#United Arab Emirates #Al Ain #Silal #SVG

A Transformative Agritech Collaboration in Al Ain

On May 21, 2025, a pivotal agreement was made between Silal, the leading agrifood and technology company in Abu Dhabi, and Shouguang Vegetable Industry Group (SVG), a premier Chinese company specializing in seed selection and off-season production. The signing ceremony was attended by His Excellency Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, and Her Excellency Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment.

This strategic partnership marks a monumental step towards enhancing the agricultural sector in the UAE and the broader region. SVG is set to invest over 120 million AED in the establishment of a 100,000 m² agritech performance center in Al Ain, which will leverage advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics to elevate efficiency and sustainability throughout the agricultural value chain.

Cutting-Edge Innovations

The agritech hub will showcase SVG's cutting-edge “Shouguang model”, a technology specifically developed for greenhouse operations, tailored to thrive in the unique climate conditions of the UAE. The facility will feature an array of modern greenhouse structures, including smart photovoltaic glass greenhouses, thin-film greenhouses, and sizeable solar greenhouses.

The project is designed to create a comprehensive ecosystem, from seedling cultivation to post-harvest processing, storage, and distribution. It will utilize solar energy to power its intelligent greenhouse systems, thereby reducing the carbon footprint and promoting environmentally friendly agricultural practices. As explained by Salmeen Alameri, Silal's CEO, this collaboration aims to revolutionize the agritech sector in the UAE, creating a model for innovative agriculture that can be replicated across the region and beyond.

Mr. Ming Yang, founder of SVG, emphasized that Abu Dhabi's forward-thinking approach and favorable regulations for new technologies make it a crucial hub for agritech innovation. The unique climatic conditions also provide an invaluable testing ground for new technologies and solutions, enhancing SVG's advanced techniques.

Integrating Intelligence in Agriculture

This integrated facility will employ AI and robotics to optimize every phase of cultivation, ensuring precision planting, accelerated harvesting, and improved operational efficiency. Key technologies include intelligent climate control, automated irrigation systems, robotic harvesting, and enhanced research and development capabilities empowered by AI.

Several varieties of tomatoes, cucumbers, melons, and strawberries will be cultivated for their superior taste, resilience, and productivity. Notably, resource management strategies will reduce water and fertilizer consumption by up to 30%, further fostering sustainability and environmental stewardship.

The facility will house AI labs, technology testing zones, sensory experience centers, and advanced water treatment systems, alongside modular purification units and mushroom production surfaces. Notably, there will also be provisions for employee accommodations. Additionally, a fully equipped post-harvest complex with refrigerated warehouses and automated sorting lines will enhance logistics aimed at exporting, ensuring product integrity and efficient distribution across both national and international markets.

About Silal

Silal is a subsidiary of ADQ, one of the largest holding companies in the region, overseeing a diverse portfolio of major enterprises across key sectors of Abu Dhabi’s economy. Established in September 2020, Silal aims to diversify food product sources and stimulate the agrifood and manufacturing sectors. Its initiatives include managing strategic food supply and stock programs, as well as implementing specialized knowledge transfer programs for desert cultivation techniques, and developing research and development projects.

For more updates, follow Silal on their LinkedIn and Instagram.