafa, Dean of the College of Pharmacy, accompanied by a number of college professors, reviewed the students' work, listened to the information provided, and participated in cultural competitions held by students to professors for entertainment.
The event aims to stress, safe food handling practices and procedures and their importance to maintain population health and prevent consumer’s harm.
The World Food Day promotes health awareness about the food importance
The Deanship of Student Affairs, in cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority, organized an awareness event, coinciding with the World Food Day, celebrated throughout the world with the aim of promoting public awareness towards the importance of food, and encouraging people around the world to combat hunger.
In this context, the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority provided a series of tips to raise awareness about the importance of food and a healthy diet, in addition to a competition to test students' knowledge about food and its storage methods.