Summary
Wars, political and social instability, and economic constraints the countries of the Arab world are facing lead to serious issues related to food security, with the most alarming situations in Yemen, Syria, Lebanon, and Egypt. Due to the agricultural peculiarities of the region and the need to import diverse products, as well as a considerable dependence on the US dollar, many Gulf states are witnessing a significant level of inflation. Even the United Arab Emirates, although ensuring food security and proper economic development within its boundaries and even beyond, is likely to face serious challenges associated with the overall situation in the Middle East.
Why This Matters
This report includes insights regarding food security issues in the region that are instrumental in ensuring active participation in the discussion of related topics with the representatives of other Gulf countries. This report highlights some of the most burning problems causing food security constraints in poor and rich Arab states. The presented data can serve as the basis for creating a plan to address the problem and ensure food security in each Arab country and the entire region. Ministers should share their perspectives concerning the matter and potential steps to be undertaken to solve particular issues in every country. The collaboration plan should include the description of the roles and responsibilities of Arab countries, which will lead to coordinated effort and potential success. Such initiatives are essential for the UAE as stability in the region is needed for the sustainable development of the country. Being one of the leading nations in the Gulf region, the United Arab Emirates should be involved in addressing such serious challenges and helping other states to attain proper development and growth opportunities.
Implications
One of the most immediate implications for the United Arab Emirates is linked to its national security. Famine, social and political instability, military conflicts, and the associated migration of thousands of people destabilize the situation in the Arab world and has adverse effects on each and all Gulf countries.1 Various military groups, such as ISIS, can attack the UAE if they cease power and obtain more resources in the area. The growing instability can disrupt the existing economic, political, and cultural ties between the UAE and other states of the region, which will have a negative impact on the country. In addition to losing investment and economic growth, the UAE can soon face skyrocketing food prices and worsened standards of living.
Details
The Most Vulnerable Countries of the Arab World as of 2021
It has been estimated that approximately 64 million people living in the Middle East do not have sufficient food to sustain their health. The most affected Arab countries are Syria and Yemen, where 40% and 50% of people respectively do not have enough food, according to the UN World Food Program report.2 Food prices more than doubled in these countries, and some basic products, such as oil or meat, have become unaffordable for many families, and fuel shortages contribute to the rapid price increase. The reasons for this situation are multiple but mainly associated with the social and political unrest as well as direct military conflicts in the area. For instance, Syria lost approximately 20% of arable land, which affected food production in the country. It is also noteworthy that humanitarian aid is becoming scarce due to the tight budgets of the corresponding organizations and institutions.
Another vulnerable country is Lebanon that was mainly influenced by the economic crisis caused by the pandemic, lowered oil prices, as well as the disruption of certain economic links due to the unrest in the region. The dramatic inflation (90%) in this Arab state led to the increase of food prices by over 400% in 2020. The pandemic and associated restrictions, as well as the weakened US dollar, have had a negative impact on the Egyptian economy. People in that country now live on less than 50 US dollars per month. Low demand is causing inflation, and the situation is only worsening.
Consequences for Rich Countries
The world economic constraints associated with the COVID crisis and the overall instability in the Arab world pose threats to and have direct negative effects on rich countries of the Middle East. One of the richest Arab countries, Saudi Arabia, has been affected as it is now experiencing 11% inflation, making food prices grow steadily. The United Arab Emirates can also face serious challenges due to world market imbalances, weaker US dollar, soaring food prices worldwide. The country has to import approximately 90% of the food it consumes, so it is rather sensitive to world market fluctuations. The UAE has started investing heavily in the development of its agriculture to improve its food security, but it still relies on imported goods.
Steps to Be Undertaken
Regional Collaboration
The UAE should be one of the leading advocates for regional collaboration aimed at addressing the most urgent issues, such as food insecurity in the Arab world. Of course, donating to and investing to help poorer Arab countries should be continued, and collaboration with rich counties of the region in the corresponding projects is essential. However, countries should also cooperate in developing exact roadmaps to enhance the food security of the Middle East, the part of the world characterized by severe weather conditions in vast territories. Investments into prospective innovative projects improving agricultural practices in the area are critical and may need close contacts between Arab countries. Numerous projects implemented in different parts of the globe suggest that success is always determined by mutual effort and effective collaboration. It is also pivotal to enhance efforts related to ensuring peace in the Near East. The UAE, with other regional leaders, as well as international entities and world leading countries, if necessary, should work on plans to bring peace and eradicate terrorism.
Domestic Efforts
In addition to cooperation in the regional and international arenas, the United Arab Emirates needs to continue developing the agricultural sector with a focus on innovative strategies. Further investment in the development of irrigation systems and an increase in arable lands is necessary. At that, it is important to maintain economic growth and stability of the system to remain competitive in the world market. The government of the UAE has displayed remarkable progress in many projects and achieved high economic results even during major world financial constraints caused by the pandemic. The COVID crisis also requires the Emirati government to pay more attention to the development of ties and links with diverse countries to ensure the undisrupted exchange of commodities and food supplies.
Footnotes
- The Economist. (2021). Arab governments are worried about food security. Web.
- Ibid.