AL AIN: The Sharjah Department of Agriculture and Livestock stated that the current agricultural and food sector landscape is characterised by a wide range of service providers, research institutions, and development platforms, all working together to explore opportunities for integration.Dr Khalifa Al Tunaiji, Chairman of Department of Agriculture and Livestock (SDAL), explained that the UAE market offers significant opportunities not only for domestic investment but also for exporting Emirati expertise abroad, including products, scientific research, smart control systems, and advanced supply chain and logistics solutions.What’s on the agenda at the Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition 2026Emirates Agriculture Conference & Exhibition 2026 highlights economic value of local products, investment in food industries$100b food logistics market by 2030 puts UAE at the centre of regional supply chainsFood and food processing among UAE’s top investment opportunities, says economy ministerIn line with this direction, Al Tunaiji said: “Today, during the exhibition, we witnessed the signing of a strategic cooperation agreement between the Sharjah Department of Agriculture and Livestock (SDAL) and the National Agricultural Center. "This agreement aims to strengthen knowledge exchange and the transfer of expertise and successful experiences between national institutions, creating sustainable channels of cooperation that ensure knowledge is widely shared rather than confined to specific entities. "It also seeks to enhance institutional and scientific innovation to support the nation’s strategic objectives.”Global benchmarkAl Tunaiji noted that the UAE has the scientific and logistical capabilities to serve as a global benchmark and a key hub in the agricultural sector, particularly for countries facing similar climate and environmental conditions.Al Tunaiji noted that the UAE has the scientific and logistical capabilities to serve as a global benchmark and a key hub in the agricultural sector, particularly for countries facing similar climate and environmental conditions.He also praised the strong government support and ongoing oversight at the highest levels, stressing that this backing is a key driver of the UAE’s competitiveness, helping the country maintain its position among the world’s top 10 nations in innovation and food security, in line with the leadership’s vision of building a sustainable, knowledge-based economy.