UAE-Serbia food security partnership strengthened as Minister Amina Al Dhahak meets President Vucic in Belgrade
UAE and Serbia deepen UAE-Serbia food security cooperation as Minister Amina Al Dhahak meets President Vucic on sustainable agriculture, water and investment.
The UAE’s minister of climate change and environment, Dr. Amina bint Abdullah Al Dhahak, held talks in Belgrade with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić aimed squarely at advancing the UAE-Serbia food security agenda. The visit, led by a high‑level Emirati delegation of public and private sector representatives, focused on turning strategic partnership commitments into concrete agricultural and logistical projects. Officials said the discussions are intended to build resilient food systems and stronger supply chains between the two countries.
Presidential reception and delegation composition
President Aleksandar Vučić received Dr. Amina at the Palace of Serbia, where both sides reaffirmed the Comprehensive Economic Partnership agreement as a framework for cooperation. The Emirati delegation included senior officials from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and executives from major food and agribusiness groups. Present were Dhafer Al Qasimi of Sallal Group, Hassan Hallawi of Elite Agro Holding, representatives of Agthia Group and the UAE ambassador to Serbia, Ahmed Hatem Barghash Al Menhali.
Agreements on sustainable agriculture and livestock
Discussions centred on expanding collaboration in sustainable agriculture, livestock development and climate‑smart farming techniques that underpin the UAE-Serbia food security strategy. Dr. Amina emphasised the UAE’s drive to integrate innovation, seed technology and precision irrigation into bilateral projects. Both sides agreed to prioritise initiatives that strengthen supply chain resilience and improve domestic production capacity in ways that benefit farmers and consumers in each country.
Emirati investment footprint and large‑scale farm partnerships
Emirati investment in Serbian agriculture featured prominently, with officials noting existing projects led by Elite Agro’s Al‑Zahira and Al‑Rawafid operations as models of long‑term partnership. Those ventures operate on agricultural land holdings that cumulatively exceed hundreds of thousands of hectares and are cited by Emirati delegates as proof of scalable collaboration. Sallal Group and other UAE investors were praised for integrating Serbian producers into wider food security networks for the UAE market.
Ministerial talks and the UN Water Conference link
Dr. Amina held bilateral meetings with Serbia’s minister responsible for agriculture, forestry and water management to explore cooperation on water resources and crop technology. Water stewardship and efficient irrigation emerged as priority themes, linked to the UAE’s hosting of the UN Water Conference 2026 and related regional initiatives. Officials agreed to exchange technical expertise on water governance, research partnerships and joint programming ahead of the international conference.
Business engagement at Serbia Business Summit and Novi Sad fair
The minister attended the Serbia Business Summit 2026, where Emirati investors and business leaders highlighted digital integration and AI‑driven productivity gains in agribusiness. Mohamed Alabbar participated in summit discussions, noting Belgrade’s growing role as a regional business hub and the accelerating impact of technology on trade and employment. The delegation also took part in the 93rd Novi Sad Agricultural Fair, alongside more than 1,200 exhibitors from nearly 40 countries showcasing the latest in agri‑technology and sustainable production.
Field visits to research centres and seed innovation sites
The UAE delegation conducted site visits to Serbian research and seed development centres, including the Zobnatica agricultural complex and Agrosava, to review advanced breeding and crop production techniques. Delegates were briefed on experimental seed varieties, post‑harvest handling and climate‑resilient cultivation systems that could be adapted for UAE needs. The visits underscored a shared intent to link research outcomes to commercial projects and joint pilot programmes.
The meetings in Belgrade set out a roadmap for deeper cooperation by combining Emirati capital and market access with Serbian agricultural expertise and land resources. Both governments signalled they will move quickly from memoranda to pilot projects in areas such as seed technology, smart irrigation and livestock value chains, with a focus on measurable outcomes for food security. The next steps will include technical working groups, investment facilitation and timelines that aim to translate diplomatic commitments into projects on the ground.
