Abu dhabi: A ministerial session at the Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition 2026 highlighted the growing role of Emirati women and youth in shaping the future of sustainable agriculture and national food security. The session, titled Roots Extending to Tomorrow: The Future of Agriculture Under Emirati Women's Leadership, brought together ministers, senior officials, and youth representatives.
According to Emirates News Agency, the session is part of national efforts to enhance youth and women's participation in key sectors and strengthen their contribution to agricultural sustainability. Participants included Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment; Dr. Sultan bin Saif Al Neyadi, Minister of State for Youth Affairs; and Ghannam Butti Al Mazrouei, Secretary-General of the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council (ETCC).
Moderated by Hamad Mohammed Al Kaabi from the Emirates Youth Council for Agriculture, the session underscored strong government collaboration to empower Emirati talent and position agriculture as a strategic sector linked to sustainability, innovation, and food security. During the session, a specialised guide was launched to highlight current and future opportunities for Emirati women in agriculture, aiming to raise awareness of career pathways and encourage their role in innovation and sustainability.
A dedicated track under the Agricultural Empowerment Programme of the Emirates Youth Council for Agriculture was also announced, providing a supportive ecosystem for women to enhance their skills and professional and entrepreneurial capabilities. Dr. Amna Al Dahak emphasized that in the UAE, women are strategic partners and a pillar of the sector's sustainability, and sustainable food security cannot be achieved without empowering women and youth.
Dr. Al Neyadi noted that participation in the conference reflects a continued commitment to increasing youth engagement in strategic sectors, particularly agriculture and food security. He highlighted the evolving nature of the sector through advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, which offer new opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship.
Al Mazrouei pointed out the growing role of Emirati women in future-focused sectors, noting that agriculture offers opportunities to contribute to a competitive and sustainable economy. He highlighted the NAFIS programme as a key platform supporting Emirati talent in the private sector, with women accounting for 74 percent of its beneficiaries.
The session reinforced the importance of investing in national talent, particularly women and youth, to drive innovation and sustainability in agriculture and support the UAE's long-term food security goals.
