
Amna Al Dahak: UAE's Wise Leadership Fuels Success in Supporting Farmers and Agricultural Entrepreneurship, Bolstering Sustainable National Food Security
Amna Al Dahak: His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan is committed to supporting farmers with programmes and initiatives that help develop farms and increase production while improving quality and competitiveness.
With the support of His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Al Ain has become a key agricultural hub in the UAE, contributing significantly to the country's sustainable food security.
The Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition is a cornerstone for developing a technologically advanced and innovative agricultural sector in the UAE.
Our strategic aim is for agriculture to become a key driver of sustainable and inclusive development across the Emirates.
The Emirati farmer is at the heart of our efforts, and we are committed to empowering them with knowledge and modern technologies.
Key Highlights: The closing ceremony saw sponsors and partners recognised, and further partnerships forged to promote innovation in the agricultural sector.
Al Ain, May 2025: Her Excellency Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, has affirmed that, with the backing of the UAE's wise leadership, the nation is making significant strides in supporting farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs to enhance sustainable food security. Her Excellency noted that the inaugural Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition marks an important step towards developing a technologically advanced and innovative agricultural sector in the UAE.
Her Excellency's comments came at the close of the first Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE and Chairman of the Presidential Court, The event, organised by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, took place over four days, from 28th to 31st May, at the ADNEC Al Ain Centre.
The event saw widespread participation from government and private sector entities, academic and research institutions, start-ups, local farmers, and the community, achieving considerable success in showcasing the latest agricultural innovations, strengthening strategic partnerships, and supporting the UAE's vision for a secure and sustainable food future.
Dr Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak highlighted that the UAE's agricultural sector and farmers receive ongoing support from His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court. His Highness prioritises empowering farmers through various programmes and initiatives aimed at helping them improve their farms, boost production, and enhance quality and competitiveness.
Her Excellency emphasised that, with the support of His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Ain Region, the city of Al Ain has become a vital agricultural hub in the UAE. Its strong agricultural potential positions it to play a larger role in boosting the sector and supporting sustainable national food security. Al Ain now serves as a national model for modern agriculture, making it the ideal host for the first UAE Agricultural Conference and Exhibition.
During the closing ceremony, Her Excellency Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak expressed her pride and gratitude for the success of the conference and exhibition, thanking all those who had contributed to the success of this national event.
Speaking about the conference's outcomes, Dr. Al Dahak explained: 'We have witnessed how science and hard work can transform challenges into opportunities, and how the desert can be turned into a green oasis thanks to the will and determination of the people of this nation. The unique products and innovative initiatives we have seen are testament to our ability to grow and develop our agricultural sector, and to continue making progress towards achieving sustainable food security.'
Her Excellency Dr. Amna Al Dahak emphasised the vital role of Emirati farmers, saying: 'At the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, we believe that Emirati farmers are at the heart of our efforts, and we are committed to empowering them with knowledge and modern technologies.'
Looking to the future, Her Excellency added: 'I am confident and optimistic that we will continue to strengthen our partnerships, launch new initiatives, and achieve further successes that benefit our nation. Our strategic goal is to make agriculture a key driver of sustainable and inclusive development across the Emirates.'
Her Excellency Al Dahak affirmed the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment's commitment to building on the success of this inaugural event, ensuring that the Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition becomes a pivotal annual event that contributes to the development of the agricultural sector, strengthens partnerships between the public and private sectors, young people, entrepreneurs, and all members of the community, leading to a secure and sustainable food future for generations to come.
Sponsors and Partners Recognised:
At the close of the Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition 2025, Her Excellency Dr. Al Dahak recognised the strategic partners and official sponsors of the event, in acknowledgement of their efforts and significant support, and their vital contribution to the success of its first edition.
In a statement, Dr. Al Dahak said: 'I extend my sincere thanks to all the sponsors, partners, farmers, and creative young people, the lifeblood of this vital sector. The successes achieved demonstrate the ability of our agriculture to transform and innovate to achieve sustainable food security, and we are committed to empowering Emirati farmers and supporting the sustainability of the sector. We are now seeing the start of a continuous journey towards more sustainable agriculture, in line with the vision of our wise leadership. We look forward to further successes that serve our nation and fulfil the aspirations of the UAE community.'
