The UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment has launched the ‘Empowering Women Farmers’ initiative during the First Emirati Women Farmers Forum in Al Ain, aiming to strengthen Emirati women’s role in sustainable national food security.
The ‘Empowering Women Farmers’ initiative has been launched under the patronage of HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Mother of the Nation, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation.
The national project aligns with the UAE’s strategic vision to transform women’s roles in agriculture from contributors to key drivers of innovation. It focuses on providing practical tools, field-based support and direct engagement platforms with decision-makers to address sector challenges and unlock opportunities for women-led farms to become sustainable economic models.
‘Empowering Women Farmers’ to drive sustainable agriculture
The Empowering Women Farmers initiative also seeks to position Emirati women farmers as innovators capable of building competitive brands, while integrating modern technologies and climate-smart solutions to ensure resource sustainability and maximize national agricultural output.
The launch reflects the UAE’s broader strategy to position women farmers as key partners in innovation and food security, while supporting their contribution to the green economy and sustainable development.
The Empowering Women Farmers program also aligns with global trends led by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), particularly the designation of 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer (IYWF 2026), underscoring the UAE’s proactive approach to international cooperation.
Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Mother of the Nation – UAE
“We are witnessing sustained national efforts to position agriculture as a cornerstone of the UAE’s economy and to bolster sustainable food security. This also presents promising opportunities for Emirati women to engage in the agricultural sector, which has become increasingly advanced through science and technology. Agriculture is deeply rooted in our national heritage, and Emirati women play a fundamental role in preserving this legacy. By equipping them with the necessary resources and skills, we empower them to innovate and to transform agriculture into a thriving economic activity and a living cultural practice. The Empowering Women Farmers initiative establishes a robust framework to amplify women’s contributions, positioning the UAE as a global leader in the agricultural and economic empowerment of women.”
Addressing the forum, Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, the UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, said that, “The launch of the Empowering Women Farmers initiative, under the patronage of HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, ‘Mother of the Nation’, represents a key pillar of the UAE’s strategy to strengthen national food security. It reflects the capacity of Emirati women to support the agricultural sector and to pass on agricultural knowledge to future generations.”
Dr. Al Dahak noted that the UAE’s agricultural sector has evolved into a dynamic economic driver, creating new opportunities for women’s entrepreneurship. She said the initiative aims to translate this potential into tangible outcomes by transforming traditional farms into sustainable enterprises that enhance the competitiveness of national products.
Image credits: WAM | Cropped by GBN
She added that the Empowering Women Farmers initiative offers a comprehensive support ecosystem, including field schools to strengthen practical expertise, marketing assistance, and the inclusion of young Emirati women in decision-making through the Emirates Youth Council for Agriculture.
Emirati Women Farmers Forum
The First Emirati Women Farmers Forum, held alongside the Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition 2026 (EACE 2026), was attended by senior officials, including Sheikha Dr. Shamma bint Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan and Sana bint Mohammed Suhail, UAE Minister of Family, along with more than 200 Emirati women farmers and entrepreneurs.
Discussions at the forum focused on opportunities and challenges facing women in agriculture, highlighting innovative solutions to technical and operational issues. Participants explored strategies to enhance productivity, improve quality and strengthen food security through women-led initiatives.
Image credits: WAM | Cropped by GBN
The dialogue also outlined a roadmap to expand women’s participation in agricultural development, with participants emphasizing the importance of collaboration between government entities and women farmers to drive innovation and ensure sustainable production.
Participants described the event as a cornerstone of women’s empowerment in the UAE. They reaffirmed their commitment to contributing to national food security and pledged to continue innovating and supporting the agricultural sector in line with the country’s long-term development goals.
