Dubai: Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, unveiled the agenda for the highly anticipated second edition of the Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition 2026. The event, set to take place at the ADNEC Centre Al Ain from April 22nd to 26th, will be held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court.
According to Emirates News Agency, the announcement was made during an official press conference at the Creators Headquarters in Emirates Towers, Dubai. Attended by officials from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, event partners, and media representatives, the event outlined the conference’s theme, ‘A comprehensive Emirati agricultural platform…towards a sustainable community and global innovation’. This initiative aims to position the conference as a strategic national development platform to shape the future of food security in the UAE.
Dr. Al Dahak emphasized the importance of supporting local production, utilizing advanced technology, and strengthening international and community partnerships. She noted that these efforts address climate challenges and the rapidly changing geopolitical landscape. Highlighting the UAE’s proactive approach, she stated that local production is a strategic choice reflecting President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s vision, which prioritizes food security and sustainable production as pillars of national security and prosperity.
The conference and exhibition aim to translate this vision into reality by developing a comprehensive agricultural economic system that connects farmers, livestock breeders, and the food industries sector. It will feature over 50 expert speakers, 40 panel discussions, and participation from more than 200 Emirati farmers, 60 private sector companies, and 40 startups. Government entities, students, and universities will also participate, ensuring a comprehensive impact across the food value chain.
The event will focus on four strategic targets: enhancing farmers’ participation, enriching visitor experiences, empowering agricultural education, and fostering agricultural entrepreneurship. The National Agriculture Centre, established last year, will play a key role in facilitating partnerships and providing support to farmers.
Dr. Al Dahak also announced the expansion of the exhibition to include an outdoor space dedicated to livestock breeders and aquaculture, highlighting the importance of livestock in food security. The ‘Community Track’ pavilion will promote sustainability and connect consumers with local produce, honoring the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
The conference will serve as a platform for policy development and intellectual growth, featuring discussions on data, artificial intelligence, food industries, and the role of families and women in agriculture. The ‘Business and Young Entrepreneurs Track’ will provide opportunities for startups and entrepreneurs to showcase innovations and form strategic partnerships.
The ‘Educational Track’ will engage students and universities, with initiatives like the ‘Agricultural Innovation Hackathon’ and the Mustadeem programme to train students in agriculture. The event will also feature a virtual experience highlighting the Mangrove Alliance for Climate, showcasing the UAE’s environmental innovations on a global scale.
The exhibition is supported by numerous partners and sponsors, including Silal, Al Barakha Dates Factory, Elite Agro UAE, and others. Academic and media collaborations further enhance the event’s impact. Dr. Al Dahak concluded by inviting media professionals, investors, farmers, and the community to participate in this transformative event, underscoring the importance of collective efforts in shaping the UAE’s agricultural future.