Strategic Platform for Innovation and Collaboration:
The Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition provided a leading strategic platform for sharing knowledge and showcasing the latest technologies and innovations in the agricultural sector. The comprehensive programme included over 75 speakers in more than 20 talks, panel discussions, and workshops covering all aspects of modern and sustainable agriculture. The event also saw active participation from 22 government federal and local government entities involved in the agriculture and food sector, alongside over 40 private sector companies, and more than 20 start-ups working in agritech. From the academic side, four national universities contributed their research capabilities, in addition to participation of several schools, with more than 1,000 students taking part in events and community workshops.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Mid East Info
9 hours ago
- Mid East Info
UAE Strengthens Global Publishing Ties at Beijing International Book Fair - Middle East Business News and Information
Represented by a distinguished selection of established and emerging publishing houses, the Emirates Publishers Association EPA is participating in the 2025 edition of the Beijing International Book Fair, shining a spotlight on the UAE's experience in developing its publishing industry—particularly in the fields of children's literature and innovative educational content. This participation in Asia's largest copyrights exchange platform—and the second largest book fair in the world—reflects the EPA's ongoing commitment to empowering Emirati publishers, expanding opportunities for international collaboration, and strengthening the UAE's presence on the global publishing stage. Showcasing Diversity and Vision: The EPA's stand at the fair serves as a vibrant window into the UAE's dynamic publishing landscape, showcasing a unique blend of seasoned expertise and emerging voices in children's literature and educational publishing. Among the participants are publishers who graduated from the 'Onshur' programme—an initiative launched to empower the next generation of publishing entrepreneurs in the UAE by empowering them with professional and technical support. Featured publishers include Hamda Al Baloushi, Manager of Aalamkom Publishing and Distribution, and Treasurer and Board Member of the EPA, Salim Abdulrahman, Managing Director of AlRewaya Publishing, and Ghassan Rabih, representative of Dar Rabie Publishing. Representing the 'Onshur' graduates are Dr. Asmaa Emara, Founder of Dal for Publishing, a publishing house dedicated to innovative approaches to Arabic language education, and Fatema Al Hammadi, Founder of Sohub Publishing and Distribution, which specialises in educational content for people of determination and students with autism. Bridging Culture Through Publishing: Running from 18 to 22 June, the Association's programme at the fair features a series of high-level events uniting content creators and publishing professionals from the UAE and China. A key event on the agenda is the 2025 Global Children's Book Forum, centred on the theme 'Integrated Innovation in Children's Books Amid New Realities.' Through this platform, the Association highlighted UAE's pioneering contributions to the global book industry, particularly in advancing children's publishing and fostering a culture of reading among young minds. The event agenda also features a panel discussion titled 'Nurturing Young Minds: Children's Publishing Priorities in the UAE and China,' with participation from publishers, Hamda Al Baloushi and Ghassan Rabih, alongside a group of distinguished Chinese children's publishers. Global Messages with a Local Spirit: Commenting on the Association's participation, His Excellency Rashid Al Kous, Executive Director of the EPA, emphasised that the EPA's presence at major international book fairs represents a strategic opportunity for copyrights exchange, expanding professional networks, and exploring new markets for Emirati and Arabic content. He stated: 'This year, we placed special focus on the UAE's experience in children's publishing—a field that conveys universal messages with a distinctly local spirit, led by young publishers who possess clear vision and genuine passion. By empowering them, we are laying the foundation for a new generation that embodies innovation and authenticity.' His Excellency further noted: 'Our participation in the Beijing International Book Fair is an extension of the UAE's broader vision to support creative industries—particularly publishing—as a vital tool for knowledge dissemination and cultural dialogue. Each international platform is an opportunity to project our cultural voice globally and to showcase the wealth of creative potential that the UAE holds. The presence of 'Onshur' graduates at an event of this calibre sends a clear message: the youth are a powerful force shaping the future of Emirati publishing.' Publisher Hamda Al Baloushi described her participation as a significant milestone in her professional journey, highlighting the opportunity it provided for engagement and exchange with publishers from around the world. She added that it had opened new avenues for collaboration and copyrights exchange, particularly in the Asian market. She said: 'Our presence here not only reflects the quality of Emirati content, but also the prominent status that the UAE publishing sector has achieved on the global stage. I am proud to be part of this movement and to represent the UAE at one of the world's most important cultural events.' Ongoing Efforts: Through its active presence at prestigious international cultural events such as this, the EPA continues to advance its long-term strategic goals—chief among them being the development of the UAE's publishing ecosystem. This is achieved by connecting Emirati publishers with global networks, encouraging content export, and reinforcing the UAE's position as a dynamic hub in the international publishing industry.


