Regulatory agencies based in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates' (UAE's) capital, have launched a strategic initiative to develop a regulatory framework for novel foods and processes, such as alternative proteins and precision fermentation.

Specifically, the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA), the Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council (QCC), and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) will collaborate to establish a comprehensive, streamlined registration system for novel foods. According to ADIO, this system will:

• Be aligned with international best practices adopted in countries like the UAE, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), the EU, Singapore, and the U.S.
• Reduce the registration period for novel foods by 6–9 months
• Introduce a science-based risk assessment approach to approvals, based on the type and maturity of the applied technology.

The strategic initiative also aims to:

• Unify registration requirements for new food products, halal certification, and production/import permits through a single-point contact system, simplifying procedures and accelerating market entry
• Develop a database of approved food products, alongside detailed technical and regulatory guidelines, to ensure transparency and reliability.

Regarding halal modernization, the collaboration will update the halal certification system to align with modern advancements and global benchmarks, particularly those of Malaysia and Indonesia. This alignment will strengthen international recognition of UAE halal certificates and boost national food export competitiveness.