Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
As a strategic partner of the Sheikh Zayed Festival, Ali Al Obaidli, Head of the Awareness and Education Section at the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA), shared insights with Aletihad about the authority's participation in the festival.
The Agricultural Oasis
Al Obaidli said: "The authority's participation this year comes as one of the pioneering initiatives, programmes and projects implemented by the authority as part of its tireless efforts to achieve sustainability in the agricultural sector, both plant and animal, in line with the 'Year of Sustainability', and within the framework of its support for the 'Plant the Emirates' national programme launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, which includes several initiatives that support the UAE's orientations for agricultural development and enhancing sustainable national food security rates."He said the Agricultural Oasis aimed to showcase Abu Dhabi's agricultural advancements, food safety, biosecurity, sustainable development and services provided to farmers, livestock breeders and food handlers.
Speaking about the "Agricultural and Food Security Data Platform", he said: "We at the ADAFSA are keen to introduce the public to all the services and works provided by the authority that contribute to raising the level of awareness in the community.
"Through the Agricultural Oasis, we highlight the 'Agricultural and Food Security Data Platform', which was recently launched. It is a platform that supports decision-making on food security and agricultural issues in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, as it provides accurate information about the agricultural and food sector in Abu Dhabi, and allows data analysis and extracting reports that help decision-makers improve policies related to food security and develop a sustainable and flexible food system that meets the needs of the emirate and enhances rapid response to any threats to food security."
ADAFSA has partnered with Spacetoon to produce educational animated stories for children. The cartoons focus on topics like food waste, water consumption, food safety, fresh fish selection, food label reading and animal health. The aim is to raise children's awareness of agriculture and food safety in an entertaining and age-appropriate format.
Al Obaidli also discussed the "Zadna Rating" initiative, noting: "The platform is an electronic platform launched by the authority with the aim of enabling the public to view the results of the evaluation of food establishments based on the level of food safety, in addition to a separate evaluation of the participation of food establishments."
The Authority also plans to support local farmers and beekeepers by organising a farmers' market and a local honey exhibition, enabling farmers to market their products and sell them directly to consumers, thereby increasing their income and encouraging further development in the sector.
Memory of the Nation Pavilion
Hamad Al Zaabi, the official in charge of the National Library and Archives' (NLA) Memory of the Nation Pavilion at the Sheikh Zayed Festival, spoke to Aletihad about the significance of their participation.
He explained: "The role of the Memory of the Nation Pavilion in the Sheikh Zayed Festival is significant, as the archive represents the history of the UAE.
"Our participation in the Sheikh Zayed Festival 2024 aims to introduce and highlight the various historical materials on the platform."
Al Zaabi said their pavilion features several sections dedicated to various aspects of the UAE's history.
"The first section talks about the establishment of the NLA. It went through several stages, including changes in name and buildings, as well as the documented decrees issued by His Highness Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan, the Founding Father, concerning the directors who took over the archives and the National Library," he said.
He added that the pavilion features a section on the rulers of the UAE, including biographies of the rulers of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
Al Zaabi introduced a new section on the Al Dhafra region, saying: "This is the first time this section is being presented in detail, highlighting the Al Dhafra region and the Founding Father's interest in transforming the desert into green oases through agriculture."
The platform highlights the UAE's unity journey with a main section on the founding fathers, featuring photos, announcements and constitutional decrees, as well as sections dedicated to key figures who have shaped the modern UAE, showcasing their achievements, contributions and ongoing projects.
Discussing the festival's alignment with the Year of Sustainability, Al Zaabi said: "We are participating in a section on sustainability in the UAE in general, across the seven emirates. It talks about agriculture, industry and how to preserve agricultural wealth in the UAE. You will notice a large picture of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi in the past and the Emirate of Abu Dhabi in the present."
He also noted two key sections dedicated to technological advancements - artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual reality (VR).
"The VR section features eight moving chairs and eight sets of glasses. Visitors wear the glasses and can choose between simulations of Qasr Al Muwaiji and Al Jahili Fort," he said.
Al Zaabi added: "The new addition this year is the Cinema 360 Plus VR platform. This is a brand-new feature, offering exciting content for visitors. We hope everyone will come and experience the beautiful historical journey inside."
