In a groundbreaking move that fuses technology with tradition, the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) has plowed its way into the history books by becoming the first entity in the world to receive the ISO 42001:2023 certification for Artificial Intelligence Management Systems—specifically within the agriculture and food security sector. That’s right, while most are just talking about AI, Abu Dhabi is already cultivating it.

This global-first achievement highlights the UAE’s bold leadership in harnessing smart technologies not just for convenience, but for critical sectors that impact every household: food and farming. The certification recognizes ADAFSA’s advanced use of AI—like intelligent analytics, machine learning algorithms, and automated systems—to improve agricultural operations, ensure food safety, and manage digital resources with precision and responsibility.

What makes this certification even more historic? It’s also the first at the government level in the UAE, proving that this isn’t just an agency ticking boxes. It’s a nation defining global best practices. With the support of the UAE’s visionary leadership, ADAFSA is turning farms into digital ecosystems and transforming food safety into a smart science. This aligns perfectly with the UAE’s Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031 and national ambitions for sustainability, innovation, and food security.

Minister of State for AI, Omar Sultan Al Olama, praised ADAFSA’s milestone as a symbol of the UAE’s forward-thinking approach, reaffirming its global reputation as a responsible AI powerhouse. From digital dashboards monitoring crop health to AI-driven systems predicting food supply demands, the UAE is leading with logic and vision.

ADAFSA Acting Director-General Dr. Tariq Al Ameri credited this accomplishment to strong leadership support and strategic partnerships. With the creation of smart policies and real-time AI frameworks, ADAFSA is setting the standard for how nations can grow smarter—literally.

This certification doesn’t just boost ADAFSA’s credibility—it sows the seeds for a smarter, safer, and more sustainable future. And if the future of farming looks this intelligent, the world would be wise to follow Abu Dhabi’s lead.