UAE Circular Economy Council reviews progress on national circular economy policies and initiatives, highlights innovation’s role in advancing food industry

During its first meeting of 2026 chaired by H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri

 The UAE Circular Economy Council held its first meeting of 2026, chaired by H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism. The meeting took place at Barakat Quality Plus Group, which specialises in the production of fresh foods and juices, in the presence of Council members from across government, private sector, and academic entities.

The meeting discussed the latest developments related to national policies and initiatives aimed at accelerating the UAE’s transition toward a circular economy model, with a focus on developing governance frameworks and strengthening regulatory and operational structures to ensure the efficient and effective implementation of policies on the ground. It also explored promising investment opportunities in circular economy sectors, the role of innovation in the growth of the food industry, and the importance of building national capabilities and enhancing the readiness of local talent to support more sustainable and efficient production models.

H.E. Bin Touq affirmed that the UAE places strong emphasis on continuously advancing its circular economy ecosystem in line with global best practices, recognizing it as a key pillar in strengthening economic security by reducing reliance on imports and enhancing resource efficiency. These efforts further reinforce the country’s position as a leading global hub for adopting and implementing circular economy practices across vital sectors.

His Excellency said: “The circular economy is becoming increasingly important amid current developments, with the UAE continuing to build strong momentum in developing innovative national circular policies and initiatives in partnership with the private sector, while further expanding its knowledge base and expertise. These efforts are accelerating the country’s transition towards this economic model and supporting the achievement of sustainable economic and social development over the long term.”

His Excellency added: “The food sector is one of the key pillars in strengthening the UAE’s food security system, given its vital role in ensuring the sustainability of supply and meeting the needs of society under various conditions. This is even more important considering the current challenges affecting global supply chains due to ongoing geopolitical and economic crises. It calls for reinforcing the adoption of circular economy policies in this vital sector to improve its efficiency, resilience, and ability to respond swiftly to various changes.”

The Minister of Economy and Tourism continued: “The Council’s efforts are ongoing to expand partnerships between the public and private sectors and enhance integration between them in developing sustainable circular policies. We are also actively embedding them in the food security system, particularly through the Food Economic Cluster, which serves as a comprehensive national umbrella for food-related activities and industries in the country. This is in addition to encouraging innovation in food production, storage, and distribution technologies, contributing to improving supply chain efficiency and supporting the objectives of the UAE Circular Economy Agenda 2031.”

In detail, the meeting reviewed a range of mechanisms aimed at accelerating the implementation of circular policies that support the sustainability of the UAE’s food security ecosystem, in line with the objectives of the Food Economic Cluster. They contribute to keeping pace with current regional and international developments and strengthening the readiness of the food sector to address any supply chain-related challenges.

The meeting also reviewed progress under the second batch of circular economy policies, through which eight policies were identified and structured under four main pillars: resource efficiency, materials and waste, market enablement, and infrastructure. Key policies include “Green Public Procurement: Stimulating Demand for Reprocessed Materials” and “SMEs as a Driver of the Circular Economy and Green Economy Incentives Framework”. These policies have been aligned with relevant stakeholders to ensure clarity of roles, integration of responsibilities, and a smooth transition from the planning stage to on-the-ground implementation.

The next phase will focus on engaging stakeholders in reviewing the policies’ priorities and agreeing on clear implementation pathways to achieve the targeted outcomes.

National models implementing sustainability principles

In addition, the meeting highlighted various leading national models from the private sector that are implementing sustainability principles, reviewing a range of effective initiatives in resource management, waste reduction, and the promotion of local production, this contributes to enhancing the competitiveness of the national economy.

Aligning social responsibility with national priorities

The Council underscored the importance of strengthening joint action to align social responsibility efforts with national priorities, while strengthening the vital role of the private sector in achieving long-term economic and social impact. This supports the UAE’s vision to advance comprehensive development pathways and promote balanced economic and social growth.

Digital and technological solutions to enhance resource management efficiency

The meeting also explored various applied models and pilot projects that test and develop solutions before broader application. It further highlighted advanced digital and technological solutions designed to enhance the efficiency of resource management and support the transition towards a data-driven, metrics-based economy. These efforts contribute to improving decision-making processes and enhancing operational efficiency. Additionally, the meeting discussed supportive regulatory frameworks to develop circular markets and strengthen compliance levels, as well as improving supply chain efficiency and reducing losses across various stages.

An integrated national approach to achieving circular economy objectives

The meeting focused on identifying priority sectors that can deliver rapid and scalable impact, while reinforcing partnerships and institutional integration among relevant entities, the private sector, and academic institutions during the coming period. This ensures unified efforts and integrated roles, enabling the adoption of an integrated national approach across the UAE to achieve circular economy objectives efficiently and effectively, enhancing its impact across key sectors.

Advancing foundational aspects of the ‘Naseej’ project

The Council reviewed the progress achieved under the ‘Naseej’ project, which is implemented through collaboration between the National Projects Office (NPO), Emirates Foundation, and the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, in partnership with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation. There has been tangible progress across the implementation phases, with the foundational aspects of the project now completed, including the establishment of a governance framework, an analysis of the current landscape of the textiles sector, and identifying strategic priorities.

The project aims to transition the sector from a linear consumption and disposal model to an integrated model that preserves resources, enhances economic value, and aligns sustainability with long-term national development.

National initiatives to advance circular economy

The meeting featured a series of presentations covering diverse national and institutional initiatives supporting the circular economy. These included initiatives by Barakat Company and its role in supporting the UAE’s circular economy vision, as well as the efforts of the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) to promote investment in the circular economy and build industrial capabilities. It also reviewed the Impact UAE Companies Strategy 2026–2031 presented by Marja - the National CSR Fund.

Presentations further included the eGreen Badge initiative, which aims to promote circular economy practices at the household level, along with a presentation by Alserkal Group on the recycling of used cooking oil (UCO). The role of the Circular Packaging Association (CPA) in the UAE was also reviewed in strengthening partnerships associated with circular packaging and developing innovative solutions that enhance resource efficiency and support the transition towards a more efficient and sustainable economy.

The Council welcomed new members, namely Sarah Shaw, CEO of the National CSR Fund - Majra; Marjan Faraidooni, Chief of Education and Culture and Chief Human Resources Officer at Expo City Dubai; and H.E. Maher Al Kaabi, Advisor to the Group Chairman and Independent Board Member at Alserkal Group.

H.E. Minister of Economy and Tourism tours Barakat Quality Plus facility

Following the meeting, H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri toured the Barakat Quality Plus facility, during which he was briefed on the production lines and advanced technologies in use, in addition to the range of food products and fresh juices produced by the company. The visit also covered the Group’s future expansion plans in the food manufacturing sector, which aim to enhance its production capacity and support its growth across markets.

Established in 1976, Barakat Group is today one of the leading producers and suppliers of a varied range of fresh products, foods, and freshly prepared beverages, serving luxury hotels, cafés, restaurants, premium retail outlets, and major catering companies in the UAE.