SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)

In 2025, the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) reinforced its position as a core pillar of the emirate's food security, pairing rigorous field inspections and regulatory oversight with strategic initiatives to safeguard public health, boost sustainable agriculture, and support economic growth across Abu Dhabi.

This momentum was evident in the third quarter, with ADAFSA strengthening sustainability with 26,675 advisory visits and 21,054 farms benefitting from the palm pest management programme.

Ensuring food safety remained a top priority, with thorough oversight spanning the entire supply chain. The authority conducted 111 supervisory visits to ensure the implementation of biosecurity requirements in slaughterhouses and 178 such visits in livestock markets.

Inspection efforts also included 15,523 visits to food establishments and 1,655 visits to animal establishments.

During the same period, the authority responded to 935 suspected food poisoning notifications, and managed 316 official notifications issued and received across Abu Dhabi.

Community engagement and monitoring were further strengthened through the handling of 1,413 cases reported by the public, reinforcing proactive food safety and public health protection measures.

Beyond its operational achievements, 2025 was also a year of strategic milestones for ADAFSA. A landmark decision last year expanded the list of permitted economic activities on farms by 74, bringing the total to 145. This initiative aimed to enhance farm productivity, strengthen food security, and create new opportunities in agri-tourism and sustainable agriculture.

ADAFSA's vision extended to the global stage during the second edition of Global Food Week 2025, which saw significant growth. Exhibition space expanded by 15%, participation increased to 2,070 companies and brands from 75 countries, and Emirati exhibitors accounted for more than half of all participants, underscoring the UAE's growing leadership in the global food sector.

At the same time, the authority continued to champion excellence and innovation.

The fourth edition of the Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Agricultural Excellence Award offered Dh10 million prizes in recognition of outstanding achievements, while a detailed compilation of 61 date varieties in Abu Dhabi highlighted efforts to preserve local agricultural heritage.

ADAFSA's commitment to sustainability and practical support for farmers was evident in initiatives ranging from pest control programs safeguarding millions of palm trees to active participation in the Liwa Date Festival.

Collectively, these efforts reinforced the emirate's national food security priorities while promoting innovation, resilience, and sustainable growth across the agricultural sector.