Over the past three decades, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states have experienced remarkable population growth, doubling from 26 million in 1995 to 57 million in 2022. This surge, fueled by the region’s economic diversification and the influx of expatriates seeking better opportunities, has presented significant challenges for policymakers and entrepreneurs in ensuring food security. Coupled with the environmental vulnerabilities of the Gulf region, such as desertification, water scarcity, and rising temperatures, these challenges have spurred robust and innovative strategies to secure the region’s food supply.

The GCC states face a unique set of constraints that hinder local agricultural production. The region’s arid climate, scarce arable land, and limited freshwater resources make it heavily reliant on food imports. Approximately 85 percent of the region’s food is imported, including 90 percent of cereals and nearly all rice. This dependency leaves the GCC vulnerable to disruptions in the global supply chain, whether caused by geopolitical conflicts, climate change, or economic crises.

Additionally, the Gulf is warming at twice the global average, exacerbating the effects of climate change. Rising temperatures and the loss of biodiversity compound the region’s challenges, making it clear that achieving food security requires not only addressing immediate needs but also preparing for long-term sustainability.

Despite these geographic and climatic challenges, the GCC countries have made significant strides in ensuring food security. The 2022 Global Food Security Index ranked the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at 23rd globally, followed by Qatar at 30th, Oman at 35th, Bahrain at 38th, Saudi........

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