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Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition 2026 Returns to Al Ain With Expanded Format

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 2026 will take place April 22–26 at ADNEC Centre Al Ain under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
  • The event features over 50 speakers, 40+ panel discussions, 200 Emirati farmers, 60 private sector companies, and 40 startups.
  • A new dedicated outdoor space for livestock breeders and aquaculture has been added to this year's edition, including live auctions.
  • The four-day knowledge agenda covers AI in agriculture, food industries, women in farming, and university-led research sessions.
  • The FAO serves as the international partner, while Silal is the platinum sponsor of the event.

Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition Announces Second Edition

Her Excellency Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, has unveiled the agenda for the second edition of the Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition, set to run from April 22 to 26 at ADNEC Centre Al Ain.

The announcement was made at a press conference held at the Creators Headquarters in Emirates Towers, Dubai, attended by ministry officials, event partners, and media representatives.

Launching under the slogan “A comprehensive Emirati agricultural platform…towards a sustainable community and global innovation,” the event is positioned as a national platform connecting local food production, advanced technology, and international partnerships.

“The region today confronts immense challenges, as geopolitical shifts and climate issues intertwine with unprecedented disruptions in global supply chains,” said HE Dr. Al Dahak. “We realise more than ever that focusing on local production was never merely a reaction to crises. Instead, it is a strategic, proactive choice made by the UAE from its very beginning.”

Scale and Structure of the Event

The 2026 edition brings together more than 50 expert speakers across over 40 panel discussions. Participation includes around 200 Emirati farmers, 60 private sector companies, 40 startups, more than 20 government entities, approximately 2,000 school and university students, and three national universities.

The exhibition is organized across several integrated tracks: the Farmers Track, the Educational Track, the Community Track, and the Business and Young Entrepreneurs Track. Each is designed to address a different segment of the food and agriculture value chain.

Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition Adds Outdoor Livestock Space

One of the notable additions this year is a dedicated outdoor area — the Livestock Breeders' Tent — for livestock breeders and aquaculture specialists. The space will host live auctions and is intended to support a sector the ministry describes as integral to national heritage and the economy.

“Food security is not complete without our livestock,” HE Dr. Al Dahak stated.

Four-Day Knowledge Agenda

The conference programme spans four days, each with a distinct focus. The first day addresses data and artificial intelligence in modern agriculture. Day two shifts to food industries and value creation, alongside the Second Agricultural Extension Forum. The third day centers on family and women farmers, while the fourth is hosted by the United Arab Emirates University with dedicated academic sessions and discussions.

Farmer Empowerment and Market Access

The Farmers' Market returns as a core feature of the exhibition, providing producers with direct access to commercial markets. The ministry has also outlined plans to connect farmers with major national food industry companies to add value to local products.

The National Agriculture Centre, launched at the previous edition, will operate an exhibition pavilion functioning as a partnership and support hub, facilitating the signing of memoranda of understanding and strategic agreements.

Dedicated spaces have been allocated for Emirati female farmers, junior producers, beekeepers, and the dates trade.

Youth, Education, and Partnerships During The Emirates Agriculture Conference And Exhibition

The Educational Track brings together school and university students in an interactive format. The event will host an Agricultural Innovation Hackathon and showcase outputs from the Mustadeem programme, a ministry initiative run in cooperation with the International Centre for Biosaline Agriculture and Silal to train students in agriculture.

The Emirates Youth Council for Agriculture, launched at last year's edition, returns with activities aimed at fostering entrepreneurship among young participants.

On the international front, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization serves as the event's international partner. Visitors will also have access to a virtual experience exploring the work of the Mangrove Alliance for Climate.

Key sponsors include Silal as Platinum Sponsor, Al Barakha Dates Factory as Gold Sponsor, and Elite Agro UAE, LuLu Hypermarket, Agthia Group, Emirates Council for Balanced Development, and Al Ain Farms as Silver Sponsors.

Registration is open here.

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