An Integrated Ecosystem Uniting Public and Private Sectors to Drive Agricultural Growth

The Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI) continues to advance the development of the agricultural sector and reinforce its pivotal role in achieving national food security through targeted initiatives and specialised advocacy working group. The agricultural development working group, comprising leading representatives from national companies, experts, and entrepreneurs, play a central role in uniting efforts between the public and private sectors, and in proposing policies and initiatives that support innovation and local production.

This commitment is further demonstrated by the Chamber’s participation in the Abu Dhabi International Food Exhibition 2025. The Chamber’s pavilion will host a number of national small and medium-sized enterprises operating in agriculture and food, with the aim of promoting their innovative products, enhancing their presence in local and global markets, and providing opportunities to forge new partnerships with investors and buyers from within the UAE and abroad.

Strategic Partnerships

Within its pavilion, the Chamber will showcase companies that have adopted innovative business based on advanced agricultural technologies and sustainable food production practices
Notable the most prominent exhibitors are: Gracia Farm, a leader in hydroponics and vertical farming; AlfaFa Agricultural, specialising in smart greenhouse systems and organic farming;  ReFarm Global, which applies a circular economy model to convert organic waste into productive resources that reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable agriculture; and Watermelon, which offers integrated digital solutions connecting suppliers, distributors, and companies within a unified ecosystem to streamline food sector operations.

Commenting on the occasion, H.E. Shams Ali Al Dhaheri, Second Vice Chairman and Managing Director of the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, affirmed that the Chamber’s participation in the exhibition is a continuation of its efforts to empower national SMEs, providing them with the opportunity to showcase their products to a wide audience of local and international investors and stakeholders. He noted that strengthening the participation of national companies in international exhibitions is a strategic step towards consolidating Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading centre for sustainable agriculture and food industries.

Sustainable Economic Growth

The agricultural and food sectors in Abu Dhabi are witnessing rapid growth, establishing themselves as key drivers of non-oil economic development and as fundamental pillars in the emirate’s journey towards sustainable economic diversification. According to data from the Statistics Centre – Abu Dhabi, the total value of trade in agricultural and food products accounted for approximately 3.2% of the emirate’s GDP in 2024, representing 6% of non-oil GDP. This underscores the sector’s vital role in supporting the local economy. Abu Dhabi’s exports of agricultural and food products reached AED 154 billion (USD 42 billion) in the same year, including animal products, vegetables, fertilisers, and prepared foods, achieving an annual growth rate of 62% a testament to the sector’s robust performance and rising investment appeal.

The Chamber has also recorded a notable increase in membership among companies operating in the food and beverage sector over the past two years, reflecting the expanding investment base and growing investor confidence in Abu Dhabi’s business environment. The first half of 2025 saw a 42.2% rise in new memberships compared to the same period in 2024.

This growth highlights the dynamic and evolving landscape of agribusiness in the emirate, as Abu Dhabi redefines the future of agriculture through the adoption of advanced climate control systems and hydroponic technologies, boosting crop productivity up to 30 times that of traditional methods. Estimates suggest that food production in the UAE is set to increase by up to 40% in the coming years, in parallel with accelerated growth in agri-tech, food manufacturing, and retail sectors—further strengthening the nation’s position as a global leader in food innovation, technology, and sustainability.

A Vision for the Future of Food

Representatives of participating companies expressed their appreciation to the Abu Dhabi Chamber for its ongoing efforts to support entrepreneurs and enable them to access international platforms. They emphasised that participation within the Chamber’s pavilion presents a unique opportunity to showcase local products and the modern agricultural methods adopted by national companies, opening new horizons for collaboration and investment in smart agriculture and sustainable food production.

The Abu Dhabi Chamber’s pavilion at the exhibition embodies its role as a key partner in supporting national companies and in consolidating the emirate’s position as a hub for innovation and sustainability in agriculture and food. This aligns with the Chamber’s 2025–2028 roadmap towards a diversified and sustainable economy that ensures a prosperous future for generations to come.