ABU DHABI AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SAFETY AUTHORITY

Agricultural Genome Program

This program is considered the first of its kind in the region, which enhances Abu Dhabi's position at the regional and international levels, and makes it a scientific reference in the field of agricultural genomes in addition to the UAE's achievement of the requirements of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. Abu Dhabi's Agricultural Genome Program is also part of Abu Dhabi's ambitious food abundance plan initiatives, where genetic studies are an important step towards providing innovative solutions to future food security challenges, enhancing the food security system of the Emirate and the country, and will contribute to improving sustainable agricultural production by improving animal breeds and plant varieties and giving them genetic traits of economic value to promote the agricultural sector, enhance food security, and increase its contribution to the emirate's GDP. To achieve these objectives, a memorandum of cooperation was concluded with the Khalifa Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (KCGEB) to develop the project roadmap, which includes an analysis of the gaps in the agricultural sector and the most important projects in the field of genetic improvement of the agricultural sector. In addition, M42 was contracted as a consulting firm to prepare the technical study for the establishment of the agricultural gene bank. The construction phase of the gene bank is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.

Research Priorities

The research priorities of the Abu Dhabi Agricultural Genomics Project fall within the main axes of the agricultural sector, both plant and animal, in order to conduct genome research studies to strengthen the food security systems in the country and raise the contribution of agricultural productivity to national income.

ADAFSA has three research stations for applied agricultural research, one of which is in the city of Al Ain in the "Kuwaitat" area, while the second station, Bani Yas Research Station, is located in the Bani Yas area in Abu Dhabi, and the Al Dhafra Research Station is located in the Al Dhafra region. These stations support ADAFSA's research and development activities by developing and adopting agricultural technologies suitable for the UAE's environment and climate, and finding and developing innovative agricultural technologies that ensure the optimal use of available resources and meet the challenges of soil and climate, and water scarcity. These stations are managed by a highly qualified staff with experience in using innovative methods and plans for transferring modern agricultural technology, including advanced irrigation systems, integrated pest management, plant disease control, and development of crop cultivation and animal wealth development.

Kuwaitat Research Station

The Kuwaitat Agricultural Research Station was established in 1969 in Al Ain, UAE. It covers an area of 50.6 hectares. The station conducts innovative research that contributes to food security and environmental sustainability. It also collaborates with local and international research centers and universities. The station also trains undergraduate and graduate students of agricultural specializations. It also has a suitable environment for researchers to exchange experiences and knowledge. The station includes the main administration building, the nursery and fruit unit, the honey research unit, the agricultural research laboratories unit, warehouses, and fruit fields. The station also includes a number of research projects, including the fruit cultivation project, the Korean project, and the argan cultivation project.

