In a pivotal gathering, His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President of the UAE, Deputy Prime Minister, and Head of the Presidential Court, chaired the inaugural meeting of the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) Board of Directors. This meeting focused on strategic topics aimed at enhancing sustainability within the agricultural sector and ensuring food security in Abu Dhabi, in alignment with the nation’s commitment to sustainable development and innovation.
Emphasising Food Security as National Security
In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), Sheikh Mansour stated, “During today’s first meeting of the newly formed Board of Directors of the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority, we discussed the agricultural transformation strategy and ways to utilise artificial intelligence to enhance our agricultural production and sustainability of resources.” He further emphasised, “Food security is part of our national security… We are committed to building a more efficient agricultural system that meets the future challenges and positions the UAE as a global model for development.”
Strategic Discussions and AI Integration
The council reviewed updates on the agricultural transformation strategy, exploring initiatives to harness artificial intelligence to bolster the food security framework, while also promoting smart agricultural practices. Programs designed to empower farmers and improve the efficiency of natural resource use were discussed, all aimed at boosting sustainable agricultural production and achieving Abu Dhabi’s food security objectives.
A Collaborative Approach for Future Sustainability
This inaugural meeting marks the first convening of ADAFSA’s Board of Directors under its new structure, which includes prominent members such as the Minister of Climate Change and Environment, Dr. Amina Abdullah Alshamsi; the Chairman of the Department of Municipalities and Transport in Abu Dhabi, Mohamed Ali Al Shafar; the Chairman of the Department of Economic Development in Abu Dhabi, Ahmed Jassem Al Zaabi; and the Chairman of the Department of Energy in Abu Dhabi, Dr. Abdullah Hamid Al Junaibi. The interim Director General of ADAFSA, Dr. Tarek Ahmed Al Amiri, was also present.
The council reaffirmed its commitment to developing a more efficient and sustainable agricultural and food system while fostering innovation and partnerships with various stakeholders. This approach seeks to support Abu Dhabi’s vision of establishing a progressive agricultural sector and a resilient food system capable of addressing future challenges.
Sheikh Mansour’s Vision:
• “We are committed to building a more efficient agricultural system that meets the future challenges and positions the UAE as a global model for development.”
