Latest news with #NationalAgricultureCentre
Sharjah 24
a day ago
- Business
- Sharjah 24
Sheraa, National Agriculture Centre forge strategic partnership
Attendance The ceremony was attended by Dr Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment; Najla Ahmed Al Midfa, Vice Chairperson of the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre (Sheraa); Sultan Salem Al Shamsi, Director of the National Agriculture Centre; and Sara Abdulaziz Al Nuaimi, CEO of Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre (Sheraa). Building a resilient and sustainable food future for UAE Sultan Salem Al Shamsi said: 'This partnership reflects our continued commitment to the leadership's vision of building a resilient and sustainable food future for the UAE. Supporting innovation and empowering entrepreneurs and Emirati farmers is central to our strategy for enhancing national agricultural production and competitiveness. Through our strategic collaboration with Sheraa, we aim to create an enabling environment that nurtures pioneering ideas and transforms them into impactful ventures. These efforts will lead to the development of climate-smart technological solutions, help reduce agricultural waste and improve resource efficienc—directly supporting our national goals for food security and sustainable agricultural growth.' He added: 'The signing of this agreement during the Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition underscores the importance we place on the synergy between government entities, the private sector and entrepreneurship enablers. This collaboration ensures that necessary support is extended to farmers and young entrepreneurs, enabling them to play an active role in the transition towards modern, sustainable agricultural systems.' Sustainable agriculture Sara Abdulaziz Al Nuaimi, CEO of Sheraa, said: 'This partnership stems from a shared belief that sustainable agriculture forms the foundation for future readiness and acts as a key driver of innovation. Sheraa remains committed to empowering entrepreneurs to turn challenges into opportunities. Through the Sheraa Centre of Excellence for Sustainability, and in collaboration with the National Agriculture Centre, we are supporting a new generation of founders by equipping them with the tools, knowledge, and networks they need to build impactful ventures that strengthen food security, enhance climate resilience, and contribute to a diversified, future-ready economy.' The MoU outlines a broad framework for cooperation aimed at advancing the agri-entrepreneurship ecosystem in the UAE. This includes supporting startups within the sector, promoting knowledge exchange, and launching joint initiatives. The partnership also seeks to promote innovation in sustainable agriculture and agricultural technology. The initiative is expected to empower local farmers by introducing them to innovative solutions developed by startups, encouraging the adoption of climate-smart farming practices and creating new opportunities to scale their operations—further enhancing their contribution to the national food security agenda. MoUs The meeting also featured the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the National Agriculture Centre and the New Economy Academy to establish a framework for joint cooperation in developing and implementing training programmes, capacity-building initiatives, and institutional collaboration within the agricultural sector. The MoU aims to design and deliver specialised training and awareness programmes in agriculture, thereby enhancing the competencies of professionals and stakeholders and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. The agreement seeks to strengthen the innovation ecosystem and facilitate knowledge transfer by building the technical capabilities of national talent, supporting sustained excellence and the adoption of advanced agricultural technologies. It aims to contribute to sustainable development and food security through targeted educational and awareness initiatives that engage various segments of society, raise environmental and food-related awareness, and advance sustainability goals. The MoU also includes the development of effective governance, monitoring, and evaluation mechanisms to ensure the effective implementation of agreed initiatives, guided by clear performance indicators. These mechanisms are intended to maximise impact, ensure accountability, and foster the continuous improvement of joint cooperation programmes. Another Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and the Emirates Growth Fund (EGF) to establish a general framework for cooperation aimed at fostering economic growth and sustainable development in the UAE. The agreement supports projects and initiatives that align with the nation's environmental goals, the National Food Security Strategy 2051, and the 'We the UAE 2031' vision. Under the terms of the MoU, both parties will collaborate to identify priority areas within sustainable agriculture and food security. This includes developing a portfolio of high-impact initiatives and projects eligible for support by the Fund, ensuring alignment with national strategies such as the National Food Security Strategy 2051 and the UAE's Net Zero 2050 Strategy. The MoU also emphasises the importance of supporting projects that strengthen food security while preserving environmental resources. Furthermore, it aims to stimulate investment in sustainable agriculture by introducing incentive mechanisms and promoting agricultural entrepreneurship.
