ADAFSA Highlights Autonomous Systems And Advanced Technologies At UMEX 2026

The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) is using UMEX 2026 to present how autonomous technologies can support agriculture and food safety in Abu Dhabi. Across four projects, the Authority is showing how drones, artificial intelligence, robotics, and data systems can strengthen monitoring, food security planning, and resource management for the Emirate.

UMEX 2026 is hosted at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) from 20th to 22nd January and gathers government bodies and international firms working in artificial intelligence, robotics, and unmanned aerial systems. ADAFSA’s presence aligns with Abu Dhabi’s digital transformation goals and highlights future plans for smart regulation and sustainable food systems.

One of the flagship initiatives on display is the Food Security Jahazeya Project, which deals with global pressures on food supply chains. The system tracks production, consumption, and strategic food stocks using smart tools and predictive analysis. It helps decision-makers plan early for crises, secure supplies, and coordinate with stakeholders to protect the national food reserve.

ADAFSA is also detailing its Visual Monitoring in Food Establishments project, which uses AI-based image analysis to improve compliance. Smart cameras installed in preparation, processing, and storage areas study daily operations and possible hazards. Automated reports allow inspection teams to react quickly to irregular practices, while a growing visual archive strengthens oversight and supports full digital regulation.

The Aerial Monitoring of Farms and Livestock Holdings project showcases how drones help manage large rural areas. Unmanned aerial vehicles provide high-resolution images from across the Emirate, including remote zones. Inspectors can review accurate visual data in near real time, detect agricultural and environmental violations, and act quickly when emergencies threaten natural resources.

The Advanced Agriculture 4.0 System reflects ADAFSA’s future view for smart farming practices. The platform brings together agricultural robots, field sensors, and large-scale data analysis. Farmers can supervise crops from a distance, predict input requirements, and plan irrigation and harvesting schedules. The system targets lower waste, better resource use, and stronger resistance to climate pressures.

ADAFSA UMEX 2026 autonomous technologies and institutional strategy

By grouping these four projects at UMEX 2026, ADAFSA underlines a broader strategy that covers regulation, production, storage, and environmental protection. The Authority links autonomous technologies with food safety inspections, crisis preparedness, and sustainable farming. This integrated approach supports a more resilient food system that can adjust to international market changes and local climatic conditions.

Badr Hassan Al Shehhi, Director of Communication and Community Engagement at ADAFSA, said that UMEX 2026 offers an international stage to explain this work on advanced technologies. He stated, "Our participation in UMEX 2026 reflects ADAFSA’s commitment to fostering innovation and adopting autonomous and AI‑driven solutions across all areas of our work. We are developing more efficient regulatory systems, enhancing food security readiness, and supporting the transition to smart agriculture. This aligns with the aspirations of our wise leadership and reinforces Abu Dhabi’s position as a global hub for innovation in agriculture and food safety."

Al Shehhi noted that ADAFSA is using the exhibition to deepen its institutional profile, form partnerships with local and international organisations, and show how autonomous tools can aid sustainable food security. The Authority is also focusing on increasing community understanding of how innovation supports the agriculture and food sectors, in line with Abu Dhabi’s wider digital transformation agenda.

With inputs from WAM