Doha: Under the auspices of HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, HE Minister of Municipality Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdullah Al Attiyah inaugurated the 13th edition of the Qatar International Agricultural Exhibition "AgriteQ 2026" at the Cultural Village (Katara) with participation from over 520 exhibitors representing 41 countries.
According to Qatar News Agency, the opening ceremony was attended by a lineup of ministers, senior officials, ambassadors accredited to the State, and representatives from governmental and private entities, along with regional and international organizations focused on agriculture and food security. The event also welcomed HE Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture of Saudi Arabia Eng. Abdulrahman bin Abdulmohsen Al Fadley as the Guest of Honor, highlighting the collaborative efforts and strong ties between Qatar and Saudi Arabia in agriculture, sustainability, and food security.
During the ceremony, the Minister of Municipality reiterated that AgriteQ 2026 reflects Qatar's commitment to sustainable development and food security. The exhibition coincides with the ongoing implementation of the third phase of Qatar's National Food Security Strategy (2024-2030), which aims to enhance self-sufficiency, local production, and a resilient food system to address global challenges.
The Minister noted that the exhibition serves as a leading platform for decision-makers, investors, experts, and farmers to exchange knowledge, foster innovation, and strengthen partnerships, both locally and internationally. He acknowledged Qatar's achievements in food security, which have bolstered supply chain stability and met local market demands.
The Minister also emphasized the Ministry's ongoing initiatives to improve the agricultural sector's efficiency and sustainability. This includes engaging stakeholders in policy-making and reinforcing the private sector's role as a key partner in agricultural development. The Ministry's first-place achievement in the "Ascending" category of the Qatar Government Excellence Award was highlighted as a testament to its efficient institutional performance and quality services.
New initiatives such as the Agricultural Support Vouchers Program were introduced to enhance production inputs, achieving 100% coverage for essential vegetables during certain months and initiating exports of national products. Self-sufficiency rates have reached impressive levels with 99% in dairy products, 100% in poultry, and 24% in sheep and goat meat.
The Minister announced the launch of the "Sustainable Agricultural Production Award" to honor outstanding farmers and breeders, promoting innovation and sustainability. The award's first edition winners will be celebrated during AgriteQ 2027.
AgriteQ 2026 spans over five days and covers more than 40,000 square meters. It features sectors such as plant and animal production, fisheries, aquaculture, horticulture, food industries, transport, logistics, biotechnology, and smart agricultural systems. The event includes the AgriteQ Scientific Conference, addressing sustainable agriculture, food production chains, climate change adaptation, and agricultural investment trends.
Additional activities enhance the visitor experience, including workshops, the Kids Zone, Panda House, Auction Theater, Zoo, Live Cooking Theater, workshops for People with Disabilities, "Qatar Lens," and various markets, along with dedicated food and beverage areas.