Deal to boost diagnostics, data sharing, and inspections in food and agriculture.
Al Ain: The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) and the Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council (ADQCC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen biosecurity cooperation during the Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition 2026.
The agreement was signed by Mohammed Saeed Al Nuaimi, Under-Secretary of MOCCAE, and Fahad Ghareeb Al Shamsi, Acting Secretary-General of ADQCC, in the presence of Dr Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment.
Al Nuaimi said the agreement marks a key step towards strengthening institutional integration and unifying national biosecurity efforts. He added that it supports the development of diagnostic systems and enhances preparedness to address challenges related to animal and plant health, as well as food safety.
He noted that the collaboration aligns with the UAE’s objective of building a proactive and efficient system supported by advanced diagnostic infrastructure, reliable data, and qualified national talent—contributing to faster response times and improved regulatory procedures.
He further emphasised that biosecurity is a fundamental pillar in protecting supply chains and strengthening food security, stressing the importance of integrated frameworks based on unified standards, data exchange, and enhanced laboratory readiness.
Al Shamsi said the agreement reflects a strategic commitment to strengthening laboratory testing capabilities and delivering comprehensive services for consignments entering the UAE through ports of entry.
He explained that cooperation will include laboratory analysis of water, food, animal feed, plants, and livestock, in line with approved technical standards, supported by ADQCC’s Central Testing Laboratory and its partnership with M42.
He added that the collaboration will help develop national expertise, improve quality assurance, and accelerate testing processes through the use of advanced technologies.
The MoU establishes a regulatory framework to enhance biosecurity cooperation, with a focus on improving diagnostic testing across veterinary, agricultural, and food sectors, and creating a more integrated operational system
Key areas of cooperation include enhancing laboratory efficiency, developing technical standards, sharing data, standardising procedures, and strengthening inspection and emergency response systems.
The agreement also supports knowledge transfer, capacity building, inter-laboratory testing programmes, and scientific research, reinforcing the UAE’s efforts to advance food safety, biosecurity, and environmental sustainability.
