UAE Hosts First Emirates Agriculture Conference 2025

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

Photo: WAM

The first-ever Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition has ended on a high note. The event focused on how new ideas and businesses can help make farming better and support the UAE’s goal of food security.

This special event was held under the support of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who is the Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court. The conference took place at the ADNEC Centre in Al Ain from May 28 to May 31, 2025.

Many people joined the event, including Emirati farmers, government workers, young people, scientists, new business owners, and the general public.

On the last day, expert panels talked about how working together inside and outside the country can help farmers. They also discussed ways to make farming more eco-friendly and how to guide farmers through special programs.

During the opening ceremony, Najla Ahmed Al Midfa, who is the Vice Chairperson and Managing Director at the Emirates Growth Fund and also a leader at Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa), gave a strong message. She said that the Emirates Agriculture Conference is more than just an event — it is a step toward growth, a way to give power to people, and a key part of the economy.

She said the UAE’s leaders believe that farming is important for the country’s safety and for building a strong economy that lasts. The conference was a great example of how farming is now a national priority and a real business opportunity.

She added, "Today, young Emiratis are not waiting for chances—they are creating them. They are using smart tools and new technologies to build the future of farming. This is why the Emirates Growth Fund was created, with help from the Emirates Development Bank (EDB), to support these new ideas. The fund gives flexible money support and lets business owners lead their projects while we stand behind them to support, not control.”

Najla Al Midfa also said that teamwork between farmers, business owners, investors, and leaders is the best way to turn farming into a strong part of the UAE’s future.

One exciting session at the event was called "Entrepreneurship in the Agricultural Sector - Challenges and Opportunities." It focused on how to support farming businesses. Speakers discussed ways to get funding, how to help local products grow in global markets, and how to turn creative ideas into real, successful projects. This session was led by Mr. Manea Ahmed Alkaabi, CEO of Emirates Beekeepers Company and Chairman of the Hatta Traders Council.

Panel speakers included:

• Sultan Salem Al Shamsi – Director of the National Agriculture Centre

• Shaker Fareed Zainal – Chief Business Officer at EDB

• Sara Al Nuaimi – CEO of Sheraa

• Dr. Fuzan Alkhalidi – Director at Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives

They all talked about the problems of getting money for farm projects and how to improve support systems.

Another special part of the event was the Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Agricultural Excellence Award. This award went to winners in the ‘Innovation’ category, celebrating new and smart farming ideas. Winners shared their stories—how they started, the problems they faced, and what helped them succeed. This session was led by Eng. Noura Saeed Al Nuaimi from the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority. The winners included:

• Eng. Hamad Musabah Al Tunaiji

• Mr. Rashid Salim Al Ketbi

• Mohammed Albuainain Al Mazrouei

• Hassan Juma Al Zaabi

They shared helpful lessons and tips to inspire others to bring innovation and sustainability to farming.

The Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition 2025 was part of the 'Plant the Emirates' National Programme. This program follows the dream of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan to make the UAE greener.

The event brought together:

• 22 government organizations

• Over 40 private companies

• More than 20 new startups in agriculture

• Four national universities, who added great knowledge through their research

• Many schools also joined, showing how farming can involve the whole community

In all, the event showed that with innovation, teamwork, and support, the UAE is building a stronger and greener future through farming.