Al Ain, UAE – Emirati farmer Khadija Darwish Al Qubaisi has been selected for the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations’ (FAO) “100 Women Heroes in Agrifood Systems and Rural Development” initiative, which marks the International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026. She is the only Emirati woman chosen this year.
The initiative received more than 600 nominations from 131 countries, from which 100 women were selected. Honourees were recognised at an FAO ceremony in Rome during the World Food Forum in October.
Profile
- Farm: Nad Al Dhab farm in Al Ain
- Known for: smart and sustainable agriculture, and encouraging more women to enter the sector
- Khadija Initiative: a programme she founded to support smart and sustainable farms
- Education: runs agricultural awareness programmes that teach school students about farming
- 2026 award: first place in the Distinguished Female Farmer category at the fourth Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Agricultural Excellence Award
Recognition at home
UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment Dr Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak visited her farm to share the news of her selection, highlighting the role of Emirati women in building a more resilient and sustainable food system.
Why her story matters
Farming in the UAE’s desert climate demands careful use of water and new technology. Al Qubaisi’s work shows how smart farming can make local food production more sustainable, and her outreach to students and women is helping build the next generation of Emirati farmers.
Source: Khaleej Times.
