Emirates Agriculture Conference And Exhibition Opens In Al Ain With Focus On Sustainable Farming Innovations

His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister, along with H.H. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Ain Region, inaugurated the Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition in Al Ain. Organised by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, this event is hosted at ADNEC Centre Al Ain from 28th to 31st May.

The exhibition showcases innovations in smart and vertical farming, alongside advanced technologies aimed at boosting local agricultural efficiency. A key attraction is the National Agricultural Museum, which highlights the UAE's agricultural progress and its sustainable future vision. The event also features national companies and specialised farms presenting solutions to desert climate challenges.

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H.H. Sheikh Mansour stressed the importance of supporting Emirati farmers to enhance local production and achieve self-sufficiency. He stated, "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 emphasised that empowering these farmers is crucial for boosting the national economy.

H.H. Sheikh Hazza highlighted that the conference underscores Al Ain's role in agriculture within the UAE. He noted that agriculture is a community tradition deeply rooted in local identity. His Highness called for collaboration between public and private sectors to invest in smart agricultural technologies, aiming to strengthen supply chains and achieve food self-sufficiency as per the National Food Security Strategy 2051.

The event includes various zones such as the "Farmers' Exhibition," showcasing local produce and beekeeping activities. The "Youth Zone" empowers young innovators, while the "Agritech Zone" displays advanced practices. Other zones like "Universities Zone" inspire students, and "Community Zone" hosts workshops. The "Companies Zone," "Start-up Zone," and "Government Entities Zone" present initiatives supporting farmers.

Dr Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, delivered a keynote titled "Local Produce: A Success Story Savoured Worldwide." She celebrated Al Ain's 4,000-year agricultural heritage, highlighting oases as living testaments to this legacy. The minister praised late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan for laying visionary foundations for an advanced agricultural sector from Al Ain.

Conference Objectives

The conference aims to highlight national agricultural capabilities, empower Emirati farmers, promote modern technologies, enhance production efficiency, elevate local crop market positions, and foster community engagement to embed agriculture as a core cultural value. It features participation from 22 government entities involved in agriculture and food, 40 private companies, four national universities, and 20 innovative start-ups.

The programme includes over 75 speakers across more than 20 speeches, panel discussions, and presentations covering all aspects of UAE agriculture. Nearly 35 workshops are offered with sessions tailored for both farmers and the general public on topics like international organisations' roles, legislation, youth engagement, innovation, entrepreneurship, and scientific research.

Over 1,000 students are attending to gain insights from participating organisations' knowledge sharing experiences. The event also marks the unveiling of the "National Agricultural Museum," documenting UAE's transition from traditional methods to smart sustainable practices.

With inputs from WAM