- A fire-side chat assesses the influence of national initiatives on women empowerment, sheds light on how institutions are driving their engagement within the agricultural sector.
- A panel discussion examines the importance of family farming in preserving agricultural heritage and enhancing the sustainability of local production across generations.
- Inspiring success stories highlight the impact of individuals and families in consolidating family farming and transforming it into a sustainable production model.
- The National Agriculture Centre signs two strategic agreements to enhance the competitiveness of local products and support the sustainability of the agricultural sector.
Al Ain, UAE, April, 2026: The third day of the Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition 2026, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, focused on the role of family and women farmers in supporting local farming, preserving agricultural heritage, and strengthening women’s involvement in the sector and national food security.
The discussions aligned with the conference’s theme, A comprehensive Emirati agricultural platform…towards a sustainable community and global innovation, organised by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment. Experts highlighted the social and human impact of women empowerment, the role of family in passing down agricultural knowledge, and promoting sustainable local production models rooted in national identity.
We Grow for Sustainability:
In her keynote address, Her Excellency Noura Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Secretary-General of the General Women’s Union, emphasised that empowering women in agriculture is both a national priority and a strategic step towards enhancing food security and promoting environmental sustainability. She highlighted the role of Emirati women in overcoming challenges and leading the shift to smart agriculture and a green economy.
Her Excellency introduced the ‘We Grow for Sustainability’ initiative, launched in 2025 and set to run for five years. The initiative aligns with the national vision to position women as key contributors to a sustainable future. It focuses on training, development, and innovation in agricultural production and sustainable farming. The initiative aims to empower over 12,000 women through more than 470 training programs, supported by 16 strategic partners. It will deliver over 35 agricultural projects and provide more than 25,000 hours of training.
Women and Community Empowerment:
A fireside chat titled ‘Women and the Impact of Community Empowerment’ delved into national initiatives promoting women empowerment in agriculture, highlighting the role of society and women’s organisations in strengthening their presence and influence in the sector. The session, moderated by Laila Ahmed Al Dhaheri from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, featured Her Excellency Aisha Mohammed Al Mulla, Chairperson of the UAE Businesswomen Council and former Federal National Council member.
Her Excellency Aisha Mohammed Al Mulla highlighted that supporting women in agriculture reflects the vision of the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who established agriculture as the foundation of sustainable development. She noted that the UAE Businesswomen Council, as a strategic partner of the General Women’s Union, empowers women entrepreneurs through initiatives like Tamkeen (Empowerment) and Ta’zeez (Enhancement), offering training, mentorship, and partnerships. She added that Emirati women have reached advanced levels of empowerment, supported by the UAE’s leadership, which provides an enabling environment for their success and active contributions across various sectors, including agriculture.
Family Farming and the Role of Society:
A panel discussion titled “Role of the Community – How Do We Enhance the Presence of Women Farmers?” explored the significance of family farming across generations in preserving agricultural heritage and promoting sustainable local production. It emphasised the role of family and society in passing down agricultural knowledge and empowering women farmers to build a sustainable agricultural system rooted in societal identity.
Moderated by Hajar Alketbi from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, the session featured Her Excellency Dr. Tarifa Ajeif Al Zaabi, Director General of the International Centre for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA); Dr. Mouza Al Shehhi from the UN Women Liaison Office for the GCC countries; and Kholoud Khalifa Al Nuaimi, Senior Director of Business Excellence at Emirates Food Industries.
The panel highlighted that supporting women farmers is closely tied to the role of family and community in preserving local agricultural practices and passing them through generations. This approach strengthens agricultural heritage and enhances women’s contribution to local production chains. The panel also stressed the importance of raising community awareness and fostering institutional empowerment to integrate family farming into a broader framework that supports sustainability and food security.
Legacy and Impact … Inspiring Success Stories
A panel discussion titled Legacy and Impact showcased inspiring success stories of individuals who have transformed family farming from a traditional practice into a sustainable and impactful production model. The session highlighted real experiences of farmers and families who preserved and advanced agricultural heritage through innovation and community efforts, demonstrating the economic and social impact of family farming. It also emphasised how family farming serves as a source of pride, empowerment, and sustainability across generations.
Moderated by Hind Rashid Al Shehhi from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, the session featured Yazen Al Kodmani, Deputy General Manager at Emirates Bio Farm; Abdullah Saeed Al Zaabi, an Emirati farmer; and Ali Salem Al Dhanhani, an Emirati farmer. The discussion underscored the importance of individual and family contributions in preserving and evolving agricultural practices. It also highlighted how success stories inspire a strong work ethic, connect new generations to the land, and transform local agricultural experiences into sustainable models with lasting economic and social impact.
Partnerships to Enhance Agriculture:
The event featured the signing of two new agreements aimed at strengthening partnerships to support local agriculture and boost the competitiveness of local produce.
The first Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the National Agriculture Centre and Emirates Packaging Industries. Sultan Salem Al Shamsi, Director of the National Agriculture Centre, and Jamal Khalifa Lootah, CEO of Emirates Packaging Industries, formalised the agreement. This partnership aims to enhance packaging efficiency and optimise supply chains for local agricultural products. It focuses on developing sustainable packaging solutions to maintain product quality, minimise loss and waste during transport and storage, and improve readiness for both local and export markets.
The second Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the National Agriculture Centre and AG Silerant Limited, represented by Sultan Salem Al Shamsi and Dr Daniel Anirose, CEO of AG Silerant Limited. This agreement aims to encourage the restaurant and hospitality industries to prioritise local produce while supporting farms in achieving quality certifications. Key goals include reducing agricultural waste, creating job opportunities, and promoting the exchange of expertise. The MoU also seeks to advance cooperative projects and initiatives, contributing to the growth of the agricultural sector and boosting the market competitiveness of local produce.
Society as the Foundation of Agricultural Sustainability:
The third day’s discussions underscored the vital role of agriculture in driving societal development and creating a sustainable, resilient food ecosystem. The sessions highlighted that sustaining local production depends not only on modern technologies and greater efficiency but also on the efforts of individuals and families. Key elements include empowering women and preserving as well as adapting inherited agricultural knowledge to address contemporary needs, which are crucial for strengthening the local agricultural ecosystem.
The Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition 2026 continues to stand as a leading national platform, integrating the economic, societal, and humanitarian dimensions of agriculture. It promotes alignment between sustainability, production, and empowerment, supporting the UAE’s goals for food security and sustainable development.
