News DeskAbu Dhabi, UAE – Under the patronage of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, Chairman of the Presidential Court, and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA), Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs, inaugurated the second edition of Global Food Week 2025 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) on Monday. The event will run until 23 October 2025.
The opening ceremony was attended by Dr Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment; Dr Abdullah Humaid Al Jarwan, Chairman of the Department of Energy – Abu Dhabi; senior officials, ambassadors, and international representatives, marking a strong global presence.
Following the inauguration, Sheikh Hamdan toured the exhibition halls, where he viewed pioneering technologies and sustainable solutions showcased by companies from across the world.
Growing international participation
This year’s edition has seen significant growth, with the exhibition area expanding by 15% to 33,542 square metres and the number of participating companies and brands rising by 9% to 2,070. Exhibitors represent 75 countries, including 18 newcomers, underscoring the event’s expanding global reach.
Emirati participation remains robust, with 1,055 national companies and brands—over half of all participants—reflecting the UAE’s growing leadership in agricultural innovation.
Sustainability at the core
In her opening remarks, Dr Amna Al Dahak said the event reinforces the UAE’s position as “a leading global platform where minds, policies, and investments converge to shape a sustainable and resilient food future.”
She noted that Global Food Week 2025 embodies the country’s leadership vision to prioritise sustainable food security, especially amid mounting global challenges related to climate change.
“This year’s edition translates that vision into tangible reality,” Dr Al Dahak said. “We do not speak of sustainability as a slogan, but as a continuous practice powered by innovation and modern technology.”
New features this year include the AgriTech Forum, the inaugural Agricultural Investment Forum, and the Alternative Proteins Pavilion, which explores future-focused food production such as lab-grown meat.
Integrating water, energy, and food
Dr Abdullah Humaid Al Jarwan highlighted the interconnectedness of food, water, and energy security, stressing the need for unified planning. He outlined the Department of Energy’s new comprehensive water management strategy, centred on supply security, usage efficiency, and economic viability.
He also showcased the department’s AD.WE platform, which uses artificial intelligence to analyse agricultural data, helping farmers save up to 10% in water usage through smart irrigation systems.
Empowering farmers and investors
Dr Tariq Ahmed Al Amri, Acting Director-General of ADAFSA, said Global Food Week is a “strategic milestone” in strengthening Abu Dhabi’s role as a global hub for agricultural innovation.
He emphasised the importance of farmer engagement through initiatives such as the Farmers’ Majlis and the Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Agricultural Excellence Award, both of which support knowledge exchange and promote investment opportunities.
A platform for global collaboration
Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and Group CEO of ADNEC Group, described the event as “a key milestone in positioning Abu Dhabi as a global hub for agricultural and food innovation.” He noted that this year’s programme features several regional firsts, including the Alternative Proteins Platform and the Agricultural Investment Forum, aimed at fostering global dialogue on sustainable food systems.
Similarly, Badr Al-Olama, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, said the event aligns with the National Food Security Strategy 2051, supporting Abu Dhabi’s economic diversification and sustainability goals through the AgriFood Growth and Water Abundance (AGWA) cluster.
Spotlight on date palm innovation
Dr Abdelwahab Zayed Al-Bukhari, Secretary-General of the Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation, praised the Abu Dhabi Date Palm Exhibition for advancing one of the UAE’s most resilient and heritage-rich crops. The platform connects local producers with international buyers, supports innovation in date-based products, and enhances the competitiveness of Emirati dates globally.
Building on strong momentum
Following the success of the inaugural edition, which attracted over 34,000 visitors and generated AED 6.2 billion in business deals, this year’s expanded event integrates multiple key exhibitions—including the 4th Abu Dhabi International Food Exhibition (ADIFE) and the 11th Abu Dhabi Date Palm Exhibition.
With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and cross-sector collaboration, Global Food Week 2025 is set to further cement Abu Dhabi’s leadership in shaping the future of global food systems and advancing a sustainable, food-secure world.
