How do you ensure the policies and laws of Abu Dhabi for food safety are adhered to whilst maintaining a professional working relationship with the organizations? ADAFSA follows a consultative approach in developing their food safety policies and practices, taking into consideration the inputs, feedback and opinions of all stakeholders while maintaining effective enforcement measures such as inspections and awareness programs. The impact assessment for all policies is always part of developing and deploying those policies. What innovative technologies or practices is ADAFSA exploring to enhance food safety in the future? ADAFSA has implemented a range of programs and projects utilizing state-of-the-art technologies. These include the agricultural guidance app, the agricultural genome project, the 8th Emirati queen bees, on-farm smart technologies, and the PPR smart immunization algorithm. Moreover, artificial intelligence is integrated across various fields and services within our operations. Her Excellency lead major transformation technology projects to enhance the food safety and waste reduction, ranging from a government level agricultural data platform with AI models to direct the sustainable crops production in Abu Dhabi, and a full fledge food waste project and platform aiming to reduce the waste by 7% yearly in Abu Dhabi. Can you describe how ADAFSA collaborates with other organizations, both locally and internationally, to advance food safety in the region? ADAFSA collaborates extensively, having signed 82 cooperation and partnership agreements with various entities inside and outside the country, including the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), International Centre for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), and Silal. How will this recognition impact ADAFSA’s future work and goals? This recognition bolsters ADAFSA’s commitment to ongoing enhancement of food safety practices and fostering constructive transformations within the region. It motivates us to set even higher standards and contribute to a safer and more sustainable food system for all. Finally, can you tell us what winning this award means for ADAFSA and for yourself as Deputy Director for Regulatory and Administrative Affairs? Winning this award validates ADAFSA’s dedication to food safety and highlights the substantial influence of our efforts. Personally, receiving “the Outstanding Leadership in Food Safety - CEO Middle East” award represents a significant milestone in my professional journey. It serves as both a recognition of achievement and a driving force to persist in pursuing excellence. This award inspires us to continuously raise the bar in food safety, thereby better serving the community and realizing the vision set forth by our esteemed leaders. “Personally, receiving this award represents a significant milestone in my professional journey.” CEO Today Middle East Awards 2024 - UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - - 86 -
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