Mid East Info
a day ago
- Business
- Mid East Info
National Agriculture Centre and Sheraa Forge Strategic Partnership to Advance AgriTech Entrepreneurship in the UAE
The partnership aims to foster innovation in the agricultural sector and support Emirati entrepreneurs and farmers in achieving national food security and sustainable development goals. Al Ain, United Arab Emirates – May 2025 – In a step towards fostering innovation in agriculture and strengthening sustainable food security, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) has announced a strategic partnership with the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre (Sheraa) to promote agritech entrepreneurship across the UAE. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the National Agriculture Centre and the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre (Sheraa) on the sidelines of the final day of the Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition in Al Ain. The ceremony was attended by Her Excellency Dr Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment; Her Excellency Najla Ahmed Al Midfa, Vice Chairperson of the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre (Sheraa); Sultan Salem Al Shamsi, Director of the National Agriculture Centre; and Her Excellency Sara Abdulaziz Al Nuaimi, CEO of Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre (Sheraa). Sultan Salem Al Shamsi said: 'This partnership reflects our continued commitment to the leadership's vision of building a resilient and sustainable food future for the UAE. Supporting innovation and empowering entrepreneurs and Emirati farmers is central to our strategy for enhancing national agricultural production and competitiveness. Through our strategic collaboration with Sheraa, we aim to create an enabling environment that nurtures pioneering ideas and transforms them into impactful ventures. These efforts will lead to the development of climate-smart technological solutions, help reduce agricultural waste and improve resource efficiency—directly supporting our national goals for food security and sustainable agricultural growth.' He added: 'The signing of this agreement during the Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition underscores the importance we place on the synergy between government entities, the private sector and entrepreneurship enablers. This collaboration ensures that necessary support is extended to farmers and young entrepreneurs, enabling them to play an active role in the transition towards modern, sustainable agricultural systems.' HE Sara Abdulaziz Al Nuaimi, CEO of Sheraa, said: 'This partnership stems from a shared belief that sustainable agriculture forms the foundation for future readiness and acts as a key driver of innovation. Sheraa remains committed to empowering entrepreneurs to turn challenges into opportunities. Through the Sheraa Centre of Excellence for Sustainability, and in collaboration with the National Agriculture Centre, we are supporting a new generation of founders by equipping them with the tools, knowledge, and networks they need to build impactful ventures that strengthen food security, enhance climate resilience, and contribute to a diversified, future-ready economy.' The MoU outlines a broad framework for cooperation aimed at advancing the agri-entrepreneurship ecosystem in the UAE. This includes supporting startups within the sector, promoting knowledge exchange, and launching joint initiatives. The partnership also seeks to promote innovation in sustainable agriculture and agricultural technology. The initiative is expected to empower local farmers by introducing them to innovative solutions developed by startups, encouraging the adoption of climate-smart farming practices and creating new opportunities to scale their operations—further enhancing their contribution to the national food security agenda. The meeting also featured the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the National Agriculture Centre and the New Economy Academy to establish a framework for joint cooperation in developing and implementing training programmes, capacity-building initiatives, and institutional collaboration within the agricultural sector. The MoU aims to design and deliver specialised training and awareness programmes in agriculture, thereby enhancing the competencies of professionals and stakeholders and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. The agreement seeks to strengthen the innovation ecosystem and facilitate knowledge transfer by building the technical capabilities of national talent, supporting sustained excellence and the adoption of advanced agricultural technologies. It aims to contribute to sustainable development and food security through targeted educational and awareness initiatives that engage various segments of society, raise environmental and food-related awareness, and advance sustainability goals. The MoU also includes the development of effective governance, monitoring, and evaluation mechanisms to ensure the effective implementation of agreed initiatives, guided by clear performance indicators. These mechanisms are intended to maximise impact, ensure accountability, and foster the continuous improvement of joint cooperation programmes. Another Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and the Emirates Growth Fund (EGF) to establish a general framework for cooperation aimed at fostering economic growth and sustainable development in the UAE. The agreement supports projects and initiatives that align with the nation's environmental goals, the National Food Security Strategy 2051, and the 'We the UAE 2031' vision. Under the terms of the MoU, both parties will collaborate to identify priority areas within sustainable agriculture and food security. This includes developing a portfolio of high-impact initiatives and projects eligible for support by the Fund, ensuring alignment with national strategies such as the National Food Security Strategy 2051 and the UAE's Net Zero 2050 Strategy . The MoU also emphasises the importance of supporting projects that strengthen food security while preserving environmental resources. Furthermore, it aims to stimulate investment in sustainable agriculture by introducing incentive mechanisms and promoting agricultural entrepreneurship.
