Source : WAM
The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment has announced the second edition of the Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition (EmiratesACE), which will take place from 22nd to 26th April 2026 at the ADNEC Centre in Al Ain. The event will be held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court.
The conference forms part of the UAE’s ongoing initiatives to strengthen sustainable food security and reinforce its position as a global hub for agricultural innovation, aligning with the objectives of the National Food Security Strategy 2051. EmiratesACE 2026 will be conducted under the theme, “An Integrated Emirati Agricultural Platform: Driving Sustainable Communities and Global Innovation,” reflecting an expanded focus across the entire food value chain. The event is designed to empower farmers and livestock owners, boost local production, and foster partnerships with leading national food companies, ensuring a resilient and sustainable food supply.
The event also highlights the importance of empowering young people and entrepreneurs to drive innovation in agriculture, recognising the pioneering role of Emirati women in the sector. Community engagement is another key focus, promoting sustainability, increasing productivity, and encouraging responsible consumption practices.
Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, said, “The second edition of EmiratesACE reflects our commitment to the leadership’s vision for strengthening sustainable national food security. It is a testament to transforming challenges into opportunities, inspired by the legacy of the Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.” She added that the event acts as an integrated national platform, bringing together all segments of the food value chain—from farmers, livestock owners, and aquaculture professionals to private sector stakeholders—while also promoting women and youth to innovate and contribute to the sector.
“It brings the community together to advance national food security and sustainable agriculture, supporting agricultural development and building a resilient food future for the UAE,” Minister Al Dahak said. She also noted that the conference builds on the success of the first edition, ushering in a new phase where local agriculture goes beyond production to become a cornerstone of national food security and a strategic driver of sustainable growth. She emphasised that food security is a shared responsibility requiring collaboration from all segments of society.
EmiratesACE 2026 is guided by strategic objectives aimed at creating a lasting and comprehensive impact. It seeks to enhance the quality of farmers’ participation by ensuring strong Emirati representation and showcasing local crops and food products as preferred choices for consumers across the UAE. The event aims to create an immersive visitor experience, transforming the exhibition into an interactive platform that includes initiatives such as farm-to-table cooking competitions and the “Local Produce Journey.” Another priority is to strengthen agricultural education, raising awareness about the importance of farming, with students participating in the ‘Mustadeem’ programme and school competitions under the theme “The Future of Emirati Agriculture.” Finally, the conference encourages agricultural entrepreneurship, providing a supportive environment for innovators through a University Projects Exhibition and national competitions for students addressing challenges in local food production.
The second edition introduces an innovative visitor experience structured around five strategic tracks covering all dimensions of the agricultural sector. The Farmers’ Track focuses on technical support, creating marketing channels for local products, and celebrating the Emirati farmer’s role. The Educational Track nurtures future generations through interactive workshops and academic programmes for school and university students. The Community Track promotes sustainability among families through interactive activities that highlight local produce and encourage home farming. The Business and Young Entrepreneurs Track facilitates opportunities for investors and start-ups to establish partnerships and advance agricultural and food technologies. Lastly, the International Track provides a platform for strategic dialogue and exchange of expertise on global agricultural policies and practices.
EmiratesACE also features a series of interconnected platforms that strengthen the agricultural ecosystem. The Knowledge Conference brings together experts, innovators, and decision-makers to explore sustainability, smart technologies, and agricultural value chains. The Agricultural Exhibition showcases the latest local and international solutions, with a particular focus on the food industry. The Emirati Farmers’ Market offers a space for direct sales and interaction between producers and consumers, while the International Pavilion facilitates global dialogue on food security policies and highlights successful international experiences. The event also includes a Youth Corner, which allows young entrepreneurs to present their ideas, an Emirati Women Farmers’ Corner celebrating women’s achievements, and a Community Corner showcasing local initiatives and success stories.
Al Ain has been chosen as the host city due to its strategic importance as the UAE’s main agricultural hub. The city offers strong logistical infrastructure at the ADNEC Centre, including 22,000 square metres of indoor exhibition space and an additional outdoor area of at least 15,000 square metres for live demonstrations and field activities. The location provides ample physical capacity, a well-established productive base, and skilled human capital. Al Ain is home to over 11,000 farms, major agricultural companies, and serves as an academic hub with more than 600 students enrolled in agricultural programmes.