Overview	Kuwaitat Research Station
The agricultural laboratories at the Kuwaitat Agricultural Research Station are concerned with the examination and analysis of plant samples, including soil, fertilizer, water, and plants. The laboratory infrastructure has been equipped to include 10 research laboratories of different specializations, each of which has devices and equipment such as microscopes, centrifuges, humidity and temperature measuring devices, devices for analyzing soil and plant elements, and others. The laboratory includes a section for analyzing the chemical and physical elements of soil, fertilizer, and water samples.It also includes laboratories for diagnosing agricultural pests such as fungi, nematodes, and insects, a honey bee research laboratory that is used for artificial insemination of honey bee queens, a PCR laboratory, a red palm weevil rearing laboratory, and a biocontrol laboratory. These laboratories collaborate with other research centers, an example of which is the research collaboration in the red palm weevil breeding project, which is carried out through a memorandum of understanding with the Khalifa Center for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering.	Agriculture Research Laboratories
Kuwaitat Research Station includes a honey bee research unit, which is concerned with the scientific breeding of bees, and seeks to work on the sustainability of the beekeeping sector in the country. Strategies are also prepared through it to combat bee-related pests. The unit is working on a project to develop an Emirati bee breed, where Emirati queen bees are distributed to beekeepers in various parts of the country. The unit's tasks primarily focus on producing queen bees, annual honey production, and research. The Honey Bee Research Unit is also interested in expanding research relations with local and international centers related to bee research and studies to exchange knowledge and expertise. The unit also organizes awareness programs for breeders and the public about the importance of honey bees and educates them about best practices in beekeeping and hive management.	Honey Bee Research
1. Fruit Fields: The fruit fields at the Kuwaitat Research Station are characterized by the diversity of fruit varieties grown there, which are compatible with the climatic environment of the UAE. Different agricultural practices and irrigation and fertilization operations are followed to suit each type. The fruit fields are divided into eight fields of different types, with a total of 59 varieties of citrus trees, 18 varieties of mango trees, five varieties of fig trees, three varieties of berry trees, four varieties of sidr trees, three varieties of pomegranate trees, and other fruit varieties. These varieties are grown with the aim of evaluating them and multiplying the successful ones as mothers to support the fruit nursery. 2. Palm fields: The station includes one palm field with a total of 163 palms of different varieties. This diversity aims to enhance the ongoing research in the field of date palm in terms of evaluating varieties and studying the efficiency of their production. 3. Paulownia field: 324 Paulownia seedlings were planted in an area of 0.13 hectares with the aim of successfully cultivating Paulownia under the climatic conditions of the UAE.	Agricultural Fields
The Korean Greenhouse Project is located at the Kuwaitat Research Station in Al Ain, UAE. It has a total area of 2,070 square meters, of which 1,536 square meters is for cultivation. It also includes a service area, a nursery, a cooling area, and a control room. The project was developed through several joint field trials under a memorandum of understanding signed in 2019 between ADAFSA and the Rural Development Administration (RDA) of the Republic of Korea. The project has developed a field test model for a type of adaptive intelligent greenhouse and cooling package in a desert climate. This includes a modern cooling system for greenhouses in desert areas, and a water-saving crop cultivation technology through the development of a closed hydroponic system to reuse water.	Korean Project
