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Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition Highlights Role of Innovation in UAE’s Food Security Strategy

The inaugural Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition concluded with a firm restatement of the important role of innovation and entrepreneurship in strengthening the agricultural sector and empowering farmers to contribute to the UAE's sustainable food security. Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, the event took place at the ADNEC Centre Al Ain from 28 to 31 May 2025. The event witnessed wide participation from Emirati farmers, federal and government entities in agriculture, as well as youth, academics, innovators, entrepreneurs and the community. The final day of the event featured specialised panel discussions addressing the importance of strong national and international partnerships in supporting Emirati farmers, enhancing the sustainable agriculture ecosystem in the UAE, and empowering farmers through agricultural guidance programmes. During the opening ceremony, Najla Ahmed Al Midfa, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director at Emirates Growth Fund Vice Chairperson at Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre (Sheraa), emphasised that the inaugural edition of the Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition is a national event that recognises agriculture as a pathway to growth, a means of empowerment, and a key driver of the economy. She noted that the event is inspired by the vision of the nation's wise leadership, which regards the agricultural sector as a fundamental pillar of national security and a sustainable economy. It further underscores the importance of elevating agriculture as a national priority and a genuine economic opportunity. She said: "At the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre, we are witnessing a new generation of Emiratis who do not wait for opportunities but create them. They are investing in smart agricultural technologies that will shape the future of the sector. In this spirit, the Emirates Growth Fund was established, with support from the Emirates Development Bank (EDB), to empower innovative national companies in agriculture and food security. The Fund provides flexible investments while allowing the entrepreneurs to manage their projects independently, as our role is to empower, not to control." Al Midfa emphasised that achieving lasting success relies on true collaboration among farmers, entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers. This collective effort is essential for turning investments in agriculture into investments for the nation and future generations, thereby strengthening food security and advancing economic and environmental sustainability A session titled Entrepreneurship in the Agricultural Sector - Challenges and Opportunities explored key areas for boosting entrepreneurship in agriculture. During the panel discussions, participants focused on topics such as financing agricultural projects and supporting local products to improve their standing in both domestic and international markets. The panels also addressed challenges and opportunities, the importance of investing in innovative and entrepreneurial ideas, and how to turn those ideas into bankable projects. The session was moderated by Mr. Manea Ahmed Alkaabi, CEO of Emirates Beekeepers Company and Chairman of the Hatta Traders Council. The session explored mechanisms to support sustainable projects and promote investment in the agricultural sector. The speakers included Sultan Salem Al Shamsi, Director of the National Agriculture Centre; Shaker Fareed Zainal, Chief Business Officer of the Emirates Development Bank (EDB); Sara Al Nuaimi, CEO of Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa); and Dr. Fuzan Alkhalidi, Director of Programmes and Initiatives Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI). They highlighted the most important challenges in financing agricultural projects. A special session was held with the winners of the Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Agricultural Excellence Award in the 'Innovation' category, celebrating their achievements, creativity, and innovations. It showcased their journey in the sector, their experiences developing their projects, the challenges they faced, and the factors that contributed to their success. The session also highlighted the lessons learned and best practices that can inspire farmers and entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector to promote innovation and sustainability. This session was presented by Eng. Noura Saeed Al Nuaimi, Lead Researcher at the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority, and featured insights from the winners: Eng. Hamad Musabah Al Tunaiji, Mr. Rashid Salim Al Ketbi, Mohammed Albuainain Al Mazrouei, and Hassan Juma Al Zaabi.
A special session was held with the winners of the Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Agricultural Excellence Award in the ‘Innovation’ category. Image Courtesy: UAE Ministry of Agriculture

Key Takeaways

  • The Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition took place from May 28–31, 2025, at ADNEC Centre Al Ain, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
  • The event emphasized innovation, youth entrepreneurship, and strategic investment as critical components of UAE’s sustainable agriculture and food security goals.
  • Her Excellency Najla Ahmed Al Midfa highlighted the role of Emirati-led innovation and the Emirates Growth Fund in empowering local agricultural ventures.
  • Dedicated sessions explored financing gaps, market access, and the role of partnerships in supporting emerging agri-entrepreneurs.
  • Over 80 public and private entities—including government bodies, universities, and startups—participated in the national platform.

Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition: Advancing Agri-Innovation Through National Collaboration

The Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition concluded its inaugural edition with a strong message: innovation and entrepreneurship are essential to shaping the future of agriculture in the UAE. Held at the ADNEC Centre Al Ain from May 28 to 31, 2025, the event was conducted under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court.

Attendees included Emirati farmers, federal and local government representatives, academics, youth leaders, and entrepreneurs. The gathering served as a platform to reinforce the importance of public-private collaboration in transforming agriculture into a key pillar of economic and environmental sustainability.

In her remarks during the opening ceremony, Her Excellency Najla Ahmed Al Midfa, Vice Chairperson of the Emirates Growth Fund and Managing Director of the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre (Sheraa), called the event “a national recognition of agriculture as a means of empowerment and economic growth.” She also emphasized the need to support Emirati-led ventures through flexible capital solutions, citing the Emirates Growth Fund’s work in partnership with the Emirates Development Bank.

Supporting Farmers and Entrepreneurs: A Focus of the Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition

Throughout the event, sessions were dedicated to challenges and opportunities in the local agricultural economy. A panel titled Entrepreneurship in the Agricultural Sector – Challenges and Opportunities addressed how to finance agricultural startups, develop market competitiveness for local products, and translate innovative ideas into scalable, investable projects.

The panel featured insights from:

  • Sultan Salem Al Shamsi, National Agriculture Centre
  • Shaker Fareed Zainal, Emirates Development Bank
  • Her Excellency Sara Al Nuaimi, Sheraa
  • Dr. Fuzan Alkhalidi, MBRGI

Moderated by Manea Ahmed Alkaabi of Emirates Beekeepers Company, the session discussed the role of agritech and the importance of creating long-term value for farmers and rural communities.

A special session spotlighted the winners of the Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Agricultural Excellence Award in the ‘Innovation’ category. Farmers and agri-entrepreneurs—including Eng. Hamad Musabah Al Tunaiji and Mr. Rashid Salim Al Ketbi—shared practical lessons from their journeys, helping inspire new entrants to the sector.

National Program Participation and Strategic Impact

Organized under the framework of the Plant the Emirates National Programme, the event welcomed more than 80 stakeholders: 22 federal and government agencies, over 40 private companies, 20+ agricultural startups, and four national universities. The event facilitated knowledge-sharing between policymakers, scientists, and innovators working to advance the UAE’s agricultural ecosystem.

The final day featured expert panels on empowering farmers through guidance programs and developing national and international partnerships. These efforts are intended to position the UAE as a leader in sustainable agricultural practices and food system resilience.

Through a combination of strategic vision, grassroots participation, and policy engagement, the Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition underscored agriculture’s role as both an economic driver and a national security priority.

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