#United Arab Emirates #Al Ain #Silal #SVG #Agritech Hub

A New Era of Agriculture Innovation in the UAE

In a significant move towards agricultural advancement, the United Arab Emirates is set to witness the launch of a 100,000 m² Smart Agritech Hub in Al Ain, marking a groundbreaking partnership between Silal, a leading agricultural company in Abu Dhabi, and the Shouguang Vegetable Industry Group (SVG) from China. The agreement was signed in the presence of notable figures, including S.E. Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, the UAE's Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, and S.E. Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment.

This collaboration enables SVG to invest over 120 million AED in the establishment of a modern agricultural powerhouse, which will utilize state-of-the-art technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics. The aim is to significantly enhance precision, efficiency, and sustainable practices throughout the entire agricultural value chain.

Innovative Agricultural Techniques

The smart hub will showcase the advanced “Shouguang Model” of greenhouse technology, tailored to the unique climatic conditions of the UAE. The facility will feature various state-of-the-art greenhouse structures, including intelligent photovoltaic glass greenhouses, thin-film connected greenhouses, and expansive solar greenhouses. This development signals a pivotal shift towards innovative agricultural practices, aligning with the UAE's sustainable development goals.

The project encompasses a comprehensive ecosystem that integrates seedling cultivation, post-harvest processing, storage, and distribution centers. The entire system will be powered by solar energy, minimizing the plant's carbon footprint while promoting eco-friendly agricultural methodologies. Salmeen Alameri, CEO of Silal, commented, "Our partnership with SVG aims to revolutionize the agritech sector in the UAE. By combining SVG’s leading expertise in greenhouse technology with Silal’s commitment to innovation and sustainability, we are creating a groundbreaking model for innovative agriculture that can be replicated across the region and beyond."

According to Ming Yang, founder of SVG, the UAE’s proactive approach and willingness to embrace new technologies have positioned it as a vital hub for agritech innovations. The region’s unique climatic conditions also provide an essential testing ground for new technologies and solutions. Therefore, the partnership with Silal represents a unique opportunity to refine and advance their cutting-edge technologies further.

Harnessing Technology for Agricultural Excellence

The facility's integration of AI and robotics is designed to optimize every phase of the cultivation process, facilitating precision farming, accelerated harvesting, and enhanced operational efficiency. The technologies integrated into the hub will include intelligent climate control systems, automated irrigation, harvesting robots, and advanced AI-driven research and development initiatives.

SVG plans to cultivate over a dozen crop types, including tomatoes, cucumbers, melons, and strawberries, each enhanced for improved flavor, resilience, and productivity. Additionally, intelligent resource management practices will reduce water and fertilizer consumption by up to 30%, fostering environmental sustainability and responsibility.

Support for the project will also include AI laboratories, technology testing areas, and a sensory experience center, as well as advanced water purification systems, modular treatment facilities, mushroom production areas, energy storage solutions, and dedicated staff accommodations.

In conjunction with the cultivation initiatives, a fully equipped post-harvest complex will ensure product integrity through precise cooling storage, automated sorting facilities, and logistics tailored for export markets, guaranteeing seamless distribution on national and international levels.

About Silal

Silal is part of ADQ, one of the largest holding companies in the region, with a broad portfolio encompassing crucial sectors of Abu Dhabi's diversified economy. Established in September 2020, Silal aims to diversify food production and foster the processing industry and the agriculture and food sector. The company's responsibilities include managing procurement programs and strategic food reserves, alongside specialized knowledge transfer programs focused on desert cultivation techniques and the design of research and development projects.

For more information, visit silal.ae and follow Silal on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.