The old nursery is located at the Kuwaitat Research Station and has a total area of 1.5 hectares. It aims to increase agricultural production and improve its quality by providing high-quality fruit seedlings that are suitable for the environmental and climatic conditions of the country. The nursery's primary goal is to support farmers by providing high-quality fruit varieties that are characterized by their high productivity and ability to adapt to local conditions. These seedlings are evaluated and multiplied to ensure their suitability for the local environment and to prevent them from being infected with agricultural pests. They are then transferred to the designated site for selling seedlings. The new nursery is one of the facilities of the Abu Dhabi Fruit Farming Project and occupies a total area of 1.1 hectares. The nursery aims to support farmers by providing fruit seedlings that are characterized by their high productivity and ability to adapt to the environmental and climatic conditions of the country. This process includes planting and introducing new types of fruit seedlings, which are evaluated to ensure their suitability and effectiveness in the local environment. After the evaluation process is successful, these seedlings are multiplied, becoming available at the sales outlet.	Fruit Nursery
Greenhouses are designed to provide the right climatic environment for the growth of cultivated plants and increase their productivity. They consist of 20 greenhouses with an estimated area of 306 square meters each. They contain a variety of fruit crops such as bananas, water apples, snake fruit, three varieties of pineapples, dragon fruit and passion fruit, figs, and grafted citrus.	Greenhouses
One of the facilities of the Abu Dhabi Fruit Cultivation Project, with a total area of 4,320 square meters, has five medium-tech greenhouses that evaluate the cultivation of various types of fruit trees and cut flowers. Fruit trees were planted in three greenhouses, containing three types of berries, and one type each of apple, persimmon, avocado, and coffee trees. As for cut flowers, they are grown in two greenhouses, one of which contains lilies and tulips, and the other contains roses. Plant readings are taken and documented on a regular basis. Climate data, irrigation data, and fertilization data are also monitored and controlled using the HortiMax system, which plays an important role in adjusting the climatic conditions suitable for the planted trees by cooling the greenhouse through a sprinkler system. This helps to achieve the best agricultural results.	Greenhouses of the Abu Dhabi Fruit Farming Project
One of the facilities of the Abu Dhabi Fruit Cultivation Project, it is used to evaluate the cultivation of various types of fruit trees. The net house contains 12 types of fruit with a total of 23 varieties and 541 seedlings in an area of approximately 6,141 square meters. Plant readings are taken and documented on a regular basis. Climate data, irrigation data, and fertilization data are also monitored and controlled using the HortiMax system, which plays an important role in adjusting the climatic conditions suitable for the planted trees by cooling the greenhouse through a sprinkler system. This helps to achieve the best agricultural results.	Net House of the Abu Dhabi Fruit Farming Project
The argan net house is one of the facilities of the fruit nursery at the Kuwaitat Research Station with an area of 1,000 square meters. It was established with the aim of planting and multiplying argan based on the directives and request of the Special Affairs Office. The Kuwaitat Research Nursery was directed to receive and plant argan seeds imported from Morocco. As of Q2 2023, approximately 26,602 seedlings had been planted, and the planting of argan seeds and multiplication of argan seedlings are being monitored by the nursery team.	Argan Net House

