Abu dhabi: The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) has announced its full operational readiness and the launch of a comprehensive proactive plan to ensure the uninterrupted flow of food, agricultural, and animal consignments through all UAE entry points in preparation for Eid Al Fitr and in response to rising demand across local markets.
According to Emirates News Agency, the Ministry is working in close coordination with all relevant authorities across the United Arab Emirates to provide the necessary technical resources and specialised personnel to expedite inspection and clearance procedures for a wide range of commodities, including fresh fruits, vegetables, and meat products, while ensuring the highest standards of food safety. The announcement followed a series of field inspection visits conducted by the Ministry's teams in cooperation with relevant local authorities. The tours included inspections of agricultural and veterinary quarantine centres at these entry points to review operational workflows, and monitor inspection procedures and the swift customs clearance of food and agricultural consignments.
Mohammed Saeed Al Nuaimi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, affirmed that the Ministry operates in line with the directives of the UAE's leadership to strengthen the pillars of national food security, adopting an advanced and flexible operational framework to ensure the easy availability of all essential goods for consumers. Al Nuaimi stated that the UAE's border entry points operate efficiently and at maximum capacity, forming a crucial part of a fully integrated national system that ensures the safety and integrity of all incoming consignments. The Ministry manages the food value chain professionally, facilitating the seamless flow of imports to supply local markets.
Mohammed Saeed Al Nuaimi also reported that 1,454 livestock consignments were received and processed through UAE entry points, comprising a total of 441,574 heads of livestock, from January 1st to March 18th, 2026. This influx, along with the continuous daily flow of fresh produce, meets local market needs, reflecting the stability of supply chains directed towards UAE markets.
Marwan Al Zaabi, Assistant Under-Secretary for Regions Sector at the Ministry, noted that import operations for various food commodities have continued smoothly to meet Eid Al Fitr requirements. He highlighted that key centres receive large consignments daily, and field teams across entry points operate continuously to ensure swift inspection and clearance procedures. Al Zaabi emphasised that food safety is crucial to the national food security system, with stringent protocols ensuring all consignments are free from contaminants before reaching consumers.
Inspection procedures at quarantine centres involve tracking consignment origins, verifying documentation, and inspecting live animals and crops. Shipments undergo laboratory testing to ensure compliance with UAE standards, with non-compliant shipments rejected to protect market safety. Al Zaabi noted that all entry points operate in harmony within a unified system managed through an operations room, enabling real-time coordination with strategic partners and local authorities. This integration allows the UAE to receive consignments from diverse global sources, strengthening its competitive position in import and export operations.
Al Zaabi also highlighted the Ministry's innovative mechanisms to streamline domestic supply chains, accelerating inspection and clearance procedures to reduce the time for goods to reach markets. This approach ensures consumers receive fresh, high-quality food products, reflecting the efficiency of the UAE's food supply system in meeting demand surges. In preparation for Eid Al Fitr, the Ministry reinforced its framework by increasing specialised personnel and activating fast-track clearance channels, ensuring the smooth flow of safe food products to maintain stable markets and meet community expectations.