The Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition 2026 has witnessed the signing of five strategic Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) towards enhancing the UAE’s agricultural economy, food security framework, and innovation-driven growth.
The agreements were signed in the presence of Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Agriculture Center.
The signing took place on the second day of the event, 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 agreements aim to expand institutional cooperation across key economic and developmental areas, including agricultural and livestock production, agricultural innovation, sustainable production, research and development, national capacity building, and the deployment of modern technologies and artificial intelligence.
Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment
“These agreements deepen collaboration in agricultural and livestock production, research and development, and the adoption of smart technologies. They aim to enhance production efficiency, strengthen value chains, and build a resilient, sustainable food security framework. Beyond this, they translate national directives into actionable projects that position the sector for future growth and competitiveness.”
The agreements include a Memorandum of Understanding between the National Agriculture Center and the Department of Agriculture and Livestock in Sharjah, focusing on sector development, exchange of technical and research expertise, harmonization of regulatory standards, promotion of organic farming, preservation of natural resources, and adoption of international best practices to enhance food security.
The MoU was signed by Sultan Salem Al Shamsi, Director of the National Agriculture Center, and Salem Abdullah Al Kaabi, Director of the Department of Agriculture and Livestock, in the presence of Dr. Eng. Khalifa Musabeh Al Teneiji, Chairman of the Department of Agriculture and Livestock.
Another MoU was signed between the National Agriculture Center and Elite Agro Holding by Sultan Salem Al Shamsi and Hassan Halawi, CEO of Elite Agro Holding, to advance agricultural innovation and sustainable production.
The agreement includes joint programs covering vertical farming, AI-powered greenhouses, advanced irrigation and fertilization technologies, and integration of local farm output into distribution and marketing networks to enhance self-sufficiency and competitiveness.
A third agreement was concluded with Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) to support national efforts in modern agriculture and sustainability. The MoU was signed by Sultan Salem Al Shamsi and Abdulmunem Mohammed Al Marzouqi, Executive Vice President of Alternative Growth and Value Creation at ADNOC.
The partnership focuses on utilizing available spaces within ADNOC’s facilities for agricultural innovation, testing smart farming technologies, exploring alternative resources such as treated water and renewable energy, and supporting research, development, and capacity building to enhance food security and reduce emissions.
Further agreements include a partnership with NRTC signed by Sultan Salem Al Shamsi, Director of the National Agriculture Center, and Mohammed Nassar Abdulrahim Alrifai, Group CEO of NRTC, to strengthen distribution and marketing channels for local agricultural products, improve farmers’ returns, and ensure compliance with approved health standards, alongside promoting knowledge exchange and joint project development.
A separate MoU was signed with Al Baraka Dates Factory to support farmers, streamline crop supply chains, enhance collection efficiency, and promote the marketing of dates.
The agreement also aims to expand the base of local suppliers, advance agricultural production, and strengthen the competitiveness of locally produced goods. The MoU was signed by Sultan Salem Al Shamsi and Yousuf Saleem, CEO of Al Baraka Dates Factory.
Collectively, the MoUs highlight the importance of institutional partnerships in advancing the agricultural and food sectors. By aligning innovation, production, and sustainability, the agreements establish a strong foundation for a more efficient, resilient, and economically competitive sector.
