Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Award for Agricultural Excellence at Zayed Festival

Photo : Abu Dhabi Media Office

The Supreme Committee of the Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Agricultural Excellence Award (SMAEA) has announced its participation in the Sheikh Zayed Festival 2024-2025, which will take place in Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi, from November 1, 2024, to February 28, 2025. The festival, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, is set to showcase the rich history, culture, and heritage of the UAE.

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The third edition of the Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Agricultural Excellence Award, under the theme "Innovative Farmers and Breeders with a Sustainable Vision," will return to the festival with a wide array of activities. The event, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, aims to promote sustainable agricultural practices and recognize the achievements of local farmers and breeders.

Planned activities for this year's SMAEA participation include several festivals, such as the Al Wathba Agricultural Festival, the Al Wathba Food Festival, the Al Wathba Livestock Festival, the Al Wathba Honey Festival, and the debut of the Al Wathba Flower Festival. In addition to these, there will be seven livestock auctions and 87 competitions, with a combined prize pool of AED 4.4 million, to reward over 400 winners in various categories.

Her Excellency Mouza Suhail Al Muhairi, Chairman of the Supreme Committee of the Award, stated, "The Sheikh Zayed Festival provides an excellent platform to highlight the ongoing development of the agricultural sector in Abu Dhabi and the UAE. It helps support and recognize local farmers, livestock breeders, and producers by organizing competitions in agriculture, livestock, food, and honey production. This aligns with the vision of our wise leadership to foster agricultural development, enhance agricultural technology, and strengthen food security by encouraging the local community to support homegrown produce and promote sustainable practices."

She added that SMAEA’s festivals and competitions help raise public awareness of the agriculture sector, especially among the younger generation. She encouraged farmers, breeders, and commercial farms in the UAE to participate in the competitions, showcasing their commitment to innovation and sustainability.

One of the highlights of this year's participation will be the introduction of the Al Wathba Flower Festival, which aims to celebrate the beauty of flowers and their diverse uses. The event will focus on the UAE's efforts to develop the floral and agricultural beautification sectors using sustainable practices. 

The first event of SMAEA’s pavilion at the Sheikh Zayed Festival will be the Al Wathba Food Festival, running from November 1-30, 2024. This festival will feature 13 live cooking competitions, highlighting the use of local ingredients and Emirati recipes, giving visitors a chance to learn about traditional culinary practices.

Jaber Mohammed Al Neyadi, a member of the Supreme Committee of the Sheikh Zayed Festival, expressed his excitement about SMAEA’s participation, noting, "We are thrilled to welcome SMAEA’s pavilion back to the festival. Its various festivals and competitions have become a favorite among our visitors, and this year’s expanded participation is a testament to our successful collaboration. Together, we are supporting the growth of an important and vital sector in Abu Dhabi."

The SMAEA’s activities at the Sheikh Zayed Festival will provide a comprehensive platform for promoting innovation, sustainability, and excellence within the agricultural sector, fostering both community engagement and appreciation for local produce.