Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (WAM)
Under the unlimited support of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to achieve the objectives of the National Food Security Strategy 2051, two Emirati experts are playing key roles in advancing the UAE’s food and agriculture sector, aligning with the national initiative Plant the Emirates, launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai.
The initiative aims to continue the legacy of the Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, embodying his enduring values of land development, commitment to agriculture and food security, and the pursuit of innovative agricultural methods.
It emphasises leveraging modern technologies and fostering sustainable partnerships between the public and private sectors.
An expert at the National Experts Programme (NEP) and Director of Conformity at the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, Ahlam Al Marzooqi, focuses on ensuring quality and safety standards in sustainable agriculture.
Similarly, Hamad Al Shehhi, also an NEP expert, specialises in AgriTech and food security. He focuses on identifying and evaluating cutting-edge agricultural technologies to advance the country's ambitions and strategic priorities in the agricultural sector.
“My role directly supports the Plant the Emirates initiative by providing certification programmes that ensure compliance with national and international standards for quality and safety in organic farming, sustainable agriculture, environmental practices, electrotechnical products used in agriculture within the sector of food security,” said Al Marzooqi.
She emphasised the importance of aligning diverse agricultural efforts with the objectives of the Plant the Emirates initiative, focusing on building a sustainable and thriving agricultural sector that will benefit future generations of Emiratis.
Al Marzooqi highlighted the growth of the UAE’s organic food market, noting that the number of certified organic farms in the country increased to 86 farms in 2023.
"To be certified as an organic farm, agricultural producers must undergo a transition period from chemical to organic farming, followed by inspection and certification processes for production sites," she added.
Meanwhile, Al Shehhi, focuses on attracting commercially viable AgriTech solutions tailored to the UAE's agricultural environment.
His work aligns with the UAE’s vision to implement the best resilient food systems, as well as its many national agricultural initiatives such as Plant the Emirates, aiming to boost local production, achieve self-sufficiency and reduce reliance on imports.
He highlighted the significance and effectiveness of the innovative solutions adopted by the UAE to overcome harsh environmental conditions.
Al Shehhi said that the UAE is at the forefront of agricultural technology adoption, by attracting global AgriTech firms to address national needs and strengthen local capabilities in line with the country’s strategic vision.
He highlighted Abu Dhabi’s goal of achieving Dh128 billion in sector investments by leveraging advanced agricultural technologies to enhance food security.
Furthermore, he emphasised the importance of exploring alternative protein sources, like plant-based and lab-grown proteins, as potential solutions to reclaim agricultural lands, tackle climate and sustainability challenges, and meet the demands of a growing population.
Additionally, Al Shehhi pointed to the expansion of novel agricultural solutions such as land-based aquaculture and vertical farming by using stacked layers and controlled environments that suit the nature of the desert climate in the country, so that large quantities of water used to produce various essential agricultural crops are saved throughout the year.
