UAE’s food sector’s rapid growth makes it top job creator with 20,000 new positions

UAE’s food sector’s rapid growth makes it top job creator with 20,000 new positions

Dubai: An exciting transformation is underway in the UAE’s thriving food and agriculture sector. Over the next five years, this industry is set to offer 20,000 job opportunities – with salaries starting from Dh12,000 and going all the way to Dh50,000. Not only that, the sector is projected to add a $10 billion boost to the nation’s economy.

And the fast-evolving landscape is offering multiple roles, from food scientists to geneticists, nutritionists to traditional farmers, and food technologists.

Saleh Lootah, Chairman of UAE Food and Beverage Manufacturing Business Group, said, “Post-pandemic, the government has prioritised food security and has done quite a bit to diversify its sourcing and supply chain processes. Moreover, with the rise in vertical farming and aquaponics, the industry is set to undergo a considerable transformation, boosting job opportunities.”

There is also an increased focus on producing locally and transforming the country into a major food hub as consumers demand traceability. “Consumers want produce that is locally produced. There is also growing interest in e-commerce and conscious buying. Whatever can be produced locally is being grown and consumed here,” explained Lootah.

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Considering these factors, industry experts are predicting many new job opportunities within the sector. “Going forward, the most