Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President of the UAE, Deputy Prime Minister, Chairman of the Presidential Court and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA), the 2nd Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Security Week and Abu Dhabi International Food Exhibition (ADIFE) 2023 will take place on 20-22 November and 27-29 November 2023, respectively, at ADNEC.

ADAFSA is organising the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Security Week in partnership with ADNEC Group, which will organise the second edition of ADIFE and the Dutch company VNU Europe, the organisers of VIV MEA and Horti Agri Next MEA. In parallel, the UAE Microbiome: Human, Plant, and Environmental Health Conference 2023, will be organised in collaboration with the UAE University and the Khalifa Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (KGCEB).

ADIFE will provide a global platform to showcase the latest innovations and technologies in food processing and production, as well as forge partnerships and discover investment opportunities in this key sector.

It is expected to witness the announcement and signing of many contracts and partnerships between a wide range of government agencies and private sector entities, in addition to a series of meetings between buyers and suppliers in the various supply chains. The exhibition will be held in conjunction with the Ninth Abu Dhabi Dates Exhibition in partnership with the Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation.

ADIFE is expected to attract more than 600 exhibitors from more than 40 countries in addition to 20 international pavilions. Additionally, the event is expected to welcome thousands of visitors from around the world from professionals interested in the food and beverage sector and the food industry.

His Excellency Saeed Al Bahri Al Ameri, Director General of ADAFSA, said that the launch of these major events in Abu Dhabi reflects the increasing importance of the agriculture and food sector at the local and international levels. It also reaffirms Abu Dhabi's position as a hub for international companies to present and showcase the latest global technologies in agriculture, covering both plant and animal sectors, as well as food processing and production. It also aims to explore investment opportunities that will enhance the food security system and ensure a promising future for generations to come.

His Excellency Saeed Al Bahri Al Ameri, Director General of ADAFSA, said: "We are pleased to express our deep appreciation and gratitude for the great support provided by His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President of the UAE, Deputy Prime Minister, Chairman of the Presidential Court and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA), for the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Security Week, and the Abu Dhabi International Food Exhibition 2023 (ADIFE) and all events supporting the agricultural development process. This support reflects His Highness's firm commitment to strengthening the agricultural sector and ensuring the provision of food resources in a sustainable and healthy way for a bright future for our agricultural and food sector.”

His Excellency Saeed Al Bahri Al Ameri highlighted that the organisation of these events is in line with ADAFSA's strategy to achieve agricultural sustainability and global leadership in food security by keeping up with technological advancements and supporting investments that contribute to enhancing sustainable agricultural and food production. Additionally, it involves intensifying communication with stakeholders and experts to stay informed about the latest developments and best practices.

Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and CEO of ADNEC Group, said: "ADNEC Group is committed to supporting the efforts of the Abu Dhabi Government to advance various sectors and build a diversified and sustainable economy. We do this by organising events, exhibitions and conferences that contribute to developing the competitiveness of these sectors and enhancing the building of national competencies in these fields. This includes the agricultural production sector, which is a key pillar for building a competitive, diversified and sustainable economy. In line with this commitment, we are pleased to support the activities of the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Security Week, which highlights Abu Dhabi's leading position in building an integrated system to enhance food and agricultural production in line with the vision of our wise leadership to achieve food security.

"This week, ADNEC Group will host several major international exhibitions specialised in the food sector and agricultural production. The most important of these are the second edition of the Abu Dhabi International Food Exhibition (ADIFE) and the ninth edition of the Abu Dhabi Dates Exhibition. These exhibitions are being organised in line with the Abu Dhabi Government's directives to ensure food availability within an integrated system for food security using advanced technology and innovative applications to promote sustainable production in the sector. We will also host the VIV MEA 2023, which is the most prominent exhibition in the animal production sector.”

Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri emphasised the readiness of ADNEC and its international facilities to meet the requirements of these exhibitions and produce them in an optimal manner that befits Abu Dhabi's position and international reputation as the preferred destination for hosting major international events in the region and the world.

Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Security Week 2023 is the largest event dedicated to sustainable agriculture and food security in the MENA region. ADAFSA expects more than 600 exhibiting companies from more than 40 countries around the world, in addition to more than 10,000 visitors from agriculture and food production professionals from around 90 countries worldwide.

The exhibition also attracts many leading companies in the sector, as well as a range of experts, scientists, researchers and innovators from around the world. This year's edition will also highlight seed-to-food technologies for fruit and vegetable production.

The International Conference on the Microbiome is the largest scientific event during the week, as it includes an integrated package of valuable lectures, scientific seminars, seminars and workshops, which will be entitled Human and Plant Health - Applications and Challenges.

Another highlight of the week's programme is the FoodTech Transition Square, which is set to be constructed at the exhibition ground for the first time. It will bring together the realms of agriculture, livestock farming, and household farming, showcasing the latest technologies and innovations in food production.