AL AIN, 30th May, 2025 (WAM) -- The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE), in collaboration with the Federal Youth Authority, has announced the launch of the Emirates Youth Council for Agriculture.
The initiative aims to empower young Emiratis to contribute to agricultural innovation, sustainability and national food security.
The announcement was made during the third day of the inaugural Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, at the ADNEC Centre in Al Ain.
The council’s launch was attended by Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment; Sana bint Mohammed Suhail, Minister of Family; and Dr. Sultan bin Saif Al Neyadi, Minister of State for Youth Affairs.
Dr. Al Dahak said the new council will play a pivotal role in enhancing youth engagement in the agricultural sector, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to tackle environmental and food security challenges.
“This council is a platform for innovation, a catalyst for change, and a channel for impactful youth-led initiatives,” she said.
Sana Suhail noted the initiative supports national values by promoting youth involvement in a strategic sector that contributes to sustainable income and family stability. “Agriculture is a pillar of Emirati society, reflecting our culture and resilience,” she said.
Dr. Al Neyadi stressed the UAE’s commitment to youth empowerment, noting the launch of the council aligns with the National Youth Agenda 2031.
“Youth Councils today are not just platforms for dialogue, but national laboratories for ideas and execution, especially in vital sectors like agriculture and sustainability,” he said.
The Emirates Youth Council for Agriculture brings together young experts from across the UAE representing government, private sector and related fields. The council will support youth-led research, smart agricultural practices and community awareness campaigns.
Members include: Mahra Al Mazrouei, Saeed Al Rumaithi, Hamad Al Karbi, Asma Ameer, Yousef Al Raisi, Abdulrahman Al Ali, Salem Al Saeedi, Mahra Al Mazrouei, Bashayer Al Zaabi, Mansour Al Hosani, Taif Al Raisi, Al Maha Al Muhairi, Amal Al Muhairi, Laila Al Dhaheri and Saeed Al Muhairi.
As part of Youth Day activities, a Youth Circle titled From the Family Begins Agriculture: A Foundation for Cultivating Environmental and National Belonging was held, moderated by Laila Al Dhaheri. The session featured remarks by Dr. Al Dahak, Sana Suhail and Dr. Al Neyadi.
Speakers discussed the role of families in fostering early appreciation for agriculture and its connection to identity and heritage. Dr Al Dahak said the UAE continues to be guided by the legacy of the UAE's Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, whose vision connected agriculture to civilisation.
“Instilling a love for agriculture nurtures loyalty and belonging. It’s not only about food, but about connection to the land, heritage and future,” she said.
Sana Suhail added, “Agriculture is a way of life. As families, we must raise generations that understand its value and embrace its role in securing our future.”
Dr. Al Neyadi noted, “The journey starts with the family. Every youth-led idea in agriculture adds value and contributes to the UAE’s sustainability goals.”
The Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition 2025 is part of the Plant the Emirates national programme, inspired by the legacy of Sheikh Zayed. It supports UAE food security, expands green areas, and encourages home-based food production while promoting fresh, local, high-nutritional-value products to reduce carbon emissions and enhance environmental sustainability.