Conference highlights agri-tech, innovation funding and private sector’s role in food sector growth.
AL AIN: On the second day of the Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition 2026, discussions focused on strengthening national food industries, building value chains for local products, and attracting investment into the agriculture sector.
These efforts are aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of Emirati products and positioning agriculture and food industries as key economic sectors with strong investment potential.
The day brought together senior officials, industry experts, business leaders, and private sector representatives across four high-level panel discussions.
Topics included the future of agriculture and investment in food industries, the development of industries based on local products, food innovation, and opportunities to expand the beekeeping and honey sector as part of a broader value-added ecosystem.
The discussions aligned with the vision of the Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition 2026, organised by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment under the theme “A Comprehensive Emirati Agricultural Platform… Towards a Sustainable Community and Global Innovation.”
The event serves as a bridge between agricultural production, food processing, investment, and innovation through dialogue, helping to build a more integrated, sustainable, and resilient food system.
In his keynote address, Sheikh Salem bin Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Civil Aviation, Chairman of Ras Al Khaimah International Airport, and Chairman of One Hive for honey production, highlighted beekeeping as a key pillar of the food industry, valued for its premium and health-focused products.
He stressed that bees are more than just honey producers, describing them as essential contributors to a thriving food and economic ecosystem.
Sheikh Salem also noted that with global demand for natural honey continuing to rise, the UAE is well placed to build a fully integrated national industry around honey and its derivatives — a goal that aligns closely with the ‘Made in the UAE’ campaign.
He encouraged young people to explore this growing sector and tap into its significant potential.
Agricultural Innovation Fund
In his opening remarks, Zafer Rashed Al Qasimi, CEO of Silal Group, announced that applications are now open for the Agricultural Innovation Fund, an initiative under the group’s Innovation Oasis.
He stressed that farmers are key partners in advancing the agriculture and food sector and serve as the main drivers of production, growth, and innovation.
Al Qasimi explained that the fund is designed to support local farmers by turning their promising ideas into practical, on-the-ground projects that improve production efficiency and strengthen the competitiveness of the agricultural sector.
He added that five farmers are selected each year, with each receiving financial support of up to Dh200,000 to implement their projects in the Al Ain region, along with dedicated technical supervision from Innovation Oasis experts, engineers, and partners to ensure these ideas deliver tangible results.
Investment in agriculture and food
The day began with the opening session, “The Future of Investment in Agriculture and Food Industries,” which explored opportunities in the agriculture and food sectors through the lens of regulatory frameworks and economic potential.
The session also examined the private sector’s role in building value chains and positioning agriculture and food industries as sustainable and attractive investment destinations.
Panellists included Mohammed Saeed Al Nuaimi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment; Dr. Khalifa Musabbeh Al Tunaiji, Chairman of the Department of Agriculture and Livestock and CEO of IKTVA Foundation; Abdullah Al Saleh, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy and Tourism; and Dhafer Rashid Al Qasimi, CEO of Silal Group. The discussion was moderated by Marwan Abdullah Al Zaabi, Assistant Undersecretary for the Regions Sector.
From farming to marketing
Mohammed Saeed Al Nuaimi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, stressed the importance of fostering an economic mindset among farmers.
He said this would help improve both production and marketing capabilities in a more efficient and sustainable manner.
He noted that the number of farmers now managing the marketing of their own products has grown over time.
He added that studies show adopting both agricultural and business mindsets can generate an added value of around 20–25 per cent for products, while also reducing waste by up to 40 per cent.
Abdullah Al Saleh affirmed that investment in the agricultural sector represents a strong and promising opportunity.
Focus on agri-tech and marketing
He noted that the success of any project in this field depends on careful planning, a well-prepared feasibility study, and a clear understanding of market needs, alongside improving product quality, analysing production costs, and identifying the best technologies to support the production process.
Al Saleh also highlighted the importance of keeping pace with rapid advancements in agricultural technologies, given their role in reducing food waste, improving production efficiency, and maximising the use of low-emission, environmentally friendly solutions.
He said these technologies help increase productivity per square metre of land while lowering costs through more efficient use of water and energy.
Dr. Khalifa Musabbeh Al Tunaiji stressed the importance of adopting modern technologies and innovation to produce crops suited to the UAE’s local environment, helping to optimise water consumption and strengthen agricultural sustainability.
Maximising the value of local products
The second session, “Promoting Local Food Industries,” highlighted opportunities to develop local agricultural and animal products through food processing.
Discussions focused on transforming vegetables, dates, dairy, and meat into higher-value, market-ready products, improving supply chains, and strengthening the private sector’s role in boosting the competitiveness of Emirati products in regional and global markets.
The session was moderated by Engineer Ahlam Abdulmohsen Al Mannaei from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, with participation from Mohammed Ghanem Al Mansouri, Deputy CEO at Agthia Group; Ali Abdullah Aljari, Director of Sharjah Export Development Centre; and Saud Abu Al-Shawarib, Executive Vice President of TECOM Group – Industrial Sector.
Speakers stressed the importance of moving beyond raw commodity sales toward building advanced food industries that fully utilise local production, creating new opportunities for growth, expansion, and exports.
Discussions also explored how modern supply chains, food processing, packaging, and distribution can improve the efficiency and market presence of local products, supporting the UAE’s ambition to build a more integrated and competitive food system.
Food innovation: Balancing policy and investment opportunities
Another session examined the question, “Is Food Innovation a Government Priority or an Investment Opportunity?”
The discussion focused on the future of food innovation in the UAE, including alternative proteins, modern plant-based foods, health-focused products, and technologies that promote sustainability and diversify national protein production. These conversations were framed within the context of global trends reshaping the food industry.
Panellists included Dr. Obaid Saif Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Board of Directors at the Arab Authority for Investment and Agricultural Development; Edward Sour, CEO and Founder of Switch Foods; and Mazen Al Rifai, Group CEO of Rawabi Emirates Group. The session was moderated by Eng. Amna Salem Al Ameri from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment.
The session highlighted the intersection of public policy and investment opportunities in food innovation. Panellists discussed the potential for creating new food products that align with evolving consumer demands while addressing sustainability and resource efficiency challenges.
They also stressed the importance of diversifying national protein sources and expanding modern food industries to build a resilient food system capable of adapting to future disruptions.
Beekeeping and honey sector within the food industries system
A fireside chat titled “Future Trends in the Beekeeping and Honey Sector” explored the sector’s prospects, highlighting the role of bee products within the broader food industry ecosystem and opportunities to enhance their value and integration into modern food processing chains.
During a discussion with Mana Ahmed Al-Kaabi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Hatta Traders, Eng. M Abdullah Al Hashemi from the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment highlighted the growing importance of the beekeeping and honey sector in supporting local production and food industries.
Al-Kaabi highlighted the sector’s potential to diversify production, develop value-added products, and create new opportunities for local producers to integrate into modern value chains.
National platform
Day two sessions reflected the strategic objectives of the Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition 2026 by focusing on developing food industries, increasing the added value of local products, and stimulating investment across agricultural and food value chains.
This supports the sustainability of national production and strengthens the competitiveness of Emirati products.
The Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition 2026 continues to reinforce its role as a leading national platform for advancing the agriculture and food sectors in the UAE, while driving greater integration between production, manufacturing, investment, and innovation.
This supports the UAE’s goals of strengthening food security, promoting sustainability, and building a more resilient and competitive food economy.
