Al Ain: In a step towards fostering innovation in agriculture and strengthening sustainable food security, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) has announced a strategic partnership with the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre (Sheraa) to promote agritech entrepreneurship across the UAE. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the National Agriculture Centre and the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre (Sheraa) on the sidelines of the final day of the Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition in Al Ain.
According to Emirates News Agency, the ceremony was attended by Dr Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment; Najla Ahmed Al Midfa, Vice Chairperson of the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre (Sheraa); Sultan Salem Al Shamsi, Director of the National Agriculture Centre; and Sara Abdulaziz Al Nuaimi, CEO of Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre (Sheraa).
Sultan Salem Al Shamsi stated that the partnership reflects a commitment to building a resilient and sustainable food future for the UAE. He emphasized the importance of supporting innovation and empowering entrepreneurs and Emirati farmers to enhance national agricultural production and competitiveness. The collaboration with Sheraa aims to create an environment that nurtures pioneering ideas and transforms them into impactful ventures. These efforts are expected to lead to the development of climate-smart technological solutions, reduce agricultural waste, and improve resource efficiency, directly supporting national goals for food security and sustainable agricultural growth.
Sara Abdulaziz Al Nuaimi, CEO of Sheraa, shared that the partnership is based on a shared belief in the importance of sustainable agriculture for future readiness and innovation. Sheraa is committed to empowering entrepreneurs to turn challenges into opportunities. Through the Sheraa Centre of Excellence for Sustainability, and in collaboration with the National Agriculture Centre, they aim to support a new generation of founders by equipping them with the tools, knowledge, and networks needed to build ventures that strengthen food security, enhance climate resilience, and contribute to a diversified economy.
The MoU outlines a framework for cooperation aimed at advancing the agri-entrepreneurship ecosystem in the UAE, including support for startups, knowledge exchange, and joint initiatives. The partnership seeks to promote innovation in sustainable agriculture and agricultural technology.
The initiative is expected to empower local farmers by introducing them to innovative solutions developed by startups, encouraging the adoption of climate-smart farming practices, and creating opportunities to scale their operations, further enhancing their contribution to the national food security agenda.
Additionally, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the National Agriculture Centre and the New Economy Academy to establish a framework for cooperation in training programmes and capacity-building initiatives within the agricultural sector. This MoU aims to design and deliver specialised training and promote sustainable agricultural practices.
Another MoU was signed between the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment and the Emirates Growth Fund (EGF) to establish a framework for cooperation aimed at fostering economic growth and sustainable development in the UAE. This agreement supports projects aligned with the nation’s environmental goals, the National Food Security Strategy 2051, and the ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision. Under the MoU, both parties will collaborate to identify priority areas within sustainable agriculture and food security, develop high-impact initiatives, and stimulate investment in sustainable agriculture.
