Mansour bin Zayed, Hazza bin Zayed inaugurate Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition in Al Ain

Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, and 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.

The four-day event, held at ADNEC Centre Al Ain from 28th to 31st May, is organised by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and aims to spotlight the UAE's growing commitment to sustainable and innovative agriculture.

During their opening tour, Sheikh Mansour and Sheikh Hazza visited various pavilions showcasing the latest innovations in smart and vertical farming, as well as advanced agri-technologies tailored to the UAE's desert environment. A key feature was the unveiling of the National Agricultural Museum, a new initiative celebrating the UAE's agricultural heritage and future-oriented vision.

National companies and specialised farms showcased cutting-edge solutions for enhancing agricultural productivity and resilience in the face of climate challenges. The exhibition featured diverse zones, including the "Farmers' Exhibition," which celebrated local produce and beekeeping; the "Youth Zone", which supported young innovators; and the "Agritech Zone", which focused on modern farming solutions.

Additional areas like the "Universities Zone" promoted research-driven contributions to agriculture, while the "Community Zone" engaged visitors through interactive workshops. Other sections, including the "Start-up Zone," "Companies Zone," and "Government Entities Zone," highlighted legislative support and innovation in the agricultural sector.

In his remarks, Sheikh Mansour emphasised the strategic importance of the event in supporting the UAE's agricultural development and food security objectives. "Hosting this conference in Al Ain reflects the UAE's vision to empower Emirati farmers, enhance self-sufficiency, and build a sustainable agricultural ecosystem," he said. "Emirati farmers are key partners in our journey, and investing in modern technology is essential to ensure long-term sustainability."

Sheikh Hazza echoed this sentiment, noting Al Ain's history and ongoing role in the UAE's agricultural advancement. "This exhibition highlights how agriculture is deeply rooted in our community identity," he said, emphasising the need for public-private collaboration to expand investment in agricultural innovation and align with the National Food Security Strategy 2051.

Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, delivered a keynote speech titled "Local Produce: A Success Story Savoured Worldwide." She praised Al Ain's 4,000-year-old agricultural heritage and the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who championed agriculture as a pillar of national development.

"Emirati farmers are at the heart of this conference," Dr. Al Dahak stated. "We aim to empower them through partnerships, access to knowledge, and platforms that elevate their role in building a sustainable future."

The conference hosts 22 government entities, 40 private companies, four universities, and 20 start-ups. Over 1,000 students are participating, engaging with over 75 speakers across 20+ panels and presentations, along with 35 workshops—11 tailored to farmers and 24 for the general public.