In a groundbreaking development for food security and emergency preparedness, a UAE-based company, Red Planet, is introducing ready-to-eat meals that can remain consumable for up to 25 years. These ultra-long shelf-life meals are made possible by cutting-edge freeze-drying technology that retains taste, nutrition, and safety, all without artificial preservatives or refrigeration. The process, as explained by Jassim Al Nowais, CEO of Red Planet, involves removing more than 95 per cent of moisture from the food in a carefully controlled environment.“We start by removing moisture from the food in a controlled environment, which helps retain its original taste, texture, and, most importantly, nutritional value,” said Al Nowais. “From there, we seal it in multi-layered, oxygen-absorbing packaging that protects against light, air, and moisture. This ensures the product stays safe, fresh, and nutritious for up to 25 years, without refrigeration or preservatives.”
More Than Shelf Life: A Commitment to Food Security
Though the products have not yet reached UAE retail shelves, Red Planet has already completed a fully developed menu and is targeting critical sectors including:
- Humanitarian aid organisations
- Armed forces
- Space agencies
- Government institutions
Al Nowais emphasized the broader mission behind the technology:“We don’t just focus on extending shelf life. For us, food security is about more than storing something for emergencies — it’s about having access to reliable, nutritious food that people would actually want to eat, whether it’s five, ten, or even twenty-five years from now,” he said. While retail availability is in the pipeline, Red Planet has been actively promoting its innovation to strategic partners and global stakeholders. Most recently, it participated in the Saudi Food Show 2025, held from May 12 to 14 in Riyadh, where the company showcased how its solutions contribute to sustainability, emergency preparedness, and long-term nourishment across the region.
Diverse, Halal-Certified Menu with Local Flavour
Red Planet’s offerings are both diverse and culturally conscious. The firm provides a mix of local Emirati dishes and international favourites, all of which are halal-certified. Their ready-to-eat menu includes:
- Chicken biryani
- Meat machboos
- Balaleet with eggs
- Scrambled eggs
- Pasta with minced meat
- Vegetable rice
Each recipe is engineered to maintain its original flavour and nutritional profile even in extreme conditions.“We’re not just offering variety for the sake of it. Every dish is carefully crafted to retain its flavour, texture, and nutritional content, even in the harshest environments,” Al Nowais said. “To us, food is more than fuel, it’s a source of comfort, a reminder of home, and a key element of resilience.”
Looking Ahead: Approvals and Retail Launch
Red Planet is currently in the final stages of obtaining regulatory approvals in the UAE, a crucial step before products reach store shelves.“This isn’t just a formality, it’s a core part of our promise to deliver food that’s not only safe and high-quality, but also trusted by the communities and institutions we serve,” said Al Nowais. “I personally oversee this part of the process because it matters deeply to us.” Once the green light is received from regulators, consumers in the UAE can expect to see Red Planet meals available for retail purchase, marking a major step in accessible, long-lasting, and high-quality food security solutions made in the UAE.