Al Etihad
2 days ago
- Business
- Al Etihad
National Agriculture Centre, Sheraa forge strategic partnership to advance AgriTech entrepreneurship in UAE
1 June 2025 00:03 AL AIN (WAM) In a step towards fostering innovation in agriculture and strengthening sustainable food security, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) has announced a strategic partnership with the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre (Sheraa) to promote agritech entrepreneurship across the UAE.A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the National Agriculture Centre and the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre (Sheraa) on the sidelines of the final day of the Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition in Al ceremony was attended by Dr Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment; Najla Ahmed Al Midfa, Vice Chairperson of the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre (Sheraa); Sultan Salem Al Shamsi, Director of the National Agriculture Centre; and Sara Abdulaziz Al Nuaimi, CEO of Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre (Sheraa).Sultan Salem Al Shamsi said: 'This partnership reflects our continued commitment to the leadership's vision of building a resilient and sustainable food future for the UAE. Supporting innovation and empowering entrepreneurs and Emirati farmers is central to our strategy for enhancing national agricultural production and competitiveness. "Through our strategic collaboration with Sheraa, we aim to create an enabling environment that nurtures pioneering ideas and transforms them into impactful ventures. These efforts will lead to the development of climate-smart technological solutions, help reduce agricultural waste and improve resource efficienc—directly supporting our national goals for food security and sustainable agricultural growth.'He added: 'The signing of this agreement during the Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition underscores the importance we place on the synergy between government entities, the private sector and entrepreneurship enablers. This collaboration ensures that necessary support is extended to farmers and young entrepreneurs, enabling them to play an active role in the transition towards modern, sustainable agricultural systems.'Sara Abdulaziz Al Nuaimi, CEO of Sheraa, said: 'This partnership stems from a shared belief that sustainable agriculture forms the foundation for future readiness and acts as a key driver of innovation. Sheraa remains committed to empowering entrepreneurs to turn challenges into opportunities. Through the Sheraa Centre of Excellence for Sustainability, and in collaboration with the National Agriculture Centre, we are supporting a new generation of founders by equipping them with the tools, knowledge, and networks they need to build impactful ventures that strengthen food security, enhance climate resilience, and contribute to a diversified, future-ready economy.'The MoU outlines a broad framework for cooperation aimed at advancing the agri-entrepreneurship ecosystem in the UAE. This includes supporting startups within the sector, promoting knowledge exchange, and launching joint initiatives. The partnership also seeks to promote innovation in sustainable agriculture and agricultural initiative is expected to empower local farmers by introducing them to innovative solutions developed by startups, encouraging the adoption of climate-smart farming practices and creating new opportunities to scale their operations—further enhancing their contribution to the national food security meeting also featured the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the National Agriculture Centre and the New Economy Academy to establish a framework for joint cooperation in developing and implementing training programmes, capacity-building initiatives, and institutional collaboration within the agricultural sector. The MoU aims to design and deliver specialised training and awareness programmes in agriculture, thereby enhancing the competencies of professionals and stakeholders and promoting sustainable agricultural agreement seeks to strengthen the innovation ecosystem and facilitate knowledge transfer by building the technical capabilities of national talent, supporting sustained excellence and the adoption of advanced agricultural technologies. It aims to contribute to sustainable development and food security through targeted educational and awareness initiatives that engage various segments of society, raise environmental and food-related awareness, and advance sustainability goals. The MoU also includes the development of effective governance, monitoring, and evaluation mechanisms to ensure the