Dr. Amina bint Abdullah Al-Dhahak, the Minister of Climate Change and Environment, affirmed that with the support of visionary leadership, the UAE has achieved significant successes in assisting farmers and fostering agricultural entrepreneurship to enhance sustainable food security in the nation. She noted that the inaugural edition of the UAE Agricultural Conference and Exhibition marks a crucial step towards developing a technology-empowered and innovative agricultural sector in the UAE.
This statement came at the conclusion of the first edition of the UAE Agricultural Conference and Exhibition, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, and organized by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment from May 28 to 31 at the ADNEC Al Ain.
The event saw extensive participation from governmental and private entities, as well as academic and research institutions, startups, Emirati farmers, and community members, achieving notable success in highlighting the latest agricultural innovations, fostering strategic partnerships, and supporting the UAE’s vision for a secure and sustainable food future.
During the closing ceremony, Minister Al-Dhahak expressed her pride and gratitude for the success of the conference and exhibition, thanking all contributors to the achievement of this national event.
She emphasized that the agricultural sector and farmers in the UAE receive unwavering support and care from His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who places great importance on empowering farmers through various programs and initiatives to develop farms, increase production, and enhance quality and competitiveness.
Furthermore, she acknowledged that, with the ongoing support of His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the representative of the ruler in Al Ain, Al Ain has become one of the main agricultural centers in the UAE, boasting numerous agricultural potentials that qualify it to play a bigger role in the journey of agricultural development and enhancing national food security. Al Ain has emerged as a national model for modern agriculture, reflected in the city’s hosting of this first agricultural conference and exhibition.
Speaking about the outcomes of the conference, Al-Dhahak stated: “We have witnessed how science and effort can transform challenges into opportunities and how the desert can become lush greenery thanks to the will and determination of the nation’s people. The unique products and innovative initiatives presented are a testament to our agricultural sector’s capacity for growth and development, as we strive toward achieving sustainable food security.”
Al-Dhahak reaffirmed the pivotal role of Emirati farmers, saying: “At the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, we believe that the Emirati farmer is the primary focus of our efforts, through empowering and equipping them with knowledge and modern technologies.”
Regarding future visions, she expressed: “I confidently and optimistically look forward to a future where we continue to strengthen our partnerships, launch new initiatives, and achieve more successes that benefit our nation and community. Our strategic goal is for agriculture to become one of the key drivers of sustainable and inclusive development in the UAE.”
Al-Dhahak emphasized the Ministry’s determination to build on the success of this inaugural edition, aiming for the UAE Agricultural Conference and Exhibition to become a pivotal annual event that contributes to the development of the agricultural sector, enhances partnerships between the public and private sectors, engages youth and entrepreneurs, and paves the way for a secure and sustainable food future for generations to come.
At the conclusion of the UAE Agricultural Conference and Exhibition 2025, Al-Dhahak presented awards to strategic partners and official sponsors of the event in recognition of their significant contributions and support for the success of its first edition.
In her remarks on this occasion, Al-Dhahak said: “I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all sponsors, partners, farmers, and creative youth, the vibrant heart of this vital sector. The successes we have achieved affirm our agriculture’s ability to innovate and transform to ensure sustainable food security. We are committed to empowering the Emirati farmer and supporting the sustainability of the sector. What we are witnessing now is the beginning of a continuous journey towards more sustainable agriculture that aligns with our leadership’s vision. We look forward to further successes that serve our beloved nation and fulfill the aspirations of the UAE community.”
The UAE Agricultural Conference and Exhibition served as a leading strategic platform for knowledge exchange and showcasing the latest technologies and innovations in the agricultural sector. The comprehensive knowledge program featured over 75 speakers in more than 20 talks, panel discussions, and presentations that covered all aspects of modern and sustainable agriculture.
The event also witnessed active participation from 22 federal and governmental entities involved in the agriculture and food sector, along with over 40 private companies, more than 20 startups working in agricultural technology, as well as contributions from 4 national universities with their research capabilities, along with numerous schools and more than 1,000 students participating in associated activities and workshops.