Mid East Info
a day ago
- Mid East Info
O Gold and Emirates Gold Forge a Strategic Partnership to Redefine Precious Metals Access in the UAE - Middle East Business News and Information
Empowering everyday investors through direct access to certified gold and silver from trusted refineries Dubai, UAE – 20 June 2025 – O Gold, the UAE's first Emirati fractional gold and silver ownership app, has announced a landmark partnership with Emirates Gold, one of the region's most respected and long-established refineries. Through this collaboration, O Gold's rapidly expanding base of more than 75,000 active users will gain seamless access to an enhanced portfolio of certified gold products at competitive refinery‑direct rates, all delivered with the speed and convenience synonymous with the O Gold Wallet. This partnership marks a significant step forward in making precious metals investment more accessible and transparent for everyday investors in the UAE. By directly connecting O Gold's innovative fractional ownership platform with Emirates Gold's certified refinery products, users can confidently invest in physical gold with unprecedented ease and assurance. 'Our partnership with Emirates Gold is a pivotal moment for O Gold and our users,' said Bandar Alothman, Founder of O Gold. 'We are committed to democratizing access to precious metals, and this collaboration with a highly respected refinery like Emirates Gold directly addresses that goal. Our users can now be assured of the authenticity, quality, and competitive pricing of their gold investments, all within the familiar and convenient O Gold app', he added. Emirates Gold, renowned for its rigorous quality control and commitment to global standards, expressed strong enthusiasm for the partnership. Abhijit Shah, CEO of Emirates Gold, remarked, 'We are proud to join forces with O Gold, a pioneering platform that is transforming how investors across the UAE access precious metals. This collaboration reflects our unwavering commitment to delivering secure, transparent, and world-class precious metals solutions. Together, we are setting a new benchmark for accessibility and trust, empowering a new generation of investors with direct access to certified, high-quality gold.' Emirates Gold, the UAE's most established gold and silver refinery with a legacy of excellence since 1992, and renowned for shaping the precious metals landscape of the Middle East for over 33 years, brings unparalleled industry expertise and trust to this strategic alliance. Through this partnership, O Gold users will gain privileged access to a broader range of high-quality, UAE Good Delivery certified gold and silver bars and coins at competitive rates directly sourced from the refinery and delivered securely to their doorsteps. By combining Emirates Gold's decades-long legacy with O Gold's innovative digital platform, this collaboration reinforces both brands' shared commitment to trust, transparency, and investor empowerment further solidifying O Gold's position as the region's preferred platform for real-asset ownership.


Mada
3 days ago
- Mada
House approves tax exemptions for UAE sovereign fund
To pave the way for more Emirati investments and secure the capital return on those already made in Egypt, the House of Representatives approved on Sunday a supplementary protocol to the Egyptian-United Arab Emirates tax agreement, granting the Emirati sovereign wealth fund a tax exemption in Egypt. The annex, issued by presidential decree earlier this year, recognizes Egypt's Sovereign Fund and UAE's Abu Dhabi Development Holding Company (ADQ) as 'government institutions' and consequently allows both funds to benefit 'from the tax exemptions stipulated in the agreement.' Upon their approved recognition in the agreement as government bodies, both funds are subject to Article 24, which grants tax exemptions on income generated by the government as well as its affiliated bodies, according to a joint report issued by the House planning and budgeting and Arab affairs committees and reviewed by Mada Masr. The agreement with the UAE, aimed at enhancing investment and trade relations between both countries, was initially approved by President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in November 2019, under the Presidential Decree 558 of 2020. Emirati investments are crucial for Egypt at a time when the country's economy is deeply affected by Israel's aggression on Gaza and more recent attacks on Iran. Last year alone, ADQ, the Gulf country's largest sovereign fund, invested US$35 billion through the Ras al-Hikma development project in the North Coast. Half of the mega deal's proceeds were allocated at the time to easing the country's growing public debt. ADQ also acquired stakes in three state-owned petroleum companies for $800 million in November last year. Under Article 24's second section, the term 'government' includes 'the government, its agencies and institutions […] as well as any other institution or body mutually agreed upon from time to time by the governments of the two contracting states.' In the past, Egypt signed 60 similar agreements with other countries, some dating as far back as the 1970s, a Finance Ministry official told Mada Masr on condition of anonymity. These agreements are periodically reviewed and re-negotiated by both parties, the official said. When amendments are limited to one or two provisions, they said, they are issued in the form of a protocol and appended to the original agreement. In this case, the protocol was necessary because the original tax agreement was finalized in 2017, before either the Egyptian or Emirati sovereign wealth funds were established. Agreements to avoid double taxation typically require that the benefitting entities be explicitly named. According to the official, the supplementary protocol was added after it became clear during ADQ's financial dealings that the fund was not listed among the beneficiaries of the agreement, as it had not been named or specified in the original text. The exemptions outlined in Article 24 include taxes on three types of income: dividends, capital gain, and interest, a source in the House Planning and Budgeting Committee told Mada Masr. The interest exemption applies to all forms of government lending instruments, such as bonds, sukuks and deposits, among others. Upon the maturity of the financial instrument, the lender or investor receives the principal amount along with interest — or what is considered profit — from which the Finance Ministry deducts a 20 percent tax, as stipulated in the Income Tax Law, which applies to both Egyptians and non-Egyptians. While the government continues to offer incentives, including tax exemptions, to encourage Emirati investment in the domestic economy, it has been less forthcoming with other international entities. In November 2023, Euroclear, a platform for settling securities transactions that Egypt had hoped to join, requested a tax exemption on treasury bills and bonds as a condition for granting access to the government's debt market. The Egyptian government has yet to respond to the request.