effective implementation of agreed initiatives, guided by clear performance indicators. These mechanisms are intended to maximise impact, ensure accountability, and foster the continuous improvement of joint cooperation Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and the Emirates Growth Fund (EGF) to establish a general framework for cooperation aimed at fostering economic growth and sustainable development in the UAE. The agreement supports projects and initiatives that align with the nation's environmental goals, the National Food Security Strategy 2051, and the 'We the UAE 2031' the terms of the MoU, both parties will collaborate to identify priority areas within sustainable agriculture and food security. This includes developing a portfolio of high-impact initiatives and projects eligible for support by the Fund, ensuring alignment with national strategies such as the National Food Security Strategy 2051 and the UAE's Net Zero 2050 Strategy. The MoU also emphasises the importance of supporting projects that strengthen food security while preserving environmental resources. Furthermore, it aims to stimulate investment in sustainable agriculture by introducing incentive mechanisms and promoting agricultural entrepreneurship.
The National
3 days ago
- Politics
- The National
Environment minister sets out green goals as national agriculture centre and museum are launched
The Minister of Climate Change and the Environment has set out the UAE's green vision, supported by the launch of an agriculture hub to help develop a fresh crop of farmers and bolster food security, and a museum celebrating farming history. Dr Amna Al Dahak told The National about moves to champion home-grown produce as the Emirates launched the National Agricultural Museum and announced the start of operations by the National Agriculture Centre. The museum, inside the exhibition space at the Adnec Centre in Al Ain, takes visitors on an immersive journey charting the rise of UAE agriculture – from traditional oasis farming to today's high-tech greenhouses. It was unveiled as part of the four-day Emirates Agriculture Conference, which concludes on Saturday and has brought together governments bodies, start-ups and universities. 'As part of our national Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition, and this first edition, we made sure that we're not only talking about creating collaborations and partnerships in the agriculture sector for a sustainable growth but also to show the whole story behind the agricultural sector,' Dr Al Dahak told The National. The museum covers 100 square metres inside the sprawling exhibition space and is open to all conference attendees. 'It captures three time zones,' Dr Al Dahak said. 'One is the past, since the inception of the UAE and the start of agricultural development, specifically when it started in Al Ain, then moving to the current state of agriculture, and then looking at the future of agriculture.' 'We have interactive experiences, because you need to ensure that the audience move out of it with new knowledge, with new understanding and new vision of how they can support the sector.' Dr Al Dahak said the museum's future extends beyond the agriculture exhibition and an announcement on that would be made soon after the event. National Agriculture Centre starts operations The National Agriculture Centre is a flagship initiative under the Plant the Emirates national programme. Mohammed Saeed Al Nuaimi, undersecretary of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, outlined ambitious goals for the centre, including increasing productive farms by 20 per cent, expanding organic farms by 25 per cent and reducing agricultural waste by 50 per cent. 'This centre will be the engine room for agricultural transformation in the UAE,' he said. 'It will provide hands-on training, expert consultancy and tailored support to farmers while driving innovation through partnerships and applied research.' Veteran agribusiness leader Sultan Salem Al Shamsi was announced as the centre's director. With more than 25 years of experience in smart agriculture, agri-finance and value chain development, Dr Al Shamsi is expected to lead the centre's drive to make UAE-grown food more competitive in local and global markets. Young people at the centre of transformation Engaging young people has been a theme of the conference, with a youth council established to help involve the next generation. 'We're always capturing the interest, the vision and making the youth an inseparable part of the process of this development,' said Dr Al Dahak. The minister added that government, private sector, academic and international co-operation are vital to them UAE's farming future.
