The 12th edition of Agriteq, Qatar’s national agricultural exhibition, kicked off at the Katara Cultural Village, running from February 4 to February 8, 2025. This landmark event has drawn leaders and innovators from Qatar's agricultural sector, all converging under the common goal of pushing for innovation within the framework of the nation’s National Vision 2030.
Organized by the Ministry of Municipality, Agriteq 2025 is poised to host over 300 participants from both local and international backgrounds, welcoming around 10,000 visitors, industry professionals, and fervent supporters of agricultural progress. The exhibition provides not only exhibits but also over 50 workshops and seminars, offering valuable insights and knowledge-sharing opportunities to attendees.
During the inauguration, Qatar’s Minister of Municipality, Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdullah Al Attiyah, emphasized the country’s commitment to merging sustainability with innovation to achieve comprehensive growth. He remarked, "Our dedication to holding sustainability and innovation hand-in-hand is to facilitate comprehensive development throughout Qatar." This sentiment resonates perfectly with the exhibition's overarching theme.
Agriteq 2025 aims to spotlight key agricultural sectors, including plant activities, the food industry, gardening and landscaping, animal and livestock activities, and fishery industries. Several diplomatic missions were present, exhibiting their nations’ agricultural products, including honey, distinct oils, and authentic dates. The UAE’s Ministry of Climate Change and Environment was accorded the honor of being the guest of honor for this year’s prestigious event.
Sponsors of Agriteq 2025 include significant players like Mazzraty, Baladna, Heenat Salma Farm, Hassad Food Company, Agrico, and Rayyan. Among the notable undertakings is the Agricultural Data Digitization Project, promoted by the Ministry of Municipality alongside Hassad Food. This initiative aims to create a comprehensive digital infrastructure enriched with up-to-date data to support informed decision-making concerning production, distribution, and enhanced food security.
Recent statistics showcase the importance of agricultural output; Qatar’s agricultural supply imports amassed to 3,441,182 tons from January 2024 to January 2025. Last year, local supply reached 373,372 tons, achieving self-sufficiency at 13 percent, which officials view as a step toward more sustainable practices. Notably, September 2024 marked the peak supply month, with 386,843 tons across various agricultural products.
The largest food and dairy producer from Qatar, Baladna, showcased its facilities through interactive tours. Here, they emphasized their innovative approach, particularly detailing their circular, self-sufficient agricultural practices involving water filtration and manure production. Visitors learned how these processes contribute to Qatar's sustainability goals.
Another engaging element of the exhibition was Agrico’s dedication to hydroponics—a method of plant cultivation using water-based nutrient solutions instead of soil. Eugene De Jongh, managing partner at Apex Waste Solutions and Management, explained, "Agrico has focused on farming practices... Hydroponics is more sustainable... We are able to produce more in this arid environment." This illustrated commitment to efficient resource management stands at the forefront of Agriteq's theme.
Heenat Salma Farm, one of the exhibition's Gold Sponsors, also showcased the significant results of growing over 46 crops adapted to Qatar’s specific environmental conditions. Dr. Guillaume de Vaulx praised the farm’s vision, stating, "We work with Qatar natural conditions and we develop life with life, nature by nature, enhancing the soil." This philosophy reflects Heenat Salma Farm's approach, which intertwines agriculture and environmental stewardship.
Agriteq 2025 exemplifies how Qatar is strategically positioning itself within the global agricultural sphere, all whilst addressing food security and sustainability demands. It showcases not just the progress made within Qatar's agricultural sector but serves as inspiration for future innovations to come. This exhibition is more than just display booths; it is about cultivating ideas and demonstrating commitment to fostering growth and sustainability for numerous generations to come.