From falaj to irrigation robot: National Agricultural Museum traces UAE farming evolution
30 May 2025 00:09
AMEINAH ALZEYOUDI (ABU DHABI )Robots watering crops and drones planting seeds are among the innovations that prove the UAE's agricultural industry is all set for the future. These tools are showcased at the National Agricultural Museum launched at the ongoing Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition.The museum — the first national institution dedicated to the history of agriculture in the UAE — traces the country's farming journey, from its roots before the Union to its forward-looking push toward sustainable, technology-driven practices. At the exhibition, which runs until May 31 at ADNEC Centre Al Ain, the museum featured a range of interactive exhibits, documentary displays, and digital media, inviting visitors of all ages to explore and experience firsthand how farming has progressed in the country over the years.The National Agricultural Museum showcases traditional farming tools, their uses, and how they have evolved into robots and AI-powered devices.Among the exhibits is an agricultural irrigation robot, a striking example of how far farming technology has come since the days of the ancient falaj irrigation system. Laila Al Dhaheri, Agricultural Development Researcher at the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, explained that the robot can water crops over long distances, significantly reducing the time and effort required from farmers. Drones can become reliable farming partners, too, said Al Dhaheri. 'We focus on drones. [They form part of] a very important experiment in spraying, in thermal imaging, and also in the operation of agricultural spraying,' she said. Museum visitors will be able to see and explore all kinds of farming drones and get to know them in detail. Robots are considered one of the most important methods in modern agriculture because they facilitate the production of crops. 'In the future, we will focus on agricultural technology, such as artificial intelligence, robots, precision agriculture, as well as unmanned agricultural aircraft,' Al Dhaheri said. At the exhibition, the museum has set up smart screens that display details related to agricultural technology. 'For example, we have robots in agriculture, and the visitor can read about it and understand how these robots help us in harvesting processes,' Al Dhaheri said. Several commercial farms, such as Armilla Farm, are already using tech in their operations, from automation and artificial intelligence to robotics, she added.
'When we established this museum, we do so with a vision of the future—one that connects the past, present, and future in shaping the next generation of agricultural innovation,' Al Dhaheri said.
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From falaj to irrigation robot: National Agricultural Museum traces UAE farming evolution
30 May 2025 00:09 AMEINAH ALZEYOUDI (ABU DHABI )Robots watering crops and drones planting seeds are among the innovations that prove the UAE's agricultural industry is all set for the future. These tools are showcased at the National Agricultural Museum launched at the ongoing Emirates Agriculture Conference and museum — the first national institution dedicated to the history of agriculture in the UAE — traces the country's farming journey, from its roots before the Union to its forward-looking push toward sustainable, technology-driven practices. At the exhibition, which runs until May 31 at ADNEC Centre Al Ain, the museum featured a range of interactive exhibits, documentary displays, and digital media, inviting visitors of all ages to explore and experience firsthand how farming has progressed in the country over the National Agricultural Museum showcases traditional farming tools, their uses, and how they have evolved into robots and AI-powered the exhibits is an agricultural irrigation robot, a striking example of how far farming technology has come since the days of the ancient falaj irrigation system. Laila Al Dhaheri, Agricultural Development Researcher at the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, explained that the robot can water crops over long distances, significantly reducing the time and effort required from farmers. Drones can become reliable farming partners, too, said Al Dhaheri. 'We focus on drones. [They form part of] a very important experiment in spraying, in thermal imaging, and also in the operation of agricultural spraying,' she said. Museum visitors will be able to see and explore all kinds of farming drones and get to know them in detail. Robots are considered one of the most important methods in modern agriculture because they facilitate the production of crops. 'In the future, we will focus on agricultural technology, such as artificial intelligence, robots, precision agriculture, as well as unmanned agricultural aircraft,' Al Dhaheri said. At the exhibition, the museum has set up smart screens that display details related to agricultural technology. 'For example, we have robots in agriculture, and the visitor can read about it and understand how these robots help us in harvesting processes,' Al Dhaheri said. Several commercial farms, such as Armilla Farm, are already using tech in their operations, from automation and artificial intelligence to robotics, she added. 'When we established this museum, we do so with a vision of the future—one that connects the past, present, and future in shaping the next generation of agricultural innovation,' Al Dhaheri said.
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