2- Bani Yas Research Station

The Bani Yas Research Station was established in 1989 in Bani Yas City, Abu Dhabi Emirate. It covers an area of 45 hectares. The station conducts research and experiments, and its research objectives vary according to specializations and scientific fields, including agricultural, food, livestock, and forage research. The station includes many projects, including the Abu Dhabi Protected Agriculture Project, the Abu Dhabi Fruit Cultivation Project, the Palm Research Project, the initiative to develop and implement the sectoral research and development plan, and the implementation of research projects in cooperation with ICARDA, in addition to the experiment to evaluate the efficiency of energy and water use in evaporative cooling for greenhouses. The station also includes laboratories equipped with the most

important materials and technologies, which in turn support food research.

Overview	Bani Yas Research Station
1. Fruit fields: The fruit fields at the Bani Yas Research Station are characterized by the diversity of fruit varieties grown there, which are compatible with the climatic environment of the UAE. Different agricultural practices and irrigation and fertilization operations are followed to suit each type. The fields are divided into five fields containing different types of fruits, including citrus with a total of four varieties, mango and chico, with the aim of evaluating them and multiplying the successful ones as mothers to support the fruit nursery. 2. Palm fields: The station includes one palm field with a total of 164 palms of different varieties. This diversity aims to enhance the ongoing research in the field of date palm in terms of evaluating varieties and studying the efficiency of their production. 3. Paulownia field: 324 Paulownia seedlings were planted in an area of 0.29 hectares with the aim of successfully cultivating Paulownia under the climatic conditions of the UAE.	Agricultural Fields
One of the facilities of the Abu Dhabi Fruit Cultivation Project, which is located at the Bani Yas Research Station, with a total area of 4,800 square meters and a capacity of over 45,000 seedlings. The nursery aims to cultivate and introduce high-quality fruit varieties that are adapted to the local environmental conditions. The nursery also aims to support local farmers by providing a variety of seedlings, including guava, fig, lemon, almond, chico, Australian sammer fruit, and local berries, making them available for sale at designated locations.	Fruit Nursery
One of the facilities within the Abu Dhabi Fruit Farming Project, with a total area of 6,141 square meters. It houses 12 types of fruit, 24 varieties, and 622 seedlings. The purpose of the greenhouse is to evaluate the cultivation of different types of fruit trees. Plant readings are taken and documented on a regular basis. Climate data, irrigation data, and fertilization data are also monitored and controlled using the HortiMax system, which plays an important role in adjusting the climatic conditions suitable for the planted trees by cooling the greenhouse through a sprinkler system. This helps to achieve the best agricultural results.	Net Houses of the Abu Dhabi Fruit Farming Project
One of the facilities of the Abu Dhabi Fruit Cultivation Project has a total area of 3,456 square meters, which includes three low-tech greenhouses for evaluating the cultivation of different types of fruit trees. Fruit trees were planted in three greenhouses, containing three types of berries, and one type each of apple, persimmon, avocado, and coffee trees. Plant readings are taken and documented on a regular basis. Climate data, irrigation data, and fertilization data are also monitored and controlled using the HortiMax system, which plays an important role in adjusting the climatic conditions suitable for the planted trees by cooling the greenhouse through a sprinkler system. This helps to achieve the best agricultural results.	Greenhouses of the Abu Dhabi Fruit Farming Project
The project was launched in 2020 with the aim of comparing the efficiency of evaporative cooling for greenhouses using bricks against the traditional cooling system using cellulose pads. This was done by evaluating the effect of the brick cooling pad system on the growth and production of cucumbers compared to cellulose pads and comparing water and energy consumption in both systems.	Greenhouses of the Saline Water Cooling Project
The Abu Dhabi Protected Agriculture Project was established in early 2016 with an area of one hectare. The project includes three different technologies: high, medium, and low. The high-tech greenhouses have fully climate-controlled environments, with humidity, carbon dioxide, and temperature being controlled. This is a type of closed agriculture. The project aims to reduce water consumption and pesticide use in agriculture. It is considered a world-leading project in the Middle East region.	Abu Dhabi Protected Agriculture Project
Research and studies are being conducted to improve the breeds of animals owned by breeders in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. This is being done through scientific research in several areas, including improving and increasing the productivity of local animal breeds, and conducting genetic selection processes between animals to improve their productivity. The research is being conducted at three farms: 1. The new ezbah (animal holding), which contains 24 barns and two barns for newborns, each with an area of 72 square meters for a total area of 872 square meters. The farm also has three rooms for storing concentrated feed and one room for storing veterinary medicines. 2.The model ezbah, where the best practices in sheep and goat breeding are applied. The ezbah has 13 barns, two rooms for caring for newborns, one room for isolating new animals, and one room for isolating sick animals. 3.The old ezbah, where animals are isolated. The farm has 14 barns.	Animal Wealth

3- Al Dhafra Research Station

The Al Dhafra Agricultural Research Station was established in 1995AD in the town of Seih Al Khair Al Jadid, covering an area of 104 hectares, of which 45 hectares are used for research purposes. The station focuses on research on date palms, fruits, and protected and nethouse agriculture. The research and experiments conducted at the station contribute to strengthening cooperation between researchers in various local and international research stations and centers.

