The second edition of the Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition 2026 (EACE 2026) has concluded in Al Ain, marking a significant milestone in advancing the UAE’s agricultural and food security agenda.
Held over five days at ADNEC Al Ain under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, the event reinforced its position as a leading national platform for sustainable agriculture, innovation, and investment in the food sector.
Organized by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment under the theme ‘A comprehensive Emirati agricultural platform, towards a sustainable community and global innovation’, the EACE 2026 exhibition brought together farmers, policymakers, private sector leaders, academics, entrepreneurs, and students to support local production and strengthen food system resilience.
The event featured more than 50 experts across over 40 panel discussions, with participation from more than 200 Emirati farmers, 20 government entities, and 70 private companies, including 40 startups. Hundreds of students from schools and universities attended, alongside representatives from three national universities, reflecting growing youth engagement in agricultural innovation and sustainability.
The EACE 2026 conference focused on key strategic themes including artificial intelligence in agriculture, agricultural data systems, investment opportunities, food industries, women and family farmer empowerment, sustainability, and food safety.
Spotlighting UAE food security commitment
In her closing remarks, Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, emphasized the strategic importance of EACE 2026 in advancing national priorities. She also highlighted the considerable support and patronage that His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan provides to the agriculture and food sectors, firmly establishing their central role in the UAE’s sustainable development agenda.
Image credits: WAM | Cropped by GBN
Dr. Al Dahak noted that the event’s success demonstrates its power as a national platform for shaping future visions, sharing expertise, and steering discussions towards the sector’s strategic priorities. She highlighted the comprehensive agenda, which addressed topics such as AI and agricultural data, investment and food industries, empowering women and family farmers, and agricultural sustainability and food safety.
This holistic approach bridges knowledge with practical application, aligns policies with opportunities, and connects innovation with on-the-ground needs, laying a strong foundation for a more efficient, sustainable, and resilient agricultural and food system.
Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment
“Following two successful editions, EACE 2026 has firmly established itself as a key pillar of the agriculture and food sectors. It serves as a strategic platform that brings together different stakeholders to drive partnerships, create new opportunities to develop supply chains, increase production efficiency, and make local produce more competitive. This success highlights our nation’s clear progress in building a sustainable and resilient food system that can adapt to change, turn challenges into opportunities and continues to set the benchmark for agricultural innovation and food security.”
Platform for innovation, partnerships, and growth
Organizers emphasized that the EACE has evolved into a major national hub for collaboration, dialogue, and innovation. The EACE 2026 event facilitated new partnerships, supported the signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), and launched several initiatives aimed at strengthening the agricultural ecosystem.
Its impact extended beyond showcasing technologies, focusing instead on translating ideas into actionable solutions that enhance local production, improve supply chains, and increase sector competitiveness.
EACE 2026 Hackathon winners
The closing ceremony of EACE 2026 also honored winners of the Universities Hackathon, where students competed over five days with projects focused on smart agriculture and AI-driven farming solutions.
Image credits: WAM | Cropped by GBN
In addition, winners of the Mustadaam programme were recognized. The initiative is designed for school students to nurture future farmers, researchers, and agricultural innovators, supporting long-term sustainability goals in the UAE.
The legacy of UAE agro sector
EACE 2026 concluded with a clear focus on collaboration, innovation, and sustainable growth. The event strengthened engagement between government, private sector, academia, and the farming community.
By fostering dialogue and strategic partnerships, EACE 2026 has further advanced the UAE’s agricultural and food security objectives and reinforced the nation’s long-term commitment to building a resilient and sustainable food system for future generations.
