Khadija Darwish Alqubaisi has been recognised for promoting smart and sustainable agriculture, empowering women farmers, and inspiring young people to explore the sector.
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has recognised Emirati farmer Khadija Darwish Alqubaisi as one of its 100 Women Heroes in agrifood systems, highlighting her contribution to agriculture and food production.
Emirati farmer Khadija Darwish Alqubaisi has been named among the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations’ (FAO) 100 Women Heroes in Agrifood Systems and Rural Development, recognizing her contribution to sustainable agriculture, food production and women’s participation in farming.
The initiative was launched to mark the International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026. Alqubaisi’s selection highlights her work in promoting modern agricultural practices, sharing farming knowledge with young people and encouraging more women to enter the sector.
Dr Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, described the recognition as an acknowledgment of Emirati women’s role in advancing modern agriculture and developing productive businesses that use resources sustainably.
She also highlighted the UAE’s efforts to support women farmers through training, agricultural extension services and access to modern technologies, helping them improve production, strengthen management skills and expand their businesses.
Khadija Alqubaisi’s Work in Sustainable Agriculture
Alqubaisi owns Nad Al Dhab farm in Al Ain and graduated from the UAE and Arabian Gulf’s first farmer field school. She has promoted smart farming methods and encouraged greater participation by women in agriculture.
In 2026, she secured first place in the Distinguished Female Farmer category at the fourth edition of the Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Agricultural Excellence Award. She also launched the Khadija Initiative to develop smart and sustainable farms.
Her work includes agricultural awareness programmes for school students, giving young people a better understanding of farming and its importance to society. Through her participation in agricultural exhibitions, she has also encouraged women and young people to explore careers and business opportunities in agriculture and rural development.
UAE Expands Support for Women Farmers
The recognition comes as the UAE steps up efforts to strengthen women’s participation in agriculture through the Empowering Women Farmers initiative, launched by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment under the patronage of Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak.
At the First Emirati Women Farmers Forum, held during the second Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition in Al Ain in April 2026, more than 200 women farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs discussed business opportunities, operational challenges and practical solutions.
The exhibition also featured an Emirati Women Farmers Corner, where participants presented local produce and shared their experiences with visitors.
In August 2026, the ministry announced the first phase of a farmer field schools programme for Emirati women, developed in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority and FAO. The programme uses practical, farm-based learning to develop skills in crop and apiary management, record-keeping and the financial evaluation of agricultural projects.
These efforts aim to help women farmers make informed business decisions, improve operational efficiency and contribute to the country’s agricultural development and food security.
FAO Recognises 100 Women From Across Agrifood Systems
FAO’s 100 Women Heroes initiative celebrates women whose work supports food security, improves rural livelihoods, protects natural resources and creates employment and training opportunities.
According to the supplied report, the organisation received more than 600 nominations from 131 countries. The selection process considered geographical representation and the diversity of contributions before approving the final list.
The initiative supports the objectives of the International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026, proclaimed by the United Nations to highlight women’s role in agrifood systems and encourage policies and investment that improve their access to finance, knowledge and services.
The selected women are scheduled to be honoured at a ceremony at FAO headquarters in Rome on October 15, 2026, during the World Food Forum.
Alqubaisi’s inclusion brings international attention to Emirati women’s work in agriculture and their contributions to sustainable food production, rural development, and the next generation of farmers.
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Source: Gulf News