Overview	Al Dhafra Research Station
1. Fruit fields: The fruit fields at Al Dhafra Research Station are characterized by the diversity of fruit varieties grown there, which are compatible with the climatic environment of the UAE. Different agricultural practices and irrigation and fertilization operations are followed to suit each type, ensuring the best results and reflecting the interest in sustainable and efficient agriculture. The fruit fields are divided into 257 fields of different types, with a total of 20 varieties of mango trees and four varieties of Sidr trees. These varieties are grown with the aim of evaluating them and multiplying the successful ones as mothers to support the fruit nursery. 2. Palm fields: The fields contain date palms with a diversity of up to 24 different varieties. This diversity aims to enhance the ongoing research in the field of date palm cultivation, from evaluating varieties to studying the efficiency of their production. 3. Paulownia field: 324 Paulownia seedlings were planted in an area of 0.2 hectares with the aim of successfully cultivating Paulownia under the climatic conditions of the UAE.	Fields
The nurseries located at Al Dhafra Research Station consist of two nurseries, with a total area of 10,000 square meters, and are used as a main sales outlet for Al Dhafra region. The nurseries aim to support farmers by providing sales outlets for high-quality, pest-free fruit varieties that are characterized by their high productivity and ability to adapt to local conditions. The seedlings are evaluated and multiplied in the nursery to ensure their readiness and availability to farmers.	Nursery
The net greenhouses, consisting of 30 units of varying sizes, form an important part of the agricultural infrastructure at the station. These units are designed in a way that allows for the diversification of agriculture and meets the needs of different types of plants. They are specifically used for the cultivation and preservation of fig rootstocks, as these plants act as supporting mothers for the nursery, ensuring the quality and sustainability of production.	Net Houses
The greenhouses are designed to provide the appropriate climatic environment for the growth of planted crops and to increase their productivity. The station contains 16 greenhouses that include a variety of fruit and vegetable crops such as figs, grapes, papaya, pineapple, passion fruit, dragon fruit, citrus fruits, and sweet potato crops.	Greenhouses
One of the facilities of the Abu Dhabi Fruit Cultivation Project is a net greenhouse that evaluates the cultivation of various types of fruit trees. The greenhouse contains 12 types of fruit with a total of 23 varieties and 541 seedlings in an area of approximately 6,141 square meters. Plant readings are taken and documented on a regular basis. Climate data, irrigation data, and fertilization data are also monitored and controlled using the HortiMax system, which plays an important role in adjusting the climatic conditions suitable for the planted trees by cooling the greenhouse through a sprinkler system. This helps to achieve the best agricultural results.	Net Houses of the Abu Dhabi Fruit Farming Project
One of the facilities of the Abu Dhabi Fruit Cultivation Project, with a total area of 3,456 square meters, has 4 low-tech greenhouses that evaluate the cultivation of various types of fruit trees. Fruit trees were planted in three greenhouses, containing three types of berries, and one type each of apple, persimmon, avocado, and coffee trees. Plant readings are taken and documented on a regular basis. Climate data, irrigation data, and fertilization data are also monitored and controlled using the HortiMax system, which plays an important role in adjusting the climatic conditions suitable for the planted trees by cooling the greenhouse through a sprinkler system. This helps to achieve the best agricultural results.	Greenhouses of the Abu Dhabi Fruit Farming Project

Providing safe food for consumption of high quality and achieving food security are among ADAFSA's priorities, which aims to promote public health and the well-being of the Abu Dhabi community. As the Development and Innovation Sector is ADAFSA's scientific arm responsible for conducting studies and applied research, providing advice and scientific solutions to the various challenges in the field of food and agriculture. Therefore, the development and innovation sector attaches great importance to food research as one of the pillars of food safety and quality.

The Food Research Section is one of the departments affiliated with the Applied Research and Capacity Building Division, which aims to improve food safety in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. This is by conducting applied global research and scientific innovations aimed at protecting human health and ensuring food safety through a network of cooperation with government agencies, research centers, universities and the food manufacturing sector inside and outside the country.

Section Importance

The Food Research Department is concerned with the scientific development movement in the food fields and is an important supporter of the development of research work in various technical sectors of the ADAFSA. The Section carries out and supervises applied scientific research to keep pace with developments in the field of food security and ensure food safety. In line with the strategy and tasks of the Division, the Section implements applied research and provides qualified scientific staff capable of carrying out research and scientific tasks and building interactive links with scientific institutions and research centers and universities inside and outside the country.

Priorities of the Food Research Section

Safety of food produced and consumed in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
Investigating food-related safety problems.
Risk assessment and exposure to chemical and microbiological contaminants.
Innovations and development of technologies that enhance food safety and extend shelf life.
Development of non-traditional natural alternatives as a substitute for chemical preservatives.
Food safety questionnaires.
Initiatives.

