Global Food Week 2025 Launches In Abu Dhabi With Participation From 75 Countries
Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister, the second edition of Global Food Week 2025 commenced at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan attended the opening ceremony, which will run until 23rd October 2025. The event has drawn significant participation from international experts and organisations focused on food security.
This year's Global Food Week has expanded significantly, with a 15% increase in exhibition space to 33,542 square metres. The number of participating companies and brands has risen by 9%, totalling 2,070. Participants hail from 75 countries, including 18 new entrants. Emirati companies make up 51% of participants, highlighting their growing influence in food innovation.
Dr Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak emphasised that Global Food Week underscores the UAE's commitment to sustainable food systems. She stated, "Hosting Global Food Week under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan reflects our leadership’s vision of placing sustainable food security at the heart of our national and global agendas."
The event features several new initiatives like the AgriTech Forum and Agricultural Investment Forum. These platforms aim to foster innovation and collaboration between public and private sectors. Dr Amna highlighted that sustainability is not just a slogan but a continuous practice driven by technology.
Dr Abdullah Humaid Al Jarwan stressed the interconnectedness of food, water, and energy security. He noted that the Department of Energy's strategy focuses on supply security, usage efficiency, and economic viability. This approach is crucial for integrated planning across these sectors.
He added that smart agriculture initiatives are being accelerated through mobile desalination units and modern irrigation networks. These efforts aim to reduce waste and enhance efficiency in water use for agriculture.
Engaging Stakeholders
Dr Tariq Ahmed Al Amri highlighted Global Food Week as a strategic milestone for Abu Dhabi's role in agricultural innovation. He mentioned platforms like Farmers’ Majlis that engage farmers directly with investors and government entities.
The Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Agricultural Excellence Award celebrates local success stories in agriculture. Dr Tariq stressed the importance of private sector collaboration in driving agricultural innovation and investment.
Abu Dhabi's Role in Innovation
Badr Salim Sultan Al-Olama from the Abu Dhabi Investment Office discussed initiatives like the AgriFood Growth and Water Abundance cluster. These efforts aim to enhance food security and climate resilience through innovation.
The Protein Alternatives event exemplifies Abu Dhabi’s ambition to connect investors with innovators for more efficient food systems. This initiative supports Abu Dhabi’s position as a hub for agricultural innovation.
Date Palm Sector Development
Dr Abdelwahab Zayed Al-Bukhari highlighted the significance of the Abu Dhabi Date Palm Exhibition in advancing this sector globally. The exhibition serves as a platform for marketing dates and connecting local producers with international buyers.
This year’s edition aims to build on past successes by enhancing global competitiveness through value-added date products and e-commerce opportunities.
Expanding Global Reach
The event includes several regional firsts such as the Alternative Proteins Pavilion and AgriTech Forum. These initiatives promote dialogue on future food production solutions like lab-grown meat.
The Agricultural Investment Forum will explore strategic investment opportunities to boost agricultural sector competitiveness. This year’s programme reflects ADNEC’s commitment to supporting global dialogue on sustainable food systems.
The second edition of Global Food Week is expected to attract industry leaders worldwide, reinforcing its status as a key platform shaping future food systems globally.
With inputs from WAM
Sign in with Google