Abu Dhabi Chamber Drives Sustainable Growth In Agri-Food Sector At ADIFE Exhibition

The Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI) is actively participating in the Abu Dhabi International Food Exhibition (ADIFE). At its pavilion, ADCCI is showcasing several national small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from the agriculture and food sectors. This initiative aims to highlight these SMEs' innovative products, boost their market presence locally and globally, and create opportunities for new partnerships with investors and buyers both within the UAE and internationally.

Shams Ali Al Dhaheri, Second Vice Chairman and Managing Director of ADCCI, stated that their involvement in the exhibition continues their efforts to empower national SMEs. He emphasised that this provides a platform for these businesses to present their products to a broad audience of local and international investors. "Strengthening the participation of national companies in international exhibitions is a strategic step towards consolidating Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading centre for sustainable agriculture and food industries," he noted.

The Chamber's pavilion features companies employing advanced agricultural technologies and sustainable food production practices. Among the notable exhibitors are Gracia Farm, known for hydroponics and vertical farming; AlfaFa Agricultural, which focuses on smart greenhouse systems and organic farming; ReFarm Global, which uses a circular economy model to turn organic waste into resources that cut carbon emissions; and Watermelon, offering digital solutions to connect suppliers, distributors, and companies within a unified ecosystem.

Abu Dhabi's agricultural and food sectors are experiencing rapid growth, becoming key drivers of non-oil economic development. These sectors are fundamental pillars in the emirate’s journey towards sustainable economic diversification. According to Statistics Centre – Abu Dhabi data, trade in agricultural and food products made up about 3.2% of the emirate’s GDP in 2024, representing 6% of non-oil GDP. This highlights the sector’s crucial role in supporting the local economy.

In 2024, Abu Dhabi exported AED154 billion (US$42 billion) worth of agricultural and food products, including animal products, vegetables, fertilisers, and prepared foods. This represented an annual growth rate of 62%, showcasing the sector’s strong performance and increasing investment appeal. The Chamber has also seen a significant rise in membership among companies in the food and beverage sector over the past two years.

The first half of 2025 witnessed a 42.2% increase in new memberships compared to the same period in 2024. This growth underscores the dynamic nature of agribusiness in Abu Dhabi as it redefines agriculture through advanced climate control systems and hydroponic technologies. These innovations can enhance crop productivity up to 30 times more than traditional methods.

Future Prospects

Estimates indicate that food production in the UAE could rise by up to 40% in coming years. This growth aligns with accelerated developments in agri-tech, food manufacturing, and retail sectors. Such advancements will further solidify the nation’s standing as a global leader in food innovation, technology, and sustainability.

This expansion reflects an evolving landscape where Abu Dhabi is at the forefront of redefining agriculture's future through technological advancements. The emirate's commitment to sustainable practices positions it as a leader in promoting innovative solutions within the global food industry.

With inputs from WAM