Al Ain: His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, along with H.H. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Ain Region, inaugurated 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.
According to Emirates News Agency, during their visit, H.H. Sheikh Mansour and H.H. Sheikh Hazza toured the exhibition, exploring the latest innovations in smart and vertical farming, as well as advanced technologies aimed at boosting the efficiency of local agricultural production. A significant feature of their tour was the National Agricultural Museum, which showcases the UAE's agricultural progress and its sustainable future vision for the sector.
The exhibition also included displays from national companies and specialised farms, presenting innovative solutions to address climate challenges in desert environments, highlighting the UAE's commitment to a resilient agricultural model. The "Farmers' Exhibition" featured local produce and beekeeping work, while zones like the "Youth Zone" and "Agritech Zone" displayed smart solutions and advanced practices.
Further enriching the visit were the "Universities Zone," inspiring students and researchers, and the "Community Zone," which hosted workshops. Other zones like the "Companies Zone," "Start-up Zone," and "Government Entities Zone" showcased initiatives and supportive legislation for farmers and the agricultural sector's advancement.
H.H. Sheikh Mansour stressed the importance of hosting the conference and exhibition in Al Ain, noting it embodies the UAE's dedication to enhancing its national agricultural framework. He emphasized that supporting Emirati farmers is a strategic priority, aimed at increasing local production and achieving self-sufficiency. His Highness 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."
H.H. Sheikh Hazza highlighted the conference's role in reinforcing agricultural practices as a community tradition. He stressed the need for collaboration between public and private sectors to invest in smart agricultural technologies and improve local agricultural output in line with the National Food Security Strategy 2051.
At the 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 Al Ain's rich agricultural heritage and praised the visionary foundations laid by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The minister emphasized comprehensive support for Emirati farmers through partnerships and knowledge accessibility.
The event features participation from 22 government entities, 40 private companies, four national universities, and 20 innovative agricultural start-ups. Over 1,000 students are attending, gaining insights from participating organizations.
The conference programme includes events supporting agricultural transformation, with over 75 speakers in more than 20 speeches, panel discussions, and presentations covering all aspects of UAE agriculture. It also hosts nearly 35 workshops, including specialized sessions for farmers and the general public on topics such as legislation, youth engagement, innovation, and scientific research.