Abu Dhabi Launches Unified Regulatory Framework to Accelerate Novel Food Innovation

Abu Dhabi’s Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA), Quality and Conformity Council (QCC), and Investment Office (ADIO) have launched a strategic initiative to create a unified regulatory framework for novel foods.

The framework aligns with global best practices and introduces a streamlined registration system that is expected to shorten approval times by 6–9 months. It will consolidate requirements for novel food registration, halal certification, and production/import permits into a single-point contact system, simplifying processes and accelerating market entry.

A national database of approved food products and detailed technical guidelines will also be developed to enhance transparency.

The framework adopts a science-based risk assessment approach and modernices halal certification in line with international standards—especially those of Malaysia and Indonesia—to boost global acceptance of UAE halal certificates and strengthen the country’s food export competitiveness.