UAE's young farmers, green heritage shine at Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition
30 May 2025 00:07
AMEINAH ALZEYOUDI (ABU DHABI)While the inaugural Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition aims to shape the future of farming, the diverse participation — from seasoned farmers and young innovators to sustainability-focused entrepreneurs — reflects a nation rooted in a rich agricultural heritage, evolving with the times.Young farmer Musleh Alaryani, for example, started his journey in agriculture when he just three years old. It all began on his grandmother's land, he told Aletihad.'I used to go to my grandmother's farm to see how she was planting. I learnt from her,' he said during the event held from May 28 to 31 at the ADNEC Centre in Al Ain. Encouraged by his father, who gave him a piece of land to cultivate, Musleh grew over 15 kinds of vegetables, watermelon, roses, and Indian dates. He eventually learnt how to produce cotton and even make artificial flowers, inspired by exhibitions and the teachings of the UAE's Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. 'Give me agriculture, and I will give you civilisation,' Musleh said, reciting the words of Sheikh Zayed by heart. Theyab Alketbi, a student at the Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine of the UAE University, is also taking part in the exhibition with his passion for aquaponics. This system integrates fish farming with agriculture. 'We use the fertilisers from the fish to nourish the plants without chemicals. It's a complete cycle,' Alketbi told Aletihad. 'The water is reused, saving both cost and resources.'Sustainable farming is a key focus of the exhibition, which has provided a collaborative space for knowledge exchange. Eco-friendly agricultural technologies are showcased, too, as the event reinforced the role of the community in driving agricultural development.Mansour Al Balushi, who represented Mustadama Farms, shared insights on how their company embraced sustainable farming. 'We grow and sell our products simultaneously. We've built net houses and greenhouses,' Al Balushi said. The company currently produces tomatoes, cucumbers, and other crops. 'Despite challenges, we succeeded in delivering a range of organic products in less than a year. We are in the middle of the season, and the results are promising.'
The conference focused on strengthening public-private partnerships, encouraging agricultural investment, and boosting local production from national farms. It highlighted how innovation, collaboration, and sustainability can come together to secure a brighter future for farming. With voices from every corner of the industry—young and old, academic and practical—the event offered a hopeful glimpse into the future of sustainable agriculture.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Gulf Today
an hour ago
- Gulf Today
India's economy outperforms peers as it surges 7.4% in Q1
India's economy surged 7.4% in January to March, much faster than forecasts and driven by construction and manufacturing, although uncertainty about US tariffs poses risks to the outlook. Gross domestic product in Asia's third-largest economy was above a forecast year-on-year growth of 6.7% in a Reuters poll, and was up from a revised 6.4% expansion in the previous quarter, official data released on Friday showed. It was the fastest increase in GDP since January-March 2024. 'India's growth is holding up in a growth-scarce environment,' said V. Anantha Nageswaran, India's chief economic adviser, after the release of the data, adding India outshone other large and contemporary economies. They include China, which grew 5.4% in January-March. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) expects GDP growth of 6.5% in the fiscal year beginning April 1. At that rate, India will remain the fastest growing major economy and could match Japan for size this year at $4.18 trillion, according to projections by the IMF. The gross value added (GVA), seen as a more accurate measure of underlying economic activity, grew 6.8% in the first three months of 2025, compared to a revised expansion of 6.5% in the previous quarter. GVA strips out indirect taxes and government subsidy payouts, which tend to be volatile. Manufacturing output rose 4.8% year-on-year in January-March, the final quarter of India's fiscal year, compared with a revised expansion of 3.6% in the previous quarter, while construction activity jumped 10.8%, up from 7.9% in the previous quarter. 