Members also discussed the draft biosecurity early notification system, which aims to report and follow up on disease outbreaks, agricultural pests and food safety alerts in the country. They also viewed the e-link project among stakeholders, which represents an important stage in the implementation of the objectives of the National Biosecurity Strategy in building systems and communication links among stakeholders.

His Excellency Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi emphasized that this meeting is a key element in the National Committee’s efforts to implement the National Biosecurity Strategy, adopted by the UAE Cabinet in 2013 under the theme "Integrated Biosecurity", particularly in regard to building financial and human capacities.

Dr Al Zeyoudi said: “The National Biosecurity Committee has devised the strategy to enhance biosecurity through issuing and updating legislations and laws, building capabilities for detecting biological hazards and dealing with incidents and biological threats that will adversely affect the UAE community as well as the political, economic and tourism sectors.”

He added that the strategy focuses on collaboration and coordination among all relevant entities across every stage in addressing biological hazards. In addition, it focuses on the importance of attracting and qualifying the national workforce and ensuring effective community engagement, to achieve the objectives of the UAE Vision 2021 in building integrated biosecurity mechanisms that enhance the UAE’s overall safety and security.