UAEU Announces Trilateral Strategic Partnership with ADAFSA and the Alternative National Service to Advance Food Security and Agricultural Research

The United Arab Emirates University held a press briefing on Thursday, February 20, 2025, in Al Ain to announce a tri-party strategic partnership between the university, the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA), and the Alternative National Service, aimed at enhancing scientific research in agriculture, food security, food safety, and livestock production. This initiative supports the national goals for sustainability and achieving food self-sufficiency by 2051.

H.E.Prof. Ahmed Ali Al Raeesi, Acting Vice Chancellor of the United Arab Emirates University, emphasized that this partnership reflects the university's commitment to advancing scientific research and strengthening collaboration with national institutions to support future food security strategies. He noted that the initiative provides a comprehensive research environment that allows students and conscripts to develop innovative solutions to agricultural and food challenges, contributing to the country's vision of food self-sufficiency.

H.E. Mouza Suhail Al Muhairi, Deputy Director General for Regulatory and Administrative Affairs at Abu Dhabi Agriculture Food and Safety Authority, explained that this collaboration represents a qualitative step towards achieving integration between research and practical institutions. She stated that the initiative contributes to developing sustainable solutions for the agriculture and food security sectors, with a focus on engaging national talents, including university students and conscripts. She added that supporting scientific research and hands-on training is key to achieving the sustainability of this vital sector.

During the briefing, details of the initiative were presented, which includes 40 student research projects, with the participation of 80 conscripts from the Alternative National Service and 80 students from UAEU, under the supervision of faculty members. The research projects will be conducted over a period of six months, starting on March 1, 2025, and continuing until September 2025, with the results to be presented at UAEU in the presence of officials from the participating entities.

The research will focus on improving agricultural techniques, enhancing livestock production, developing innovative solutions for food security, and supporting food safety in the country. The briefing also covered the mechanism for implementing the projects within the university's colleges, especially the College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, criteria for participant selection, a timeline outlining the different work phases, and the role these projects will play in supporting national policies aimed at achieving food and environmental sustainability.