Al ain: The United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) participated as an Academic Partner, represented by the College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, in the Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition 2026, held at ADNEC Centre, Al Ain, from 22nd to 26th April 2026.
According to Emirates News Agency, Prof. Mohammed Abdul Muhsen Salem Alyafei, Dean of the College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, expressed that the university's involvement in the event underscores its dedication to enhancing the food security ecosystem in the UAE. The college is focused on advancing its research and academic programs to align with national priorities in sustainable agriculture.
He further noted that the university is committed to utilizing advanced technologies and innovation in the fields of agriculture and livestock production while building strategic partnerships with various organizations. These initiatives aim to equip national talent capable of tackling future challenges and turning them into opportunities for sustainable growth.
The university's participation included a pavilion that displayed its latest research projects and innovations in modern agriculture, livestock production, and aquaculture, in line with national innovation directives. These projects offered applied solutions to support sustainability and improve production efficiency in arid environments.
Among the projects was 'An Integrated System for Growing Mushrooms in Built-in Containers,' introduced by student Hamda Al Shamsi. This project uses local agricultural waste, such as palm and Ghaf residues, to transform waste into sustainable food resources within a controlled setting.
Student Aysha Al Kabbi showcased 'Developing a Smart Indicator to Measure the Shelf Life of Fresh Products,' which aims to reduce food waste and enhance supply chain quality.
In the domain of smart agriculture, students Theyab Al Ketbi and Saif Al Alawi presented their project, 'Date Palm Precision Pollination System Using Artificial Intelligence,' designed to boost productivity and lessen reliance on manual labor while promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
Another project, 'Two-Layer Smart Food Coating,' presented by Manal Mansar and Mariam Al Hadi, combines food preservation and antimicrobial properties using natural ingredients like bee peptides and Sidr extracts.
In livestock production, student Taiba Al Kabbi presented the project 'Overcoming the Heat: Smart Solutions for Dairy Cows,' which focuses on improving dairy productivity in hot climates by analyzing the relationship between heat stress, humidity index (THI), and feeding patterns.
The college also organized a specialized panel discussion titled 'Food Security and Sustainability' during the conference, featuring experts, academics, and decision-makers to explore challenges and opportunities in enhancing local production and adopting advanced technologies.
A Scientific Poster Competition was held, featuring participation from national universities, aimed at supporting research and encouraging students to contribute to the development of the agricultural and environmental sectors.
This participation highlights the university's commitment to its role as a leading hub for research and innovation and as a strategic partner in supporting national initiatives. It aligns with the UAE's vision for sustainable food security and a knowledge- and technology-based agricultural sector.
The conference serves as a pivotal platform bringing together government entities and global agricultural experts to discuss strategic themes, including the role of data and modern technologies in advancing agriculture, the future of the food industry, and the empowerment of families and women in agriculture. It also highlights innovative solutions such as smart irrigation systems and sustainable resource management.