Al Ain: The Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition 2025, organized by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE), highlighted the involvement of academic institutions to bolster the agricultural sector in the UAE. The event, held at the ADNEC Centre Al Ain from 28-31 May, attracted participation from students, academics, and the community, aiming to support local farmers and improve national food security.
According to Emirates News Agency, the second day of the conference featured a panel discussion titled “Empowering Innovation and Scientific Research for Sustainable Solutions,” moderated by Eng. Amal Abdulrahim from MOCCAE. The session included insights from Prof. Dr. Ahmed Murad Al Raisi of UAE University, Prof. Dr. Ebrahim Saeed Al Hajri of Khalifa University, and Dr. Aisha Ahmed Bu Shlaibi from University of Al Dhaid. The discussion focused on bridging academic research with practical technology applications, emphasizing technologies like artificial intelligence and smart robotics.
Another significant panel, “Aquaculture – A Key Sector in Boosting Local Food Production,” discussed aquaculture’s role in enhancing food security. Moderated by Hiba Obaid Al Shehhi from MOCCAE, the panel included contributions from Prof. Dr. Ali Hilal Alnaqbi, Badr Mohammed Obaid, and Dr. Ihab Redha Ahmed. The session addressed technological advancements in aquaculture to boost local fish production and tackle water scarcity issues.
A subsequent panel titled ‘Farm Waste Recycling – A Key Step Towards Sustainable Development’ explored farm waste management’s role in the circular economy. Moderated by Eng. Rabia Al Awar from MOCCAE, the discussion featured Eng. Alya Abdelrahim Al Harmoodi, Eng. Fahem Al Nuaimi, and Enzo Ploder, focusing on converting agricultural waste into economic resources for sustainability.
Aisha Al Ateqi, Executive Director of the Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative, presented the Initiative’s plans in her address, “The Water Challenge: Innovating Solutions for Water Security.” She announced the “Al Miyah Challenge for Agriculture,” a global competition with an AED 8 million prize to find technologies reducing agricultural water use while maintaining crop yields.
MOCCAE and Ne’ma conducted a workshop on the UAE’s first national study on food loss and waste levels. Attended by Dr. Mohammed Salman Al Hammadi from MOCCAE, the workshop reiterated the country’s commitment to reducing food waste by 2030 under the National Food Security Strategy 2051.
Dr. Lucy Wallace from the European Institute of Technology for Food Innovation emphasized investing in people for future agrifood needs in her keynote. She highlighted the importance of bridging skill gaps through training, asserting that people are essential in scaling innovations and technologies.
The day concluded with workshops for the community and farmers, covering topics such as ‘Home Gardening,’ ‘Soil in the Emirates,’ and ‘Methods of Date Palm Propagation,’ providing practical and technical insights for participants.