UAE Launches First National Agricultural Guidance Forum to Advance Sustainable Farming and Food Security
Al Ain, The Gulf Observer: The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) has officially launched the inaugural National Agricultural Guidance Forum, aimed at supporting sustainable agricultural transformation, strengthening farmer empowerment, and advancing climate-smart agricultural innovations.
The forum, held from May 28 to 31 at the ADNEC Centre in Al Ain, took place on the sidelines of the Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition 2025, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court.
The first edition of the forum brought together government officials, agricultural experts, international organisations, and farmers for a series of focused panel discussions and knowledge-sharing sessions. The topics ranged from farmer empowerment and the role of women in agricultural extension, to international best practices and practical support mechanisms.
Strategic Shift Toward Knowledge-Driven Agriculture
In his keynote address, Dr. Mohammed Salman Al Hammadi, Assistant Undersecretary for the Food Diversity Sector at MOCCAE, emphasized the importance of the forum in light of the UAE’s agricultural transformation.
“This forum is particularly timely, as the UAE’s agriculture sector is undergoing a significant transformation, recognising it as key for both food security and sustainable development,” he said. “By translating cutting-edge knowledge into practical applications, we are establishing agricultural guidance officers as vital links between research institutions and farmers.”
Dr. Al Hammadi further noted that the forum enhances collaboration between federal and local authorities, including MOCCAE and the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority, to improve outcomes for the agricultural sector through forward-thinking policies and innovation.
FAO Endorses UAE’s Agricultural Vision
Dr. Waleed Abouel Hassan, Senior Natural Resources Officer at the FAO Subregional Office for the GCC States and Yemen, called the forum a “strategic milestone” in the UAE’s path toward sustainable agricultural transformation.
“Agricultural guidance is no longer a choice—it is a necessity,” he said. “To achieve food security and address climate challenges, it is vital to empower farmers—particularly women and youth—with the knowledge and tools they need.”
Empowering Farmers and Women in Agriculture
A key session titled “Empowering Farmers: Success Stories through Real Farmer Interactions”, moderated by Eng. Slama Khamis Alkaabi of MOCCAE, showcased how financial, technical, and marketing support helped turn challenges into opportunities. Speakers included Eng. Amna Salem Al Ameri from the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority and Eng. Bassam Ismail Al Shobaki from MOCCAE.
In another dedicated session, “Women in Agricultural Extension: Challenges and Opportunities”, participants Eng. Fatima Mohammed Bin Tarsh, Eng. Fatima Saif Al Kaabi, and Eng. Jamia Rashid Al Zeyoudi discussed the rising influence of Emirati women in agriculture. Moderated by Laila Ahmed Al Dhaheri, the discussion addressed opportunities for enhancing the professional roles of female extension officers in the field.
Building Farmer Capacity Through Field Schools
A lecture by Eng. Momin Jilani of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) introduced the Field Schools Experience in the UAE, which promotes participatory learning and peer-based training among farmers. The method encourages hands-on knowledge transfer and builds critical on-the-ground capabilities.
Concluding with Actionable Insights
The forum concluded with a panel titled “Important Steps and Tips for Successful Agricultural Guidance,” featuring Eng. Jamal Mahmoud Al Naqbi from MOCCAE and Eng. Mohammed Ahmed Al Balooshi from the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority, moderated by Sheikha Al Abdouli from MOCCAE. The panel explored the operational aspects of effective guidance programmes, sharing insights to increase productivity and reinforce the role of agricultural extension in ensuring food security.
Part of the ‘Plant the Emirates’ Initiative
The Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition 2025 forms part of the ‘Plant the Emirates’ National Programme, inspired by the vision of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan to expand green spaces and promote sustainable agriculture across the country.
The event featured participation from 22 government entities, over 40 private-sector companies, 20 startups, and four national universities contributing research expertise. School delegations also took part, highlighting the importance of youth engagement in the future of agriculture.
