Dubai: The Arab Authority for Agricultural Investment and Development (AAAID) continues its preparations to convene the ‘Initiatives to Achieve Food Security in the Arab World’ Conference, held under the patronage of the UAE Ministry of Finance and in conjunction with the World Governments Summit. The conference will take place from 4th to 5th February 2026 at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Dubai International Financial Centre.
According to Emirates News Agency, the conference will bring together a distinguished group of experts and representatives from Arab, regional, and international entities concerned with food security, foremost among them the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). In addition, senior officials, heads of regional and international organisations, investors, and researchers from across the Arab world will participate.
Dr. Obaid Saif Hamad Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Board of AAAID, stated, “This conference focuses on sustainability and food security as a fundamental pillar for formulating innovative and sustainable solutions to food security challenges in the Arab world.” He emphasized the conference’s role as a platform for knowledge exchange, presenting the latest studies and applied research, and linking research outputs with the needs of the agricultural sector and policymakers. This initiative aims to develop evidence-based policies and strengthen the role of researchers, academic institutions, and specialized research centers in supporting the Arab food security system.
The conference will also highlight strategic issues related to Arab food security, including agricultural investment and financing, enhancement of staple food production, support for food processing and trade exchange, and showcasing the latest agricultural innovations and modern technologies. Investment opportunities in agricultural companies’ portfolios will also be explored.
The program will feature specialized working sessions and panel discussions where scientific papers and successful practical experiences will be presented. These sessions will highlight leading Arab and international models in agricultural sustainability and the role of scientific research and innovation in addressing climate and economic challenges, thereby narrowing the food gap in the Arab world.
AAAID’s commitment to supporting joint Arab efforts in agricultural development is evident in this conference, which aims to enable responsible investments and strengthen regional cooperation in line with sustainability goals and economic development visions across Arab countries.
In an effort to encourage scientific research and innovation in food security, Dr. Obaid Al Zaabi announced that the conference will include awards for outstanding scientific research. A financial prize will be granted for the best research paper in each conference theme, evaluated by specialized scientific review committees. This initiative aims to support researchers and incentivize high-quality studies that contribute to the development of the agricultural sector and enhancement of food security.