ICBA Graduates 21 Arab Women Leaders Under AWLA Program During International Year of Women Farmers 2026
The International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) celebrated the graduation of the fourth cohort of the Arab Women Leaders in Agriculture Fellowship Program (AWLA), recognizing 21 women leaders from across the Arab region and reinforcing regional efforts to advance sustainable agriculture, food security, and women’s leadership.
The event combined the Women in Science and Innovation Forum with the graduation ceremony under the theme “Women Shaping Sustainable Agriculture in the Arab World”, aligning with the global observance of the International Year of Women Farmers 2026.
With the addition of the latest cohort, the AWLA program has now graduated 79 Arab women leaders since its launch, strengthening a growing network of professionals working across agriculture, research, innovation, and food security.
The ceremony was attended by Mohammed Saeed Sultan Al Nuaimi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, and Sultan Al Shamsi, Director of the National Agriculture Centre, alongside representatives from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the Gates Foundation, researchers, partners, and AWLA alumni.
The event highlighted the increasing importance of supporting women in agriculture at a time when global food systems are facing mounting challenges linked to climate change, water scarcity, land degradation, and the urgent need for science-driven agricultural solutions.
Addressing attendees, Mohammed Saeed Al Nuaimi emphasized that empowering women across food and agricultural systems remains essential to achieving sustainable global progress. He noted that women have the capacity to significantly transform agricultural productivity and strengthen food resilience when equipped with access to resources, innovation, and technology.
He praised ICBA’s AWLA initiative for serving as both a leadership development platform and research incubator, helping Arab women strengthen their ability to address climate, water, and food security challenges across the region.
Al Nuaimi also highlighted the UAE’s national efforts to support women in agriculture, including initiatives showcased during the Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition, where a dedicated pavilion for female farmers was introduced, alongside the launch of the Emirati Women Farmers Forum and the Empowering Women Farmers Initiative.
He further noted the collaboration between the Ministry and ICBA through the National Agricultural Initiative for the Adoption of Climate-Smart Crops in the UAE, aimed at improving national food resilience and reducing dependence on imports.
Dr. Tarifa Alzaabi, Director General of ICBA, described the graduation as an important milestone that reflects the value of investing in women capable of translating scientific knowledge into practical agricultural solutions.
She stated that the International Year of Women Farmers 2026 serves as a reminder of women’s central role in agricultural systems and underlined the importance of expanding opportunities for women in leadership, research, and innovation.
According to Alzaabi, AWLA continues to evolve into a regional platform for capacity building, collaboration, and the development of sustainable agricultural solutions, particularly in arid and saline environments.
Supported by the Gates Foundation, AWLA seeks to expand women’s access to leadership opportunities, professional networks, and research capabilities, enabling participants to convert scientific ideas into practical solutions that benefit farmers and communities.
Representatives from FAO also emphasized the need to increase visibility for women farmers while ensuring recognition is accompanied by practical support through access to knowledge, technology, partnerships, and opportunities that strengthen women’s contribution to sustainable agriculture.
During the forum, fellows showcased research projects and innovation concepts focused on major agricultural priorities including date palm production, soil health improvement, agricultural by-products, water-efficient farming systems, and agri-food innovation.
One of the featured success stories came from Dr. Ameena Ali Qulaib Al Teneiji of the UAE, an AWLA second-cohort graduate and recipient of third place in the Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Award for Agricultural Excellence in aquaculture. She shared how she transformed her farm into a model of sustainable agriculture by integrating crop cultivation, livestock, aquaculture, hydroponics, and organic farming practices.
Graduates also reflected on the impact of the fellowship.
Aysha Alshamsi from the UAE said the program reinforced her belief that women are not only contributors but also leaders shaping the future of sustainable food systems.
From Jordan, Abeer Saqer described leadership as a responsibility built through action and impact, while Lina Gouacem from Algeria emphasized how AWLA created a collaborative community that supports women researchers in delivering meaningful change for future generations.
The event concluded with the announcement of the AWLA Annual Award, a new initiative designed to recognize outstanding achievements by women in agriculture, scientific research, and innovation, while promoting role models advancing food security and sustainability across the Arab region.
Through its partnerships and initiatives, ICBA continues strengthening AWLA’s role as a regional platform dedicated to empowering women and accelerating the development of science- and innovation-based solutions for agriculture and food security challenges.
