By Staff Reporter
AL AIN: His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, and H.H. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Ain Region, attended the opening of the first edition of the Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition in Al Ain. Organised by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, the event is being held at ADNEC Centre Al Ain from 28th to 31st May.
During their visit, H.H. Sheikh Mansour and H.H. Sheikh Hazza toured the exhibition, discovering the latest innovations in smart and vertical farming, alongside cutting-edge technologies designed to enhance the efficiency of local agricultural production. A highlight of their tour was the National Agricultural Museum, a showcase of the UAE’s agricultural evolution and its vision for a sustainable future in the sector.
They also explored the exhibits of national companies and specialised farms, highlighting groundbreaking solutions for overcoming climate challenges specific to the desert environment. This underscores the UAE’s commitment to fostering a resilient and adaptable agricultural model.
The tour included the vibrant “Farmers’ Exhibition,” spotlighting local produce and the work of beekeepers. Specialised zones like the “Youth Zone,” empowering young innovators in agriculture, and the “Agritech Zone,” displaying smart solutions and advanced practices, were also key stops.
Further enriching their visit were the “Universities Zone,” inspiring students and researchers to delve into agricultural solutions, and the “Community Zone,” hosting engaging workshops. The “Companies Zone,” “Start-up Zone,” and “Government Entities Zone” presented initiatives and supportive legislation for farmers and the overall advancement of the agricultural sector.
H.H. Sheikh Mansour emphasised the profound significance of hosting the Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition in Al Ain. His Highness stated that it embodies the UAE’s dedication to strengthening its national agricultural framework and reflects a holistic vision where agriculture is a driving force for sustainable development and a cornerstone of food security.
H.H. Sheikh Mansour highlighted that supporting and empowering Emirati farmers is a strategic imperative, aimed at boosting local production, achieving self-sufficiency, and fuelling the national economy. His Highness asserted, “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.”
H.H. Sheikh Hazza affirmed that the conference and exhibition in Al Ain underscores the region’s role in the national agricultural landscape, reinforcing agricultural practices as a deeply ingrained community tradition within the local identity. His Highness emphasised the need for collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors to champion investment in smart agricultural technologies and expand local agricultural output, thereby strengthening supply chains and achieving food self-sufficiency, in alignment with the National Food Security Strategy 2051.
At the conference’s opening ceremony, Dr Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, delivered a keynote address titled “Local Produce: A Success Story Savoured Worldwide.” She celebrated the rich, 4,000-year agricultural heritage of the Al Ain region, with its flourishing oases serving as living testaments to this legacy. The minister lauded the visionary foundations laid by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who initiated the development of an advanced agricultural sector from Al Ain, securing a food-secure future for the UAE.
She added: “Emirati farmers are at the heart of this conference, and we are committed to providing comprehensive support, through partnerships, knowledge accessibility, and platforms to showcase their products and expertise.” The minister outlined key objectives of the event, including highlighting national agricultural capabilities, empowering Emirati farmers, promoting modern agricultural technologies, enhancing local production efficiency, elevating the market position of local crops, and fostering community engagement to embed agriculture as a core cultural value.
The Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition features the participation of 22 government entities involved in agriculture and food, 40 private companies, four national universities, and 20 innovative agricultural start-ups.
Over 1,000 students are also attending, benefiting from the knowledge sharing and experiences offered by participating organisations.
The conference programme includes a wide range of events designed to support agricultural transformation, featuring over 75 speakers in more than 20 speeches, panel discussions, and presentations covering all facets of UAE agriculture.
The event also hosts nearly 35 workshops, including 11 specialised sessions for farmers and 24 for the general public, addressing crucial topics such as the role of international organisations, legislation, youth engagement, innovation, entrepreneurship, and scientific research.
Finally, the event marks the unveiling of the “National Agricultural Museum,” documenting the UAE’s agricultural journey and its evolution from traditional methods to smart, sustainable practices.
Source: Emirates News Agency
