Ras Al Khaimah Farmers’ Council Charts Course for Strengthened Local Agriculture
Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak convenes dialogue between Ministry officials and farming community to streamline services, expand market opportunities and reinforce the sector's vital role in national food security
The voice of Ras Al Khaimah’s farming community found direct expression recently when Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, chaired the Farmers’ Council, an interactive forum established under the Zero Government Bureaucracy Programme. The gathering brought together around 30 farmers with senior Ministry officials and the National Agriculture Centre, creating space for candid discussion about the challenges farmers face and the opportunities that lie ahead for domestic agricultural production.
At its heart, the Council examined the intricate relationship between production, market access and national food security. Farmers shared their experiences managing the complexities of modern agriculture, from managing input costs and water efficiency to navigating crop protection and securing viable sales channels. The dialogue ranged across irrigation technologies, pest management strategies and the alignment of production with market demand, reflecting the sophistication required of contemporary farming operations across the Emirates.
Dr. Al Dahak emphasised the essential contribution farmers make to the national food system and outlined the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening this role through improved services and targeted support. The Council examined how agricultural extension services could be better tailored to individual farms and crop types, ensuring farmers receive advice suited to their specific circumstances and enabling them to adopt modern practices that enhance efficiency and resilience. As we have seen through the recent Global Food Week 2026, the UAE’s agricultural sector continues to gain recognition for its innovative approaches to sustainable food production.
Marketing and value creation emerged as central themes. Discussions explored expanding the presence of locally grown produce across retail outlets and food processing operations, with particular focus on developing partnerships between farmers, buyers and established companies. By connecting local crops to food processing enterprises, the Council recognised an opportunity to broaden demand and add value through the entire agricultural chain, from harvest through sorting, packaging and processing to final sale.
The expansion of market opportunities forms part of a broader strategy. The Ministry and National Agriculture Centre are developing collection centres and fostering partnerships with leading food processing companies, creating more sustainable channels through which farmers can access competitive returns and encourage investment in expanded production. This approach recognises that successful partnerships depend on farmers’ commitment to meeting partners’ needs while benefiting from the security of established sales relationships.
Technological advancement and sustainable practice featured prominently in conversations about the sector’s future. The Council acknowledged that modern techniques for irrigation efficiency, crop quality enhancement and loss reduction must be economically viable and supported by robust advisory services and technical training. This emphasis on technologies suited to farmers’ actual needs and resources reflects a pragmatic understanding of adoption barriers and the importance of practical support in driving change.
The feedback gathered during the Council will inform the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to simplify procedures, reduce bureaucratic obstacles and design support programmes rooted in farmers’ field experience. By listening directly to those who work the land, the Ministry recognised that service improvements must connect with the realities of production and marketing, ensuring that support mechanisms remain relevant and effective. This commitment to continuous improvement through farmer participation, officials noted, helps create broader opportunities for younger Emiratis considering careers in agriculture and food innovation.
What it means for Abu Dhabi
The Farmers’ Council represents a tangible commitment to strengthening Abu Dhabi’s agricultural foundation at a moment when food security remains a strategic priority. By creating formal channels for farmers’ voices to shape policy and service design, the UAE reaffirms that agricultural development depends on listening to those with the deepest knowledge of production challenges and opportunities. This approach supports the sector’s capacity to adapt to climate pressures and evolving market conditions whilst contributing more substantially to local food supply.
The emphasis on connecting farmers with food processing and retail partnerships reflects sophisticated thinking about the agricultural value chain. By expanding channels through which local produce reaches consumers and commercial partners, the UAE strengthens both farmer incomes and domestic capacity, creating a more resilient food system. The Council’s focus on young people considering agricultural careers also signals confidence in farming as a sector worthy of professional ambition and innovation, essential for the sector’s long-term vitality.
Source: WAM