Section Tasks

Develop a specialized strategy for value-added food research that is aligned with ADAFSA's strategic objectives.
Cooperate with the private sector, universities and research centers to encourage the exchange of information and expertise to enhance knowledge in food fields.
Prepare a food research plan emanating from the research strategy within a specific time frame that focuses on achieving food safety.
Implement and follow up on food research related to ADAFSA 's fields of work and ensure food safety.
Keep abreast of the latest developments in the fieldof food safety through search engines and by reviewing the latest scientific journals.
Evaluate modern technology in the field of food safety.
Review and approve technical reports that include the results and recommendations of the completed food research.
Publish scientific papers ininternationally peer-reviewed journals.
Participate in technical and scientific committees related to food fields and in international conferences and competitions.
Prepare periodic reports on the main activities of the Section.

Overview of Ongoing Strategic and Operational Projects:

Total Diet Study Project

This project aims to study the level of exposure of individuals to chemical contaminants in food consumed in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, which includes heavy metals, pesticide residues, veterinary drug residues, nitrates, nitrites, acrylamide and mycotoxins. This will contribute to calculating the amount of exposure to chemical contaminants for different age groups (7 years and older), providing factual information about the amounts of different chemical contaminants in food consumed, and in addition, it will contribute to the development of policies, legislation and laws that will improve food safety at the emirate level.

Food Consumption Survey Study in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi

This project aims to estimate the actual food consumption rate of food for different age groups (7 years and older) at the emirate level, and to compare food consumption rates between the regions of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, which will contribute to calculating the amount of exposure to chemical contaminants for different age groups.

Study of the Properties of Local Propolis Extracts and Their Applications in the Field of Food Safety

The study aims to evaluate the quality of local propolis (the by-product of the honeybee colony) collected from different sites in the UAE, and to study the antimicrobial effect of extracts against a wide range of foodborne pathogens. In addition to studying the effectiveness of propolis extracts as a natural preservative to extend the shelf life of food.

Preliminary Study on Food Poisoning Incidents in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi

This study aims to understand the general trends and food safety status in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Data available on foodborne illness incidents reported in the emirate from 2017 to 2021 was collected, in addition to assessing the burden of diseases caused by microbiological factors typically transmitted through food. The goal is to prioritize these diseases based on their impact on public health and official data, as well as to contribute to improving food safety policy in the Emirate of Abu Dhab.

Production and Development of Natural Preservatives and Antioxidants Extracted from Different Types of Samr, Sidr, and Ghaf Growing in the UAE and Their Application in Extending the Shelf Life of Food Products

This study focuses on evaluating the biological activities of extracts from Samr, Sidr, and Ghaf collected from different locations in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. It also assesses the addition of these extracts to fresh poultry products with the aim of prolonging their preservation period using natural products and reducing the risks associated with the use of chemical preservatives.

Development of a New Technology to Reduce Acrylamide Levels During Manufacturing and Eliminate Its Harmful Effects Using Lactic Acid Bacteria and Bioactive Proteins

This study aims to evaluate the ability of lactic acid bacteria strains and bioactive peptides to reduce acrylamide levels in various foods such as potato chips and roasted coffee beans by trying to understand the mechanism of reducing acrylamide levels in different foods. In addition to producing new functional foods that have the ability to reduce acrylamide levels in the human body to comply with acrylamide levels specified by the World Health Organization.

Production and Evaluation of Innovative Food Products from Sidr Fruits

This study aims to evaluate the chemical, physical and sensory properties of sidr varieties produced under UAE conditions. In addition to developing new food products from sidr fruits and evaluating their quality characteristics and stability under storage conditions.

The Sector Capacity Building Section of the Applied Research and Capacity Building Division at ADAFSA is a vital part of the comprehensive vision to support and enhance the agricultural sector, both in plant and animal aspects, and the food sector in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The Section works on developing capacities and enhancing skills among workers in the agricultural sector by offering a variety of activities and programs.

The tasks of the Capacity Building Section within the Sector include:

Leading capacity building projects and initiatives in the Sector to enhance national competencies in agriculture, both in plant and animal aspects, and the food sector, and building technical skills.

