Under the esteemed patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the third edition of the Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Agricultural Excellence Award was celebrated, showcasing innovations and excellence within the agricultural sector of the United Arab Emirates. The glittering ceremony took place at the renowned Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, drawing significant attendance from senior officials, key stakeholders, and media representatives who gathered to honor the accomplishments of the winners.
Her Excellency Dr Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, emphasized the pivotal role played by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, who continuously supports the agricultural sector, striving for sustainability and food security. This year's award theme, "Innovative Farmers and Breeders with a Sustainable Vision," reflects the spirit of innovation and dedication among the participants.
"Today, we celebrate the winners of this award, which embodies a bold vision to support and encourage farmers, livestock breeders, and commercial farms to adopt best agricultural practices and the latest technologies," Dr Al Dahak declared during the event. She expressed pride over the remarkable growth of the awards, noting participation from over 451 competitors across various categories, which demonstrated the increasing commitment to sustainable agricultural practices.
The Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Agricultural Excellence Award is not merely recognition but forms part of the UAE’s comprehensive national strategy to bolster food security. This aligns with the National Food Security Strategy 2051 and the UAE's Net Zero 2050 Strategy, underscoring the drive toward innovation and environmental sustainability.
Dr Al Dahak also highlighted the importance of engaging the youth and fostering innovation within the agricultural sector. She praised farmers and innovators for their efforts to advance water conservation, biodiversity protection, and overall environmental sustainability. It is these very efforts, she noted, making the agricultural field not just about production but about healing the planet.
Echoing this sentiment, Her Excellency Mouza Suhail Al Muhairi, Chair of the Supreme Organizing Committee of the Award, noted the increasing caliber of submissions. "This edition was marked by a diverse range of high-quality submissions, which underwent rigorous evaluation by specialized committees," Al Muhairi articulated. The total prize fund amounting to AED 10 million signifies the UAE leadership's commitment to honoring agricultural excellence.
Since its inception, the award has catalyzed tremendous growth within the sector. The previous editions attracted 676 participants and saw the awarding of 107 winners, with total prizes worth AED 16.7 million. These achievements highlight the award's integral impact on encouraging agricultural excellence and fostering community collaboration.
Details of the ceremony's various categories showcased the depth of talent present, with winners such as Faisal Salem Al-Nuaimi crowned as the best farm for open agriculture and Saeed Meher Al Ketbi recognized for his greenhouse farming expertise. Notable winners also emerged from the categories of Best Fruit Production Farm and Best Organic Farm, reflecting the wide-ranging competitive spirit of the participants.
The event also honored the best producers, including winners like Fish Farm LLC for Best Small-Scale Producer and Mohammed Hadef Mohammed Al Nuaimi for Best Beekeeper. The recognition extended to diverse practices within agriculture including aquaculture and livestock production, illustrating the multifaceted nature of modern agriculture.
Collaborations with partners such as the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council, and prominent corporate sponsors like ADNOC Group and Lulu Group International were also highlighted during the evening, reinforcing the collaborative efforts necessary to advance agricultural initiatives.
Overall, the Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Agricultural Excellence Award is more than just an accolade; it embodies the UAE's strategic vision for sustainable development and food security. Dr Al Dahak concluded the awards ceremony by reminding all participants of the importance of their contributions, stating, "Your participation alone is not just commendable; it signifies progress on the path to excellence and innovation for future generations."