Al ain: The United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) hosted the Agricultural Sustainability and Food Security Forum as part of the Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition 2026, bringing together officials, experts, and researchers to discuss innovative solutions supporting the UAE's food security system.
According to Emirates News Agency, Zaki Anwar Nusseibeh, Cultural Advisor to the UAE President and Chancellor of UAEU, emphasized that the forum comes at a crucial time, reflecting the UAE's commitment to advancing agricultural sustainability and food security. He reminisced about the UAE's Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who placed agriculture at the center of nation-building, describing it as a pillar of growth, sustainability, and human dignity.
Highlighting the role of UAEU, Nusseibeh pointed to the institution's efforts in promoting research and innovation, particularly through the College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, which supports modern agricultural technologies, animal health, and food security.
Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, remarked that hosting the forum in Al Ain underscores the UAE's ongoing commitment to strengthening food security through integrated efforts across policy, research, and innovation. She noted that agricultural research remains a key driver of sustainable development, emphasizing the importance of empowering youth, enhancing the role of universities, and aligning education with national priorities to build a resilient food system.
The forum featured specialized sessions, including Food Sustainability, Circular Bioeconomy Culture, and the Future of Food Systems, which addressed resource reuse and sustainable production models. Another session, The Impact of Climate Change on Animal Production and Meat Quality, examined the effects of environmental changes on livestock and product quality, while a keynote on The Relationship Between the Genome and Food Security highlighted the role of genetic technologies in enhancing agricultural output.
A panel discussion titled Integrating Agriculture, Food Safety, and Climate Science for a Sustainable Future focused on linking research with policy frameworks to support a resilient agricultural system. The forum concluded with the recognition of winners of a scientific poster competition and reaffirmed the importance of strengthening partnerships between academic institutions and national entities to advance research and support food security.
The event reflects UAEU's commitment to contributing to sustainable agricultural solutions and supporting the UAE's vision for an innovative and resilient future.