'The GDP print for Q4 is higher than expected. This indicates that the economy has recovered from the slowdown seen in the middle of last year,' said Sakshi Gupta, principal economist, HDFC bank. However, the outlook for the current fiscal year faces challenges given a global slowdown and tariff uncertainties, she said, referring to U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff hikes. Trump proposed reciprocal tariffs of 26% on imports from India but they are on hold until July 9 as trade talks continue. Growth in private consumer spending, which accounts for 57% of Indian GDP, eased to 6% year-on-year in January-March, from an upwardly revised 8.1% expansion in the previous quarter, as urban spending weakened whereas rural demand for durables and farm equipment like tractors improved. Retail inflation, which eased to a near six-year low of 3.16% in April, alongside a favourable monsoon forecast, is expected to keep food prices in check and pave the way for the Reserve Bank of India to cut its policy repo rate again next month. Government spending fell 1.8% in the three months through March compared to a revised expansion of 9.3% in the previous quarter, the data showed. Capital spending rose 9.4% in the quarter though private firms are expected to delay investments amid global uncertainties including trade tariffs. Growth for the fiscal year was estimated at 6.5% and the size of the Indian economy rose to 330.68 trillion rupees ($3.87 trillion) as of the end of March. Economists said that while economic growth in the current fiscal year could be affected by global uncertainties weighing on near term investment intentions, a strong monsoon, tax cuts announced by the government and continued interest rate cuts could support domestic demand. New Zealand hails trade talks: New Zealand's deputy prime minister said on Friday that talks over a free trade agreement between his country and India were ongoing, but he didn't provide a timeline for when the two nations could eventually sign a deal. Winston Peters, who is on a two-day visit to India, said that the negotiations were 'going with real meaning now,' calling them 'a breakthrough in our economic relationship.' India and New Zealand began negotiations in March for a trade pact, and had aimed to sign a deal in 60 days. The deal will significantly bolster economic ties between the two countries, but it has faced delays because of differences over tariffs on dairy products. Bilateral trade between India and New Zealand stood at $1.7 billion in the 2023-24 financial year. Talks between India and New Zealand were taking place amid global trade tensions, after US President Donald Trump's decision to impose now-paused reciprocal tariffs on imported goods from several countries, including India. Earlier this month, India and the United Kingdom clinched a trade deal. India is also engaged in trade talks with Washington. Peters, who met with India's Group of 20 emissary, Amitabh Kant, in New Delhi, said that India was New Zealand's 12th-largest partner in trade and 'we are determined that we're going to work to change that.' 'Our strengths, from food and beverage products to agriculture, forestry, horticulture, education and tourism are world class. And our innovation in areas like outer space and renewable energy will find a welcoming partner in India,' he said. Peters said that the relationship between the two countries extended to defense and security, calling it a 'priority for New Zealand in the Indo-Pacific.' Agencies
Al Etihad
5 hours ago
- Al Etihad
TRENDS participates in Glacier Conservation Conference in Tajikistan
31 May 2025 10:53 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)TRENDS Research & Advisory participated in a high-level international conference on glacier conservation, which was held in Dushanbe, conference was inaugurated by Emomali Rahmon, President of the Republic of Tajikistan.A delegation from TRENDS represented the centre at the conference, led by senior researcher Abdulaziz Al Shehhi, deputy head of the research Shehhi delivered a speech on behalf of TRENDS CEO Dr. Mohammed Al Ali, in which he underscored that melting glaciers represent one of the most alarming consequences of climate change. He emphasised the urgent need to strengthen international cooperation, and reaffirm commitment to implementing global agreements, such as the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement and the landmark UAE declaration issued at Mohammed Al-Ali emphasised that transitioning to renewable energy represents a strategic response to global warming. He highlighted the need to scale up renewable energy production, and to enhance energy efficiency by 2030, in line with the targets of the COP28 Conference. The UAE as a ModelThe UAE is a pioneering model of adopting renewable energy projects. It plans to use 44% of its energy from renewable sources by 2050, with investments of up to $163 billion in solar technologies and sustainable development initiatives. Dr. Al Ali highlighted some key undertakings, such as Masdar City, the world's first carbon-emission-free city; the three largest operational solar power plants globally, with a fourth under construction; and the world's most prominent single-site solar collector. Research InstitutionsDr. Mohammed Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS, emphasised the pivotal role of research institutions in offering innovative policy recommendations, and in supporting international efforts to address climate change. He reaffirmed TRENDS' commitment to advancing research and studies that contribute to realising global sustainability objectives. Dr. Al-Ali also appreciated the government of Tajikistan hosting this vital conference. He expressed hope that its outcomes would significantly advance global climate action and the protection of the planet for future generations. TRENDS' participation stems from its mission, which is based on supporting knowledge and innovation. Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi
Al Etihad
21 hours ago
- Al Etihad
Inaugural M&I Expo to take place in Abu Dhabi
30 May 2025 19:08 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Worldwide Events have signed a strategic partnership to host the highly anticipated M&I Expo in Abu Dhabi from April 14-16, 2026. M&I, a leading events provider and global innovator in the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector and a recognised event brand within the portfolio of Worldwide Event's, will bring to Abu Dhabi the MICE 1,000, a curated group of the most senior, influential decision-makers in the global MICE industry for three days of networking, knowledge-sharing, and business exclusive event, to be hosted at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), further cements Abu Dhabi's growing position as a global MICE hub, with the goal to strengthen collaboration and mutual value creation, while shaping a robust future for the sector in the emirate.M&I Fest Global, M&I Expo in Abu Dhabi will feature immersive booths, compelling branded spaces and storytelling-driven showcases attracting global exhibitors, including tourism boards, convention and visitor bureaus (CVBs), major hotel brands, conference centres, destination management companies (DMCs), and technology providers who will present their offerings to an audience of high-calibre industry Al Shamsi, Abu Dhabi Convention & Exhibition Bureau Director, DCT Abu Dhabi said: 'Hosting the M&I Expo in Abu Dhabi reinforces the emirate's strength and sustained growth as a premier destination for business events and incentive travel. Our latest achievement reflects our strategic commitment to building a world-class MICE ecosystem offering cutting-edge event venues and exceptional hospitality rooted in our core cultural values. With iconic venues such as Qasr Al Watan and Yas Marina Circuit, complemented by Abu Dhabi's diverse leisure attractions such as the newly opened teamLab Phenomena, we are confident this event will showcase the very best of what our destination has to offer.'Abu Dhabi's emergence as a global MICE destination is complemented by a diverse, value-added offering across heritage, entertainment, adventure and beyond, and driven by the strategic vision of DCT Abu Dhabi to enhance infrastructure and support event organisers and industry Barnes, CEO of M&I said: 'Following the success of two incredible editions of M&I Fest in 2024 and 2025, the event has naturally evolved into something bigger and bolder. M&I Expo aims to deliver more valuable connections than any show that's previously existed. We don't want to become another big faceless exhibition where quality is diluted, time is wasted, and people are lost; our focus is on quality over quantity, we aim to attract the right level of delegates: M&I Expo caters exclusively to the elite of the MICE industry; the 1,000 most influential players in the MICE industry: the MICE 1,000. We believe that 1,000 is the sweet spot, not too big, not too small. It's just the right size.'The M&I Expo programme will feature M&I's market-leading one-to-one pre-scheduled meeting format alongside a fully inclusive networking programme with hosted lunches, evening socials, and keynote addition to the exhibition programme, buyers will have the opportunity to experience Abu Dhabi firsthand; engaging with its unique venues, culture, and hospitality offering. Hosting the M&I Expo aligns with Abu Dhabi's Tourism Strategy 2030, which aims to establish the emirate as a global leader in culture and tourism, while serving as a catalyst for diversified economic growth. Business events such as M&I Expo are instrumental in advancing this vision, contributing to tourism sector development, promoting knowledge exchange, fostering innovation and creating lasting benefits for all announcement comes as Abu Dhabi's tourism sector continues to grow in 2025, welcoming 1.4 million overnight guests in the first quarter alone. International visitation increased compared to the same period in 2024, with strong performance from key source markets including India, China, Russia, the UK, and the USA.