· Designing and managing a capacity building strategy and roadmap and related initiatives for implementation to build and empower specialists, attract and nurture talents, and develop them in the agriculture and food sector.

· Designing, providing, and participating in capacity development solutions and proposing diverse training programs and activities in coordination with partners from the government, private, and academic sectors, for example (the local talent development initiative) for the purpose of building capacities and skills.

· Preparing and adopting an innovation management framework to serve capacity building.

· Collaborating with universities, research and development centers, and private sectors inside and outside the country to adapt modern technologies and innovations and benefit from them in capacity building.

· Activating international participation in conferences and scientific seminars to support capacity building.

Sector Capacity Building Section Activities:

Training programs
Talent development
Innovation platform

International participations and conferences

Bee Breeds Development and Honey Production

The development of the UAE honeybee breed is the cornerstone of the sustainability of beekeeping in the country because it relies on the development and production of queen bees that can adapt to the environment and climate of the UAE. ADAFSA has achieved unprecedented achievements in this field as it has successfully developed an Emirati bee breed that exhibits distinctive traits, including smaller-sized female worker bees that display exceptional diligence in nectar collection. With each successive breeding generation, their honey production efficiency has improved significantly. The queens have shown exceptional activity in egg-laying and have consistently produced high-quality brood patterns. Moreover, they have demonstrated a remarkable ability to adapt to the local environmental conditions. Through continuous efforts, ADAFSA has successfully raised and produced queens, leading to the production of the eighth generation bee breed.

The eighth generation of the UAE honeybee breed 2023 was bred in two stages: the first during the spring season (March and April), and the second during the autumn season (October and November), by breeding and producing 4,138 queens.

Breeding of the Eighth Generation of the UAE Honeybee Breed 2023
Breeding and production of 2,867 queens, of which 2,707 virgin and inseminated queens were distributed to beekeepers	Spring Breeding
Production and breeding of 1,271 queens, of which 1,104 virgin and inseminated queens were distributed to beekeepers.	Autumn Breeding
Total production of eighth generation queens: 4,138 queens; Total number of queens distributed: 3,811 queens; Total number of queens produced from the first to the eighth generation: approximately more than 13,000 queens; Total number distributed: approximately 11,000 queens; Completion of breeding and production of eighth generation queens; A study was conducted on the breed's susceptibility to the varroa mite and nosema disease (ongoing); Continued selection of colonies that can tolerate high temperatures during the summer, headed by eighth generation queens that were bred and inseminated during the spring breeding phase.

Partcipations:

1- Participation in the 16th International Conference of the Asian Beekeepers Association and the 15th International Honey Festival - Al-Baha - Saudi Arabia

The 16th Asian Apicultural Conference, Breeding the indigenous bees for sustainable beekeeping to cope up with climate changes.

2- Lecture Presentation as part of the project activities titled: Chemical Characteristics and Antimicrobial Properties of Emirati Honey

Chemical characteristics and antimicrobial properties of Emirati honey.

3- Participation in COP28 at a seminar - Dubai

Bees & Beekeeping in Arid Lands: A Climate Change Response a Global Initiative for Ecological and Economic Resilience

4- Presentation of project activities in a lecture entitled:

Innovative Technologies for Enhancing Emirati Honeybee Breeding: A Focus on UAE's Beekeeping Advancements

Study of the Properties of Local Propolis Extracts and Their Applications in the Field of Food Safety

The technology focuses on the study of the quality of local propolis (the by-product of the honeybee colony) collected from different sites in the UAE, and to study the antimicrobial effect of extracts against a wide range of foodborne pathogens. In addition to studying the effectiveness of propolis extracts as a natural preservative to extend the shelf life of food.

Production and Development of Natural Preservatives and Antioxidants Extracted from Different Types of Samr, Sidr, and Ghaf Growing in the UAE and Their Application in Extending the Shelf Life of Food Products.

