UAEU Showcases Research Progress in Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security at Liwa Date Festival 2025

The United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) participated in the 21st Liwa Date Festival held in Liwa City, Al Dhafra Region, from July 14 to 27, 2025. The event provided a vital platform for the UAEU to showcase its latest advances in agriculture and food security.

During the festival, the UAEU pavilion was visited by H.E. Zaki Anwar Nusseibeh, Chancellor of the University, who reviewed the research projects and innovations presented by the university. He interacted with several initiatives led by students and faculty, focusing on smart agriculture, date palm research, tissue culture propagation, and agricultural robotics. His Excellency praised the college’s efforts in providing scientific and practical solutions to support national food security. He commended the academic and research contributions that align with the university’s development vision.

At its pavilion, UAEU showcased a range of high-impact projects in smart agriculture, tissue culture propagation, and date processing, along with joint research efforts with government agencies and research centers aimed at producing high-quality, disease-free date palm varieties. Students actively contributed by presenting applied research that bridges academic learning with real-world agricultural needs.

Prof. Mohammed Abdul Muhsen Alyafei, Acting Dean of the College of Agriculture & Veterinary Medicine, observed that the college’s involvement in the festival presented a strategic opportunity to highlight advanced technologies in palm cultivation and to reinforce collaborations with agricultural institutions. He additionally announced the forthcoming launch of the region's inaugural academic program in Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture, designed to foster innovation and develop intelligent solutions for agricultural challenges.

The pavilion displayed research presentations in animal science, veterinary medicine, mariculture, feed production, and water resource management. It also exhibited innovative student projects, such as smart robotic systems intended for the care and maintenance of palm trees. Moreover, participation encompassed awareness campaigns aimed at educating visitors on the significance of agriculture and encouraging younger generations to pursue careers in this essential sector.

UAEU’s participation in the Liwa Date Festival highlights its dedication to promoting the nation’s vision of fostering a knowledge-based economy. The university aims to advance quality education and research while strengthening collaborations with both government and private sector entities. Its pavilion attracted significant attention from festival visitors, who saw it as a comprehensive knowledge hub that bridges academic innovation with real-world agricultural practices.