Al Etihad
4 days ago
- Business
- Al Etihad
Ministry of Climate Change & Environment signs strategic MoUs bolstering sustainability of agriculture sector
29 May 2025 23:53 AL AIN (WAM) The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) reaffirmed its dedication to sustainable food security, supporting local agriculture, and achieving environmental sustainability by signing several strategic Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs).In attendance of Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, seven agreements were signed during the first two days of the Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition 2025, held from May 28-31 at the ADNEC Centre in Al the first day, MOCCAE and Silal signed an MoU to build a safe, sustainable food system aimed at improving personal, community, and environmental agreement supports the UAE's goal of becoming a global leader in food security. The MoU focuses on creating a data-driven food strategy that combines local, regional, and international data to ensure a sustainable and fair food future based on scientific principles. The agreement was signed by Mohammed Saeed Al Nuaimi, Undersecretary of MOCCAE, and Salmeen Al Ameri, CEO of National Agriculture Centre and Lulu Retail signed an MoU to strengthen local agriculture by providing dedicated retail space for local products and establishing direct purchasing channels. This ensures accredited farmers can reach consumers with high-quality produce. The MoU was signed by Sultan Salem Al Shamsi, Director General of the National Agriculture Centre, and Ashraf Ali M.A., Executive Director of Lulu Group also signed an MoU with Barakat to enhance environmental sustainability through initiatives such as the "100-Mile Initiative," which reduces the farmer-consumer distance, upcycles food waste into animal feed, and utilises highly biodegradable plastic for its bottles. The partnership also includes the "Food Waste Recycling Initiative," aimed at converting food waste into animal MoU was signed by Dr. Mohammed Salman Al Hammadi, Assistant Undersecretary for the Food Diversity Sector at MOCCAE, and Kenneth D'Costa, Managing Director at Barakat Group of second day saw the signing of four further MOUs. The National Agriculture Center and Khalifa University of Science and Technology signed an agreement covering the Access Programme of the Agricultural Innovation Centre. The MoU will empower innovators in the field of food and agriculture by providing them with the necessary resources and supporting them with funding and mentorship, in line with the strategic objectives of the Food Innovation Hub agreement was signed by Sultan Salem Al Shamsi and Professor Ebrahim Al Hajri, President of Khalifa University of Science and and the Mohamed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) signed an MoU to create a laboratory focused on artificial intelligence innovation, research, and analysis. The goal is to boost collaboration in research, advanced technologies, and skill development. This initiative will deliver valuable studies to support shared goals. The MoU was signed by Mohammed Saeed Al Nuaimi and Professor Sami Haddadin, MBZUAI's VP of Research and Professor of Ministry signed an MoU with the University of Sharjah, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, the University of Khorfakkan, and the University of Al Dhaid to collaborate on agricultural research. The agreement focuses on exploring joint projects and activities in food security, research, studies, and capacity aims to strengthen cooperation between the Ministry and universities, leveraging their expertise and research centers. This collaboration will support the development of research projects and capabilities in the field of food security, for all parties involved. The MoU was signed by Mohammed Saeed Al Nuaimi; Professor Dr. Essam Eldin Agami, Director of the University of Sharjah; Professor Ebrahim Al Hajri, President of Khalifa University of Science and Technology; Professor Dr. Ali Hilal Alnaqbi, Chancellor of the University of Khorfakkan; and Professor Dr. Aisha Ahmed Bu Shlaibi, Chancellor of the University of Al and the Islamic Development Bank Group signed an amendment to the agreement between the UAE Government and the Islamic Development Bank Group regarding the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA). The amendment was signed by Mohammed Saeed Al Nuaimi, and Eng. Mohammed Jamal Al-Saati, Special Advisor to the President of the Islamic Development Bank, in the presence of Dr. Tarifa Alzaabi, Director General of ICBA. These MoUs show MOCCAE's commitment to working with partners to promote environmental sustainability, improve food security, and boost the national economy by adopting modern technologies and best practices in agriculture and food.
