The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority's Agricultural Oasis exhibition continues daily at the Sheikh Zayed Festival to welcome visitors who are interested to know more about the agriculture sector, including its developments and achievements in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
The Agricultural Oasis exhibition offers visitors interesting insights in the history of agriculture of the UAE and how early Emiratis faced the challenges of water shortage and poor soil conditions. This prompted them to find practical solutions that enabled them to create the famous oases in Liwa and Al Ain, which both served as important food sources for the entire community.
Today, the country’s agriculture sector is entering a new phase of development with the help of modern technology and artificial intelligence, along with the application of best global agricultural practices.
The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority’s exhibit, in the current edition of the Festival, has a new and improved look with the aim of attracting as many visitors as possible and bringing the attention to the importance of application of modern technology and artificial intelligence to enhance food safety, agricultural sustainability, livestock, scientific research and other improvements.
The Agricultural Oasis exhibit also focuses on raising awareness among young people of the importance and future of agriculture through the learning corner, which provides viewing screens for students to show them the basics of modern agriculture and food safety.
In addition to this, a colouring and drawing station is also available as well as daily competitions that will educate children and school students on various aspects of agriculture, livestock, and honey production.
Badr Al Shehhi, spokesperson for the Abu Dhabi Authority for Agriculture and Food Safety, said: “ADAFSA focuses on presenting knowledge to Festival visitors about the development of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi in agriculture and its various aspects namely, food safety, food security and the improvements being made in pursuit of sustainable agricultural development.
The Authority seeks to familiarize the public with the services it provides to farmers, livestock breeders and food traders. All features of the Agricultural Oasis exhibit support the Authority’s strategic objectives to accomplish its sustainability goals, to adapt modern technology in support of local producers, enhance their market position and support farmers to strengthen the food security system.”
The Agricultural Oasis also features a section for "Beekeeping" to familiarize the public with the requirements of beekeeping, production of honey and the latest equipment used in honey production, as well as highlight the bee breeds of the UAE developed by the Authority. This section also highlights the benefits and advantages of Emirati honey.
The Sheikh Zayed Festival is an effective platform to encourage local products and enhance consumer confidence in the local production of fresh produce in Abu Dhabi farms. The farmers market located inside the Agricultural Oasis is presently enjoying a high turnout of visitors. They get to enjoy local produce and try various natural products, from fresh vegetables to natural honey and so much more.
ADAFSA has always been enthusiastic to participate in the Sheikh Zayed Festival since it became a strategic partner. The Authority recognizes the Festival as a perfect platform to highlight the developments of the agricultural sector in Abu Dhabi, which initially began with the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who worked tirelessly to find the best means to modernize the country's agricultural sector.