Bahrain and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations have renewed their commitment to closer cooperation on food security, sustainable farming and resilient agrifood systems. The agreement was discussed during a high-level meeting in Manama on 13 September 2026, bringing together senior Bahraini agricultural officials and FAO representatives working across the Gulf region and Yemen. The talks centered on how technical expertise, innovation and stronger institutional collaboration can help Bahrain increase domestic production, improve resource efficiency and respond to mounting pressures linked to climate change, water scarcity and food supply resilience.
High-level talks in Manama
The meeting was led by Bahrain’s Minister of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture, Wael bin Nasser Al-Mubarak, and Ahmad Mukhtar, FAO Subregional Coordinator for the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and Yemen and FAO Representative in the United Arab Emirates.
Senior ministry officials also took part, including Asem Abdullatif Abdullah, Undersecretary for Agriculture and Animal Affairs, and Mohamed Alaraibi, Assistant Undersecretary.
Focus on resilient food systems
Discussions covered a broad agenda, including agrifood systems transformation, food security and nutrition, climate resilience, innovation, fisheries, agriculture and sustainable management of natural resources. The One Health approach, which links human, animal and environmental health, was also identified as an area for joint work.
Both sides emphasized the importance of technical cooperation, knowledge sharing and capacity building to address emerging challenges and make food systems more efficient and sustainable.
Support for farmers and technology
Bahrain highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen its agricultural sector by supporting farmers, encouraging modern production methods and promoting sustainable practices. Increasing local output and making better use of limited natural resources remain central priorities for the kingdom.
FAO indicated that its support would include policy guidance, technical assistance, training and innovative solutions aligned with Bahrain’s national development goals and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Regional cooperation to continue
The engagement forms part of wider FAO cooperation with countries in the Gulf region and Yemen. Both parties agreed to maintain dialogue and expand collaboration in areas that can improve food security, strengthen rural livelihoods and build more inclusive and resilient agrifood systems.
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