Key Takeaways
- Global Food Week 2025, organized by ADNEC Group in partnership with ADAFSA, the Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation, and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), concluded with AED 6.6 billion in agreements signed over three days—a 6.5% increase from the previous edition.
- The event attracted 40,108 attendees, up 16% year-on-year, and hosted 58 deals across trade, investment, and innovation in agriculture and food industries.
- The program featured multiple exhibitions, including the Abu Dhabi International Food Exhibition and the Abu Dhabi Date Palm Exhibition, alongside new initiatives such as the AgriTech Forum, Global Food Talks, and Alternative Proteins Initiative (PALT).
- Over 400 pre-qualified buyers participated in a hosted buyers program, facilitating tailored business matchmaking for exhibitors.
- The event positioned Abu Dhabi as a global hub for food security, sustainable agriculture, and agritech innovation.
Global Food Week Strengthens Abu Dhabi’s Food and Agri-Tech Ecosystem
Held under the leadership of ADNEC Group, Global Food Week 2025 brought together policymakers, investors, food producers, and industry leaders to advance collaboration across the global food value chain. The event highlighted Abu Dhabi’s role as a platform for agricultural innovation, food trade, and sustainability, uniting local and international stakeholders to explore investment opportunities and technological solutions for resilient food systems.
Key Highlights Of The 2025 Global Food Week
- 58 agreements worth AED 6.6 billion, demonstrating growth in food trade and agribusiness investment.
- 40,108 attendees from across the food and agriculture sectors, with a 16% increase in participation compared to 2024.
- 400 elite buyers engaged through the Hosted Buyers Programme, designed to facilitate high-value business partnerships.
- Launch of new features including the AgriTech Forum, Global Food Talks, and the PALT initiative for alternative proteins.
Knowledge and Innovation Platforms
The Global Food Talks sessions featured 22 keynote speeches and 30 expert speakers, covering emerging trends in food security, technology adoption, and sustainable agriculture.
The AgriTech Forum, introduced for the first time, focused on innovation in agricultural production, automation, and digitalization. The second day’s Agricultural Investment Forum presented over 30 investment opportunities in sustainable farming, while the final day focused on research-driven farming methods, AI applications, and food production in arid environments.
The Farmers Zone provided local farmers with direct exposure to international buyers and distributors, while the Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Agricultural Excellence Pavilion honored over 150 farmers, breeders, and honey producers for outstanding contributions to UAE agriculture.
Launch of the Alternative Proteins Initiative (PALT)
The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) launched the PALT initiative, a new platform showcasing innovations in plant-based, fermented, and cultivated proteins. The initiative drew participation from industry pioneers who shared insights on the evolving technologies driving the alternative protein sector.
Culinary and Cultural Engagement
The National Cup Tasters Championship, hosted by the Speciality Coffee Association of the UAE, brought together 48 participants, with Adeola Peter Akingbade of Laura Coffee winning the title and advancing to the World Cup Tasters Championship.
Meanwhile, the World Gourmet Show offered visitors live cooking classes and demonstrations by Michelin-starred chefs, combining culinary education with cultural exchange.
Global Food Week: Driving Food Security and Sustainability
Global Food Week 2025 showcased Abu Dhabi’s growing influence in global food systems—serving as a hub for innovation, investment, and sustainable agriculture. Through new partnerships, forums, and trade opportunities, the event underscored the emirate’s leadership in advancing food security, promoting agritech innovation, and connecting local producers to global markets.
