Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Celebrates Opening of Innovation Oasis and AgriTech Academy in Al Ain Region

Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Attends Inauguration of Innovation Oasis and Advance AgriTech Academy

On April 25, 2025, Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler’s Representative in the Al Ain Region, attended the grand opening of the Silal Innovation Oasis (iO) and the Advance AgriTech Academy. This special event marked a significant step forward in the fields of agricultural technology and sustainability in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The Silal Innovation Oasis serves as a research and development hub that targets advanced agricultural practices to enhance food security and sustainable farming techniques aligned with the UAE’s National Food Security Strategy 2051. The goal of this initiative is to bolster local agricultural production, integrate innovative technologies, and establish a knowledge-based economy that can address future food security challenges.

Sheikh Hazza also participated in the inauguration of the Advance AgriTech Academy, which aims to cultivate the next generation of Agritech leaders within the UAE. Through collaborations with global research institutes, the academy offers specialized counseling and hands-on training programs designed to equip Emirati talents with the necessary skills and competencies to drive innovations in the agricultural and food sectors. This educational initiative reflects a broader commitment towards developing homegrown expertise in agritech, preparing the UAE for global competitiveness in this vital sector.

Furthermore, during the inauguration, a partnership agreement was signed between Silal and the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU). This agreement aims to deepen cooperation in promoting agricultural research and innovation, which includes the provision of five scholarships for students from the College of Agriculture at UAEU, specifically in sustainable agriculture and food security disciplines. This move underlines the commitment to fostering academic excellence and nurturing local talent in vital areas of agriculture.

Sheikh Hazza articulated the national strategic priority of investing in agricultural technology research aimed at achieving sustainable local production. He emphasized the importance of strengthening food supply chains and tackling regional and global challenges in food security, ensuring the UAE's leading role in agricultural innovation.

The inauguration celebration was attended by distinguished figures, including Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, His Excellency Zaki Anwar Nusseibeh, cultural advisor to the UAE President and Chancellor of UAEU, along with other notable university officials and industry leaders. Salmeen Obaid Al Ameri, CEO of Silal, emphasized that the Innovation Oasis (iO) redefines the future of the agriculture and food industry in the UAE. By leveraging advanced technologies and strategic partnerships, they aim to enhance the resilience and sustainability of the food system. This strong focus on research, innovation, and knowledge transfer not only propels progress but positions the UAE at the forefront of global agricultural technology solutions.

Spanning over 300,000 square meters, the iO represents a dynamic ecosystem meant to facilitate collaboration among researchers, industry leaders, startups, and academia. It acts as an incubator for innovations in agricultural technology, focusing on climate-resilient farming, optimized controlled agricultural practices, and resource-efficient food production. Equipped with cutting-edge laboratories, growth chambers, and phenotyping facilities—including greenhouses, net houses, and open-field experiment sites—the iO will be an advanced platform for developing and testing various agritech solutions.

Key areas of research include climate-resilient growing methods adapted to the extreme temperatures of the UAE, solutions for water, food, and energy management—incorporating solar desalination, IoT-driven precision agriculture, and salt-resistant crops. Additionally, the facility will explore AI-driven food systems, utilizing machine learning, robotics, and data analytics to improve farm management, enhance post-harvest technologies, and minimize food waste.

Thus, the inauguration of the Innovation Oasis and Advance AgriTech Academy stands as a beacon for the future of agriculture in the UAE, environmentally and economically sustainable, ensuring that the country maintains its status as a leader in agricultural innovation on the global stage.