Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, and His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Ain Region, attended the opening of the inaugural Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition in Al Ain.
Organised by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, the event is being held at ADNEC Centre Al Ain from May 28-31, 2025.
During their visit, Their Highnesses toured the exhibition, discovering the latest innovations in smart and vertical farming, along with cutting-edge technologies aimed at enhancing the efficiency of local agricultural production.
A highlight of their tour was the National Agricultural Museum, which showcases the UAE's agricultural evolution and its vision for a sustainable future in the sector.
Their Highnesses also explored exhibits by national companies and specialised farms, highlighting groundbreaking solutions for addressing climate challenges specific to desert environments, underscoring the UAE's commitment to fostering a resilient and adaptable agricultural model.
The tour included the vibrant Farmers' Exhibition, spotlighting local produce and the work of beekeepers. Key stops included specialised areas like the Youth Zone, empowering young innovators in agriculture, and the Agritech Zone, showcasing smart solutions and advanced practices.
Further enriching their visit were the Universities Zone, inspiring students and researchers to explore agricultural solutions, and the Community Zone, hosting engaging workshops. The Companies Zone, Start-up Zone, and Government Entities Zone showcased initiatives and supporting legislation aimed at further advancing the agricultural sector and supporting farmers.
His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan emphasised the profound significance of hosting the Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition in Al Ain. His Highness stated that it embodies the UAE's dedication to strengthening its national agricultural framework and reflects a holistic vision in which agriculture is a driving force for sustainable development and a cornerstone of food security.
His Highness highlighted that supporting and empowering Emirati farmers is a strategic imperative, aimed at boosting local production, achieving self-sufficiency, and fuelling the national economy. His Highness asserted, "Emirati farmers are key partners in our agricultural journey, and investing in modern technologies for them ensures the long-term sustainability of this critical sector."
His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan affirmed that the conference and exhibition in Al Ain underscores the region's role in the national agricultural landscape, reinforcing agricultural practices as a deeply ingrained community tradition within the local identity. His Highness emphasised the need for collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors to champion investment in smart agricultural technologies and expand local agricultural output, thereby strengthening supply chains and achieving food self-sufficiency, in alignment with the National Food Security Strategy 2051.
At the conference's opening ceremony, Her Excellency Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, delivered a keynote address titled ‘Local Produce: A Success Story Savoured Worldwide.’
Her Excellency celebrated the rich, 4,000-year agricultural heritage of the Al Ain region, with its flourishing oases serving as living testaments to this legacy. Her Excellency lauded the visionary foundations laid by the Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who initiated the development of an advanced agricultural sector from Al Ain, securing a food-secure future for the UAE.
Her Excellency said, "Emirati farmers are at the heart of this conference, and we are committed to providing comprehensive support, through partnerships, knowledge accessibility, and platforms to showcase their products and expertise."
Her Excellency outlined key objectives of the event, including highlighting national agricultural capabilities, empowering Emirati farmers, promoting modern agricultural technologies, enhancing local production efficiency, elevating the market position of local crops, and fostering community engagement to embed agriculture as a core cultural value.
The Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition features the participation of 22 government entities involved in agriculture and food, 40 private companies, four national universities, and 20 innovative agricultural start-ups.
More than 1,000 students are also attending and benefiting from the knowledge sharing and experiences offered by participating organisations.
The conference programme includes a wide range of events designed to support agricultural transformation, featuring over 75 speakers across more than 20 speeches, panel discussions, and presentations covering all facets of agriculture in the UAE.
The event also hosts 35 workshops, including 11 specialised sessions for farmers and 24 for the general public, addressing crucial topics such as the role of international organisations, legislation, youth engagement, innovation, entrepreneurship, and scientific research.
The event marks the unveiling of the National Agricultural Museum, which documents the UAE's agricultural journey and its evolution from traditional methods to smart, sustainable practices.
