FAO Joins First Edition of Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition 2025 in Al Ain, Highlighting Sustainable Food Security

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) participated in the Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition 2025, held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre in Al Ain from 28 to 31 May 2025. The event, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, aims to strengthen the United Arab Emirates’ agricultural sector and advance sustainable food security.

FAO’s participation reflects the ongoing partnership with the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and other national stakeholders to support the country’s agricultural development agenda. It promotes innovative solutions aligned with global sustainability goals.

Dr Abdulhakim Elwaer, FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for the Near East and North Africa, said: “FAO is proud to support the Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition 2025 as a platform to champion innovation, sustainability, and inclusion in agriculture. This initiative reflects the United Arab Emirates’s strong commitment to transforming agri-food systems and empowering farmers, especially youth and women, as key agents of change. We look forward to deepening our collaboration with the United Arab Emirates and partners to advance food security across the region”.

As part of the opening day programme, FAO was actively engaged in the dialogue session titled “The Role of International Organizations in Advancing a Sustainable Food Security Ecosystem” FAO was represented by Mr. Waleed AbouelHassan, Senior Water Resources Officer, who joined experts from the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture and the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research.

The session was moderated by His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Salman Al Hammadi, Assistant Undersecretary for the Food Diversity Sector at the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE), a leading figure in United Arab Emirates environmental and food security policy. The discussion emphasized collaboration among international organizations, government bodies, and research institutions to enhance agricultural resilience and sustainability in the region.

His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Salman Al Hammadi commented: "The Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition serves as an essential platform for fostering partnerships that will drive innovation and sustainability within our agricultural sector. By bringing together international organizations like the FAO, alongside government entities and private sector leaders, we are creating a powerful synergy to address the challenges of global food security and build an even more resilient and self-sufficient food system for the UAE."

At its dedicated booth, FAO presented a range of knowledge products, tools, and initiatives focused on sustainable farming practices, water efficiency, and climate resilience. The booth welcomed government officials, researchers, farmers, and students to explore FAO’s contributions to the region, including efforts in food loss and waste reduction, and responsible agricultural investment.

As part of the Organization’s 80th anniversary celebrations, the booth featured a dedicated corner highlighting FAO’s global milestones and impact since 1945. Visitors were invited to reflect on eight decades of action to eradicate hunger and build sustainable food systems, with a commemorative video and visual displays under the theme "FAO80: 365 days of action, Transforming agrifood systems for a sustainable future.

During the conference, FAO was presented with a token of appreciation by Her Excellency Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, United Arab Emirates Minister of Climate Change and Environment, in recognition of FAO’s role as a Platinum Sponsor and its continued contributions to advancing sustainable agriculture in the region.

FAO’s engagement in the conference supported the wider goals of the event, strengthening public-private cooperation, empowering women and youth, driving investment in local production, and creating opportunities for innovation. The exhibition, held alongside the conference, featured a farmers’ market and showcased advanced agricultural solutions, including vertical farming, sustainable irrigation systems, and digital technologies.

The Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition 2025 features over 75 speakers, including government officials, experts, and industry leaders, across 35 workshops and community outreach activities. The event aligns with the United Arab Emirates’ vision to advance innovative agricultural techniques, promote local production, and foster partnerships that contribute to food security and economic diversification.

FAO remains a committed partner to the United Arab Emirates and the wider region, working to advance agricultural development, food security, and climate-smart solutions for a sustainable and resilient future.