6.6 billion dirhams, the proceeds of World Food Week deals in Abu Dhabi

ABU DHABI, 25 October / WAM / World Food Week 2025 in Abu Dhabi, which concluded its activities the day before yesterday, witnessed the conclusion of 58 agreements with a total value of about 6.6 billion dirhams, recording a growth of 6.5% compared to the previous edition.

The ADNEC Group, one of Modon companies, in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority, the Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation, and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, organized the World Food Week 2025.

The event witnessed the return of its most prominent international exhibitions, the Abu Dhabi International Food Fair in its fourth edition and the Abu Dhabi Dates Exhibition in its eleventh edition, in addition to the launch of new events, including the Global Food Dialogues, the Agricultural Technology Forum, the Alternative Proteins Initiative, and a wide range of accompanying activities and events.

Over the course of three days, the week attracted more than 40,108 visitors, an increase of 16% compared to the 2024 edition, as they had the opportunity to see the latest food and beverage products presented by an elite group of local and international exhibitors.

The Hosted Buyers Program contributed to the remarkable success of the second edition of World Food Week in Abu Dhabi, and provided exhibitors and suppliers with the opportunity to communicate directly with more than 400 major buyers, through meetings specifically designed to meet their needs. This program contributed to enhancing the attendance of exhibitors and creating added value for all participants in the event.

The Global Food Dialogues concluded on the second day of World Food Week, which included more than 22 keynote speeches, panel discussions, presentations, and informal dialogue sessions, with the participation of 30 local and international experts in the food and beverage sector.

These sessions highlighted the most prominent trends shaping the future of food, including food security, resilient food systems, innovation, technology, and global best practices.

The Agricultural Technology Forum was launched for the first time during World Food Week, with the aim of empowering food producers and farmers around the world, enhancing communication between stakeholders, and supporting the UAE’s vision of achieving sustainability and food security.

The forum began its activities on the first day with discussion panels that addressed ways to drive innovation in the various stages of the agricultural process, while the second day witnessed the launch of the Agricultural Investment Forum, which focused on promoting sustainable development, developing the food security system, and creating an attractive environment for agricultural investments, by reviewing inspiring success stories from various parts of the country.

The forum also included educational sessions that highlighted more than 30 diverse investment opportunities aimed at supporting sustainable growth in the agricultural sector.

The third day of the forum was devoted to the topic of agriculture and scientific research, as a group of experts presented the latest studies that contribute to enhancing food security in arid environments.

The sessions covered multiple topics, including sustainable animal production, honey bee health, sustainable agriculture as a strategic tool for food security, as well as developments in sustainable agriculture research and artificial intelligence technology.

The Farmers Zone hosted a group of local farmers, providing them with a dedicated platform to showcase the diversity and richness of UAE agricultural products, and highlighting their vital role in strengthening the national food security system.

Through this initiative, farmers have the opportunity to connect directly with international buyers, major distributors, and hospitality groups, enhancing their business presence and growth opportunities.

The event also witnessed a special honoring of local farmers at the Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Agricultural Excellence Award pavilion, which hosted more than 150 distinguished farmers, livestock breeders and honey producers from various emirates of the country, in celebration of their contributions to the development of the local agricultural sector.

Within the framework of innovation, World Food Week launched a number of new initiatives, the most prominent of which is the Alternative Proteins Initiative presented by the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, which reviewed the latest innovations in the field of plant, fermented and cultivated proteins.

An elite group of industry leaders participated in specialized panel discussions, during which they shared their visions about the advanced technologies that are leading this sector and reshaping the future of food globally.

Among the distinguished events hosted by the week was the National Coffee Tasting Championship, organized by the Specialty Coffee Association in the United Arab Emirates, in which 48 contestants competed to determine the type of cup of coffee from among various samples.

Adeola Peter Akingbade from Laura Coffee was crowned champion, and this competition highlighted the high skills of Emirati coffee tasters at the local and international levels, as the winner qualified to represent the country in the World Coffee Tasting Championship next year.

In another context, the international gourmet show provided an interactive experience for visitors, as they had the opportunity to learn cooking techniques from international chefs who have won a Michelin star, through live performances and educational lessons that covered local and international dishes.

These events enabled attendees to interact directly with culinary experts, discover new flavors, and enhance their skills in an inspiring educational environment.

World Food Week 2025 embodied a collective commitment to ensuring food security for future generations, taking advantage of Abu Dhabi’s strategic location as a leading global center for agricultural innovation and trade.

The event formed a strong platform that highlights the UAE’s leadership in the field of food resilience, and its pivotal role as a global center for supply, investment, and innovation in the food sector.

• For more: Follow Khaleejion 24 Arabic, Khaleejion 24 English, Khaleejion 24 Live, and for social media follow us on Facebook and Related