ADAFSA Unveils Ambitious Agricultural Transformation Strategy Through 2040
Abu Dhabi is charting a bold course towards becoming a global leader in sustainable agriculture, with a comprehensive strategy centred on innovation and resource efficiency.
Abu Dhabi is pursuing an ambitious transformation of its agricultural sector, positioning itself as a global exemplar of sustainable, technology-driven farming. Dr. Tareq Ahmed Al Ameri, Acting Director-General of the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA), outlined the strategic framework at Partners Forum 2026, held during Global Food Week.
The Agricultural Transformation Strategy, which reflects the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of ADAFSA’s Board of Directors, establishes a clear roadmap through 2040. At its core lies the principle of “Grow more with less”—a commitment to maximising productivity whilst minimising environmental impact and resource consumption.
The strategy establishes several transformative targets for 2040. Abu Dhabi aims to elevate its position in the Global Food Security Index to fifth worldwide, whilst expanding the agricultural sector’s contribution to GDP from AED9.5 billion to AED34.6 billion—representing growth of 264 percent. Self-sufficiency in essential food products is projected to rise from 30 percent to 70 percent, significantly strengthening the emirate’s food resilience.
Water stewardship represents a cornerstone of the initiative. The strategy targets a 49 percent reduction in irrigation water consumption, from 24,700 cubic metres per hectare to 12,700 cubic metres. Simultaneously, adoption of advanced agricultural technologies is expected to reach 70 percent of farms, with 75 percent gaining improved access to capital.
Five foundational pillars structure the approach: Self-Sufficient and Productive, Resource Efficient, Resilient, Safe and Secure, Tech-Enabled and Financially-Enabled. Implementation occurs through thirteen flagship programmes spanning the entire agricultural value chain—from infrastructure and production inputs through manufacturing, logistics and trade to consumption patterns.
Success requires collaborative effort across government, private sector, academic and research institutions. The Partners Forum 2026 convened more than 180 stakeholders, including 46 federal and local government entities, 25 private and agricultural sector organisations, 20 semi-government institutions and 14 academic, research and international bodies. These partnerships aim to drive innovation, enhance investment in modern technologies and enable farmers to adopt global best practices.
Dr. Al Ameri emphasised that Abu Dhabi possesses the necessary infrastructure, research capabilities and integrated ecosystem to realise this vision. The emirate seeks not only to transform its own agricultural landscape but to establish itself as an investment destination for agricultural innovation on the world stage.
Source: WAM