Agriculture in UAE is entering a new era, as the country takes a big step forward by bringing advanced AI into the heart of its farming systems. The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) has become the first in the world’s agriculture sector to receive the ISO 42001:2023 certification for Artificial Intelligence management. This milestone puts the spotlight on how fast agriculture in UAE is evolving and how it’s setting standards globally.
The certification aligns with the broader UAE AI strategy, which aims to integrate advanced technologies across key industries. Omar Sultan Al Olama, the Minister of State for AI, praised The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA’s) achievement and called it a model for others to follow.
Smart technology reshaping agriculture in UAE
This isn’t just about recognition, it’s about transformation on the ground. The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) is using AI to inspect food facilities more efficiently, monitor farming risks, and improve decision-making. In 2023 alone, more than 100,000 smart inspections were carried out using ADAFSA’s automated system.
Meanwhile, the use of AI in agriculture is helping the UAE manage pests, detect diseases, and optimize crop yields. For instance, tools powered by AI now track soil health, monitor livestock, and even sort produce with precision. As a result, AI for agricultural risk management is becoming a key part of ensuring food security.
New data platforms and mobile apps like Zadna allow farmers and inspectors to access real-time data. These tools reflect the government’s commitment to tech-enabled sustainability in farming, an essential goal under the UAE AI strategy.
Future-forward farming led by visionaries
As agriculture in UAE becomes more intelligent, the sector is also becoming more sustainable. Smart irrigation systems, robotic weed control, and climate-based crop forecasting are already reducing resource waste and boosting productivity.
Much of this work ties back to the leadership of Omar Sultan Al Olama, who continues to drive the national AI agenda. Through his efforts, initiatives like ADAFSA’s AI certification reflect how seriously the UAE takes food resilience in a changing world.
Despite being in a region shaped by deserts, the UAE is proving that innovation can overcome climate challenges. Today, with AI detecting crop diseases, managing water use, and predicting risks, the use of AI in agriculture is positioning the country as a global leader, not a follower, in the future of farming.
