Sheikh Mansour and Sheikh Hazza inaugurate UAE Agricultural Conference 2026 in Al Ain
Sheikh Mansour and Sheikh Hazza open UAE Agricultural Conference 2026; ministry launches UAE GAP to certify 80% of farms and strengthen food security.
The UAE Agricultural Conference 2026 opened in Al Ain with the presence of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, marking the start of a five-day event focused on climate-resilient farming and national food security. The conference and exhibition, running from April 22–26, brings together government bodies, private companies, academia and farmers to showcase technology, policy initiatives and market-ready local produce. The presence of senior leadership underscored the federal priority placed on advancing a modern, adaptable agricultural sector across the Emirates.
Leaders inaugurate UAE Agricultural Conference 2026
His Highness Sheikh Mansour, Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister, and His Highness Sheikh Hazza, Representative of the Ruler in Al Ain, toured the exhibition floor to review innovations in modern agriculture and food industries. They inspected national company pavilions that present solutions for water-efficient cultivation and climate-adaptive production in desert environments. Officials emphasized that adopting advanced technologies and strengthening farmer support are central to raising productivity and sustaining the UAE’s food systems.
UAE GAP initiative announced with 80% certification target
In her opening address, Dr. Amina bint Abdullah Al-Dhahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, announced the launch of the national UAE GAP initiative to standardize good agricultural practices across the country. The ministry set an ambitious strategic target to secure UAE GAP certification for 80 percent of local farms, a move designed to enhance export competitiveness and align domestic production with international quality benchmarks. The initiative was framed as a cornerstone for sustainable food security, aiming to give Emirati produce a reliable quality mark in regional and global markets.
Exhibition highlights climate-smart agriculture and industry solutions
Exhibitors presented a wide range of climate-smart technologies, from precision irrigation and greenhouse systems to AI-driven crop analytics and advanced food processing. Several national suppliers demonstrated solutions tailored to arid conditions, including water reclamation, salinity management and energy-efficient controlled-environment agriculture. The exhibition also featured first-time showcases of premium livestock breeds and aquaculture platforms, reflecting a broader push to diversify domestic production sources and reduce import dependence.
Youth, universities and start-ups drive innovation on display
The conference dedicated significant space to universities, start-ups and student groups, with three national universities and numerous schools participating to bridge research with applied agriculture. Innovation zones highlighted projects that integrate artificial intelligence, remote sensing and data analytics to optimize planting schedules, pest management and resource use. Organizers emphasized that empowering young entrepreneurs and researchers is essential to building a long-term, knowledge-driven agricultural sector that can respond to rapid environmental and market changes.
Farmer market and inclusivity measures attract public interest
A central feature of the event is the farmers’ market, which displays a wide selection of local crops, date varieties and beekeeping products, alongside interactive workshops for families. For the first time the market includes dedicated corners for Emirati women farmers and child farmers, aiming to broaden participation and recognize diverse contributors to national production. The event also opened a dedicated livestock tent showcasing top breeds and a fisheries pavilion, underlining efforts to support all segments of the agricultural value chain.
Policy support and partnerships to strengthen farmer competitiveness
Throughout the conference, government delegations presented policy tools and incentive schemes intended to enable farmers and agribusinesses to scale up sustainably. Panels and booths from federal and local agencies outlined regulatory support, financing options and capacity-building programs designed to enhance the competitiveness of the local product in regional markets. Officials stressed the importance of public-private partnerships and academic collaboration in creating an integrated agricultural model that balances heritage practices with modern efficiency.
The program includes four main tracks—farmers, education, community and business—alongside community workshops that teach home-gardening basics and promote sustainability among children and families. Organizers framed the event as a meeting point between ancestral agricultural knowledge and next-generation technology, aiming to translate research into practical applications on the ground. Attendees leave with direct access to technical demonstrations, certification guidance and market linkage opportunities that can accelerate the uptake of better practices.
The UAE Agricultural Conference 2026 positions the country to better withstand global supply disruptions by combining leadership commitment, a national certification framework and targeted investments in technology and human capital. As the event continues through April 26, stakeholders will focus on converting exhibited innovations into field-level adoption, expanding certification uptake, and strengthening the role of Emirati farmers as central contributors to a resilient national food system.
