#United Arab Emirates #Al Ain #Silal #SVG

Silal and SVG Partnership: A Leap for Agritech in Al Ain

On May 22, 2025, a significant partnership was formalized in Abu Dhabi aimed at revolutionizing the agricultural technology sector within the UAE. His Excellency Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology of the UAE, and Her Excellency Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, witnessed the agreement that will see Silal, a leading agricultural technology firm in Abu Dhabi, collaborate with Shouguang Vegetable Industry Group (SVG), a renowned Chinese enterprise known for its vegetable seed enhancement and off-season production.

This strategic alliance is set to usher in an investment of over 120 million AED to develop a state-of-the-art 100,000 square meter agricultural technology facility in Al Ain. The facility will leverage advanced technologies including artificial intelligence and robotics to enhance accuracy, increase efficiency, and promote sustainable innovations across the agricultural value chain.

Advanced Technologies at Work

The upcoming agricultural tech center is designed to showcase SVG's advanced "Shouguang Model" for greenhouse technology, specifically tailored and optimized for the unique climatic conditions of the UAE. It will feature various cutting-edge greenhouse structures, including smart photovoltaic glass greenhouses, connected thin-film greenhouses, and expansive solar greenhouses.

The project encompasses an all-inclusive ecosystem that integrates seedling cultivation, processing centers, post-harvest storage, and distribution facilities. Solar energy will power the entire operation, significantly reducing the facility’s carbon footprint and promoting environmentally responsible agricultural practices.

Salmeen Alameri, CEO of Silal, emphasized, "Our collaboration with Shouguang Vegetable Industry Group aims to transform the agritech landscape of the UAE. By merging SVG’s global leadership in greenhouse technology with Silal’s commitment to innovation and sustainability, we are setting a benchmark for innovative agriculture that can be replicated across the region and beyond."

A Vision for the Future

Ming Yang, founder of Shouguang Vegetable Industry Group, shared his insights, stating that Abu Dhabi's forward-thinking vision and receptiveness to adopting advanced technologies make it a pivotal hub for agritech innovation. The region's unique climatic conditions serve as a vital testing ground for new technologies and solutions, presenting an unparalleled opportunity to fine-tune these advanced methodologies.

The facility will integrate AI and robotics to optimize every growth stage, ensuring accurate planting, accelerated harvesting, and improved operational efficiency. This will include smart climate control, automated irrigation, robotic harvesting, and advanced R&D driven by AI.

The project is expected to cultivate over a dozen varieties of crops, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, melons, and strawberries, with enhanced traits for superior taste, resilience, and productivity. Resource management will be exceptionally smart, aiming to reduce water and fertilizer consumption by up to 30%, thereby fostering sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Comprehensive Infrastructure

Furthermore, the project will house AI laboratories, technology testing zones, and a sensory experience center, along with advanced water treatment systems, modular purification units, mushroom production areas, energy storage solutions, and dedicated employee accommodations.

A fully equipped post-harvest complex will feature cold storage, automated sorting lines, and export-ready logistics to maintain product integrity and ensure seamless distribution to both domestic and international markets.

About Silal

Silal is part of ADQ, one of the largest holdings in the region, encompassing a diverse range of key industries in Abu Dhabi's economy. Founded in September 2020, Silal aims to diversify food product sources and boost manufacturing and agribusiness sectors. Key activities include managing procurement programs and strategic food storage while implementing specialized agricultural knowledge transfer initiatives and R&D projects.

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