#Abu Dhabi #UAE #Silal #Agri-Tech #SVG

UAE and China Collaborate in Agriculture Innovation

In a significant stride towards advancing sustainable agriculture, the UAE and China have cemented a landmark joint venture. The agreement was signed at the acclaimed China International Import Expo (CIIE) 2025, featuring the presence of notable figures including His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade.

The joint venture, established between the UAE’s leading agri-food company Silal and Shouguang Colorful Manor Modern Agriculture Co., Ltd (SVG) from China, marks a pivotal moment in the collaboration between the two nations. By combining their resources and expertise, they aim to tackle challenges faced in the agricultural sector, especially under the demanding climate conditions of the UAE.

Advancing Food Security and Sustainability

The primary objective of this partnership is to advance food security in the UAE while diversifying local agricultural production. H.E. Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi stated, "The UAE is focused on fostering strategic partnerships that strengthen our national food security system while enhancing economic ties with significant global partners like China. This collaborative venture encapsulates our mutual dedication to innovation and sustainability, which will ultimately benefit both nations and facilitate the resilience of the global food system."

Under the terms of this groundbreaking agreement, Silal and SVG will launch the region's first facility dedicated to the cultivation of agricultural biological insects. In addition, they will work together on developing innovative greenhouse infrastructures tailored for the UAE and the wider Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) markets. This merging of Silal's extensive market knowledge and SVG's advanced technological capabilities in artificial intelligence, precision farming, and biological pollination is anticipated to deliver significant advancements in agricultural practices.

Goals and Future Aspirations

Moreover, the partnership is poised to establish a long-term strategic alliance in trading fruits and vegetables. This initiative is expected to facilitate the importation of over 1,000 containers of specifically selected agricultural products from China to the UAE and surrounding markets annually. H.E. Dhafer Al Qasimi, Group CEO of Silal, expressed that this cooperative effort symbolizes a crucial leap forward in their mission to enhance sustainable agriculture through embracing science and innovation.

“Our goal transcends beyond just innovation; we aim to empower local farmers with accessible cost-effective agricultural inputs and state-of-the-art technologies, which are crucial in raising productivity, minimizing costs, and optimizing resource efficiency in an ever-evolving agricultural landscape,” he stated.

This collaboration not only addresses the issue of import dependency but also encourages climate-smart, resource-efficient farming practices. By amalgamating SVG's manufacturing capabilities with Silal's operational expertise, they aim to deliver scalable and affordable solutions that boost water efficiency, yield performance, and reinforce the UAE's status as a regional hub for sustainable agricultural development.

Investment and Innovation Hub

To capitalize on their joint venture, an investment of USD 38 million will be allocated for the establishment of a vegetable production hub powered by artificial intelligence and robotics located in Al Foah, Al Ain. Spanning across a 9.8-hectare area, this facility is envisioned as a regional innovation center, showcasing modern greenhouse technologies, sustainable irrigation systems, and climate-adaptive agricultural models designed specifically for the Gulf environment.

This agreement is the result of ongoing technical and commercial partnership efforts, following earlier memorandums of understanding between Silal and SVG. It heralds an era of knowledge transfer, technical capacity building, and technology localization that will empower UAE farmers with solutions that not only minimize reliance on imports but also enhance overall productivity while promoting environmental sustainability.

In conclusion, the collaboration between Silal and SVG is poised to redefine the agricultural landscape in the UAE, ensuring sustainable food production and strengthening the resilience of the agricultural sector in the face of climatic challenges. By fostering innovation and promoting effective agricultural practices, both partners are committed to building a sustainable and resilient food security ecosystem that benefits present and future generations.