Abu Dhabi Inaugurates Global Food Week 2026 and International Security Summit
Under the patronage of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi has launched its largest Global Food Week, bringing together 2,580 exhibitors from 92 countries to advance food security, agricultural innovation and sustainable supply chains.
Abu Dhabi has inaugurated Global Food Week 2026 and the Global Food Security Summit, two landmark international events designed to foster collaboration among governments, private sector leaders and experts in addressing the world’s most pressing food security challenges. The inauguration was attended by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs, alongside senior government officials and international delegates.
Record-Breaking Scale and International Participation
Organised by ADNEC Group in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA), Global Food Week 2026 represents a significant expansion of the event’s scope and influence. The exhibition spans more than 42,000 square metres and features 2,580 exhibitors and brands from around the world, reflecting a 25 per cent increase in exhibition space and an 18 per cent rise in participants compared with the previous edition. International participation has reached 92 countries, marking a 23 per cent increase, with companies from 33 countries represented alongside 67 per cent participation from national pavilions.
The event covers eight specialised sectors representing the complete food value chain, creating opportunities for cooperation, trade and investment. Small and medium-sized enterprises account for 22 per cent of exhibitors, underscoring the platform’s role in supporting business growth and connecting emerging companies with buyers and investors.
Strategic Focus on Food Systems Resilience
The Global Food Security Summit, convening under the theme Global Collaboration for Food Security for All, brings together government officials, international institutions and private sector leaders alongside speakers from 30 countries. The summit’s focus centres on strengthening the readiness of food systems to withstand future disruptions through innovation, technology, investment and policy frameworks that support supply chain sustainability.
His Excellency Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade, emphasised that ensuring global food security extends beyond increasing agricultural production to building interconnected, resilient and adaptive food systems. He highlighted that the UAE’s trade in food, agricultural and related products reached US$41.8 billion in 2025, reflecting the nation’s pivotal role in supporting global trade flows and enhancing food supply security.
Abu Dhabi’s Agricultural Transformation Strategy
The summit marked the formal unveiling of Abu Dhabi’s Agricultural Transformation Strategy, launched under the patronage of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan. This comprehensive strategy is built around five principal pillars and 13 transformational programmes aimed at enhancing self-sufficiency, improving resource-use efficiency, strengthening resilience and food security, enabling technology and innovation, and providing financial support for sector growth.
The strategy sets an ambitious target to raise self-sufficiency in basic food commodities to 70 per cent by 2040 whilst improving the efficiency of natural resource use and reducing irrigation water consumption. His Excellency Dr Tareq Ahmed Al Ameri, Acting Director-General of ADAFSA, affirmed that Abu Dhabi’s hosting of such global events reinforces its standing as an international centre for dialogue and partnership-building in agriculture, food security and sustainability.
Innovation and Technology Integration
Global Food Week 2026 showcases the latest advancements in agricultural technology and food system innovation. The UAE continues to invest in future technologies including vertical farming, hydroponics and precision fermentation, with Dubai Food Tech Valley attracting US$50 billion in investment to support sustainable and efficient food systems. The event highlights the pivotal role of the private sector in translating innovation into commercially scalable projects and driving investment across production, storage, manufacturing and logistics.
Specialised Sector Initiatives
The current edition features several inaugural specialised components. The Abu Dhabi Honey Symposium & Exhibition, organised in cooperation with the International Federation of Beekeepers’ Associations, represents the largest scientific gathering for the beekeeping sector in the Middle East and North Africa. The Abu Dhabi Date Palm Exhibition brings together producers, investors and innovators to explore advanced solutions in this vital sector.
The Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Agricultural Excellence Pavilion has attracted more than 150 Emirati farmers, livestock breeders and beekeepers to showcase their products and experiences to investors and the public. The newly launched Fodder Market marks the animal feed sector’s first participation, showcasing technologies and solutions that support sustainable animal wealth production.
Access and Investment Opportunities
Global Food Week 2026 introduces the ‘Your Gateway to Abu Dhabi – Access Abu Dhabi’ platform, which provides comprehensive information on investment opportunities in the agricultural and food sectors, facilitating the establishment and expansion of businesses in the emirate. The expanded Shop at the Show experience enables direct purchasing from exhibitors, strengthening producer-consumer interaction and providing companies with integrated platforms to reach new customer segments.
The Republic of India serves as guest of honour, reflecting the strategic partnership between the UAE and India and opening new horizons for cooperation in food, agriculture and investment.
Source: Abu Dhabi Media Office