Sharjah Strengthens Food Security with Safe & Sustainable Practices

At the 14th International Government Communication Forum (IGCF 2025), Sharjah highlighted its strong focus on creating safe, sustainable, and resilient food systems. Leaders from government and private sectors discussed the critical need for food systems that can withstand climate change, economic challenges, and shifting market conditions.

This year’s forum, held at the Sharjah Expo Centre, featured a special session titled “Government Communication and Sustainable Food Security.” Key speakers included Sheikha Najla Ali Al Mualla, Director of the Central Laboratories Department at Sharjah Municipality; His Excellency Rashid Abdullah Bin Huwaiden, Executive Director of the Supply Chain Sector at Sharjah Cooperative Society; and His Excellency Mustafa Al Husseini, General Manager of Golden Loaf Est (Sharjah). Together, they emphasized the importance of government communication, innovation, and partnerships in ensuring long-term food sustainability.

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Food Security: Safety, Sufficiency, and Health

Opening the session, Sheikha Najla Ali Al Mualla highlighted the three essential pillars of food security: safety, sufficiency, and health. She explained that these three elements are closely connected and form the foundation of a sustainable food system.

“Food security is not just about having enough food,” she said. “It is about ensuring the food is safe to eat, nutritious, and accessible to everyone. When these elements are linked together, we can create a strong, resilient system that benefits current and future generations.”

Sheikha Najla described the vital role of Sharjah Municipality in monitoring the food supply chain from start to finish. This includes everything from the soil where seeds are planted to the food products reaching consumers. The municipality uses strict standards, laboratory testing, and continuous monitoring systems to ensure food is safe and of high quality.

Sharjah’s Commitment to Quality

Sheikha Najla also emphasized the municipality’s long-standing commitment to quality and international standards. The Central Laboratories Department, one of the oldest departments in Sharjah Municipality, has held the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) certification for more than 25 years. This achievement reflects the city’s dedication to meeting the highest global standards in food safety and quality.

She further highlighted the Sharjah Food Safety Initiative, which has trained over 140,000 food workers and families involved in food production. “Our training program was recognized by the World Health Organization in 2015 as a global success story,” she said. “It was the first program of its kind in the Arab world, and it continues to help our community understand and follow safe food practices.”

The Role of Supply Chains in Food Security

His Excellency Rashid Abdullah Bin Huwaiden spoke about the importance of efficient and resilient supply chains. He described supply chains as the backbone of Sharjah’s food security system, explaining that a well-managed supply chain ensures that high-quality food products are delivered quickly to consumers.

He also stressed the importance of diversifying import sources. “We do not rely on a single country for our food supplies. By sourcing products from multiple countries, we increase our flexibility and ensure a continuous supply of high-quality food.”

Bin Huwaiden highlighted how the Sharjah Cooperative Society has embraced digital technology to improve supply chain efficiency. Their electronic system can now analyze sales and import data, predict future needs, and provide recommendations for pricing and distribution in different areas of the emirate. This innovation helps ensure that food is available where it is needed most and reduces waste.

Producing Affordable and Nutritious Bread

His Excellency Mustafa Al Husseini shared the journey of Golden Loaf Est (Sharjah), which was established in 1979. For decades, the company has focused on serving the community with quality products that meet the needs of different social groups.

Al Husseini explained that Golden Loaf now emphasizes producing bread tailored to specific consumer groups, balancing traditional baking methods with modern innovation. He said, “Even as online sales grow and market conditions change, our goal remains the same: to produce nutritious, affordable bread that everyone can enjoy.”

He stressed that food businesses play a critical role in supporting community health and well-being. By creating products that are both affordable and healthy, companies like Golden Loaf contribute to Sharjah’s larger mission of sustainable food security.

Digital Transformation for a Sustainable Food Future

A common theme throughout the session was the use of technology to enhance food security. From digital supply chains to predictive analytics, Sharjah is adopting modern tools to make food systems more efficient, resilient, and safe.

These innovations help Sharjah:

• Monitor food safety across the entire supply chain

• Reduce dependency on single sources

• Predict and meet consumer needs

• Ensure affordable access to nutritious food

By combining government initiatives, private sector efforts, and community engagement, Sharjah is building a comprehensive food security system that can withstand both environmental and economic challenges.

Community Engagement and Education

Sharjah’s approach is not limited to businesses and government bodies. The training of over 140,000 food workers demonstrates the importance of community education and awareness in maintaining safe food practices. By teaching food handlers about hygiene, storage, and preparation, Sharjah ensures that food safety is maintained at every stage of the supply chain.

Programs like the Sharjah Food Safety Initiative also empower families to contribute to food safety, creating a culture of awareness and responsibility that strengthens the emirate’s overall food system.

The session concluded with a shared vision for the future: a food system that is safe, sustainable, and resilient. By combining government oversight, digital innovation, supply chain management, and community engagement, Sharjah is setting an example for other cities in the region and beyond.

Speakers emphasized that resilient food systems are not optional—they are essential for ensuring public health, supporting economic growth, and preparing for future challenges, whether they come from climate change, pandemics, or global economic shifts.

Sharjah’s efforts demonstrate that safe and sustainable food practices can go hand in hand with modern technology and traditional values. The emirate’s approach ensures that all residents have access to healthy, nutritious, and affordable food, while also creating opportunities for investment, innovation, and collaboration.

The IGCF 2025 session on food security highlighted Sharjah’s comprehensive approach to sustainable food systems. From training workers and monitoring the food supply chain to embracing digital tools and producing affordable bread, Sharjah is building a resilient and safe food future.

By focusing on safety, sufficiency, and health, investing in supply chain innovation, and engaging the community, the emirate is showing how government communication and collaboration with the private sector can safeguard food security for generations to come.