Emirates Agriculture Conference 2025 Concludes, Emphasising Innovation And Sustainability In Agriculture

The Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition recently concluded, highlighting the critical role of innovation and entrepreneurship in enhancing the agricultural sector. This event, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, took place at the ADNEC Centre Al Ain from 28 to 31 May 2025. It aimed to empower farmers and contribute to sustainable food security in the UAE.

During the opening ceremony, Najla Ahmed Al Midfa, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director at Emirates Growth Fund, emphasised agriculture's importance as a growth pathway and economic driver. She stated that agriculture is a national priority inspired by wise leadership. "At the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre, we are witnessing a new generation of Emiratis who do not wait for opportunities but create them," she said.

The event featured panel discussions on fostering national and international partnerships to support Emirati farmers. These discussions focused on enhancing sustainable agriculture in the UAE through guidance programmes. Participants included Emirati farmers, government entities, youth, academics, innovators, entrepreneurs, and community members.

A session titled "Entrepreneurship in the Agricultural Sector - Challenges and Opportunities" explored ways to boost entrepreneurship in agriculture. Moderated by Mr. Manea Ahmed Alkaabi, CEO of Emirates Beekeepers Company, it addressed financing agricultural projects and supporting local products in domestic and international markets.

Al Midfa highlighted that success relies on collaboration among farmers, entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers. This collective effort is crucial for transforming agricultural investments into national assets that strengthen food security and promote sustainability. The Emirates Growth Fund supports innovative companies with flexible investments while allowing independent project management.

A special session celebrated winners of the Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Agricultural Excellence Award in 'Innovation'. It showcased their achievements and experiences in developing projects within the sector. Eng. Noura Saeed Al Nuaimi presented this session with insights from winners like Eng. Hamad Musabah Al Tunaiji and Mr. Rashid Salim Al Ketbi.

Challenges and Opportunities

The conference also addressed challenges in financing agricultural projects through a panel featuring Sultan Salem Al Shamsi from the National Agriculture Centre; Shaker Fareed Zainal from Emirates Development Bank (EDB); Sara Al Nuaimi from Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa); and Dr. Fuzan Alkhalidi from Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI).

The event was part of the 'Plant the Emirates' National Programme aimed at expanding green spaces across the UAE. It involved 22 federal entities, over 40 private companies, more than 20 startups in agriculture, four national universities contributing research capabilities, as well as numerous schools participating.

This inaugural conference underscored agriculture's potential as an economic opportunity while promoting innovation for sustainability within the sector.

With inputs from WAM