GCCSG: Agriculture and Food Security Ecosystem in GCC States Remain Strategic Priority
Fahad Shabbir (@FahadShabbir)
Published September 04, 2026 | 04:00 AM
MANAMA, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 04th Sep, 2026) Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), emphasized that agriculture and food security in GCC member states are a strategic priority and a fundamental pillar in the trajectory of joint Gulf action. This, he explained, stems from the GCC states' commitment to:
- Developing agricultural and food production.
- Enhancing sustainability and efficient utilization of natural resources.
- Securing food needs and building resilience to face challenges.
Albudaiwi's remarks were delivered during the 38th Meeting of the Committee of Agricultural Cooperation and Food Security in the GCC States, held on September 3, 2026, in Manama, Bahrain.
He highlighted the following:
- The GCC member states' commitment to agricultural development was reinforced by the 19th Consultative Meeting of the Supreme Council held in Jeddah on April 28, 2026, and the supreme directives issued to enhance readiness and capability against crises and challenges, including studying the establishment of GCC strategic storage zones.
- Qualitative initiatives and programs in agriculture and food security across the GCC states, indicative of their dedication to ensuring food security and building a sustainable Gulf food ecosystem.
He specifically mentioned:
- The United Arab Emirates (UAE) leveraging innovation and agricultural technologies to develop qualitative crops that support sustainable local production, in collaboration with the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA).
- Bahrain's efforts to develop the agricultural sector and support local production and agricultural projects.
- Saudi Arabia working on strengthening strategic food reserves, developing early warning systems, promoting sustainable agricultural production, and reducing food loss and waste.
- Oman adopting programs and projects to boost local production, develop value chains, and enhance private sector participation.
- Qatar implementing its National Food Security Strategy 2030.
- Kuwait focusing on supporting agricultural production and reinforcing its strategic food reserves.
These efforts, Albudaiwi concluded, are instrumental in achieving the GCC's food security objectives.