This technology focuses on evaluating the biological activities of extracts from Samr, Sidr, and Ghaf collected from various locations in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. It also assesses the addition of these extracts to fresh poultry products with the aim of prolonging their preservation period using natural products and reducing the risks associated with the use of chemical preservatives.

Development of a New Technology to Reduce Acrylamide Levels During Manufacturing and Eliminate Its Harmful Effects Using Lactic Acid Bacteria and Bioactive Proteins

This technology aims to evaluate the ability of lactic acid bacteria strains and bioactive peptides to reduce acrylamide levels in various foods such as potato chips and roasted coffee beans by trying to understand the mechanism of reducing acrylamide levels in different foods, in addition to producing food with low acrylamide levels in accordance with the acrylamide levels specified by the World Health Organization. In addition to producing new functional foods that have the ability to reduce acrylamide levels in the human body.

GIS Application for Palm Farm Management

The project is a joint collaboration between ADAFSA and Smart Farm Sensing in the field of palm farm management and integrated management of the red palm weevil. The application of GIS, mobile applications and remote sensing is a digitalization process for the date palm sector. That is, using digital technologies to change the traditional business models of the date palm sector. The system consists of 3 parts: a palm tree health monitoring application, a pheromone smart trap for red palm weevil, and a soil moisture sensor.

Establishment and Evaluation of a Cooled Canopy to Protect Honeybee Colonies During the Summer in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi

The harsh weather conditions of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi during the summer lead to the loss and death of a large number of bee colonies. Therefore, this project aims to create a cooled canopy to protect bee colonies during the summer by lowering the temperature inside the canopy to be suitable for honeybee activity to preserve bees and the sustainability of their breeding throughout the year.

Biological Physical Monitoring Support for Living Organisms in Palm Trees

The project is an evaluation of the performance of sap flow sensors to detect red palm weevil infestation. It arises from the research cooperation agreement between ADAFSA and the Rural Development Administration - Republic of Korea. The technology aims to improve the productivity of palm trees, monitor and early detect red palm weevil infestation, which reduces losses resulting from late detection of infestation.

1- Development of an Electronic Training Platform and Online Community for Stakeholders in the Sector

Creating an online agricultural community facilitates communication between professional farmers and enthusiasts to exchange ideas and transfer knowledge. It allows experts in agriculture, animal wealth, and food to disseminate lessons and best practices for others to benefit from.

2- Project Initiative to Conduct Surveys on Food Consumption Patterns in Abu Dhabi Emirate

This project aims to study food consumption behaviors in Abu Dhabi Emirate by analyzing the habits of citizens and residents in food consumption. It identifies environmental, social, demographic, and cognitive factors influencing consumer food behavior. Additionally, it evaluates and compares food consumption patterns among different regions of Abu Dhabi Emirate (Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra).

3- Project Initiative for Developing and Implementing the Sectoral Research and Development Plan

This initiative aims to implement several research projects included in the Research and Development Strategy 2022-2025, comprising 148 research projects within 14 programs in ADAFSA's work areas, through cooperation with relevant partners and stakeholders.

Additionally, it involves executing a total diet study in Abu Dhabi Emirate, which will involve collecting various commonly consumed foods from different locations and determining their content of certain chemical contaminants.

4- R&D Strategy

This strategy aims to develop an executive plan for the preparation, management, and implementation of priority research programs and projects for ADAFSA during the period 2021-2023. It includes agricultural research in both plant and animal sectors, food safety research, food security, biological security, market studies, research and development in agricultural technologies, artificial intelligence, and collaboration with international and regional research centers and the private sector. This is achieved through the formulation of a flexible and implementable research strategy capable of keeping pace with the latest regional and global developments and being adaptable to expected future trends, which may bring about radical changes in ADAFSA's areas of work.

This strategy includes the following key axes for research and development:

1. Plant Production and Bees