WAM
30 May 2025

AL AIN, 29th May, 2025 (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 Ain.

On the first day, MOCCAE and Silal signed an MoU to build a safe, sustainable food system aimed at improving personal, community, and environmental health. This 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 Silal.

The 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 International.

MOCCAE 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 feed. The 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 Companies.

The 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 UAE. The agreement was signed by Sultan Salem Al Shamsi and Professor Ebrahim Al Hajri, President of Khalifa University of Science and Technology.

MOCCAE 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 Robotics.

The 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 building. It 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 Dhaid.

MOCCAE 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.