Agritech Innovations Discussed At SIF 2024 To Enhance UAE’s Food Security

At the 7th Sharjah Investment Forum (SIF 2024), held on 18th-19th September, experts explored the role of smart solutions in food security. They discussed how innovative agricultural technologies can boost production and lessen reliance on imports. This session, titled ‘Enhancing Food Security Through Smart Solutions,’ was part of the forum organised by the Sharjah FDI Office at the Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre.

Dr. Khalifa Alteneiji, Chairman of the Department of Agriculture and Livestock in Sharjah, shared insights on local wheat production advancements. He stated, "We were once heavily reliant on imports, but today, thanks to advanced technology, we have surpassed global standards by producing wheat locally. Our wheat is heat-resistant, high-yield, high in protein, and consumes less water — proving that sustainable solutions can thrive even in challenging climates."

Sara Al Nuaimi, CEO of Sheraa, emphasised entrepreneurship's role in advancing smart solutions for food security. She noted that Sheraa has supported over 180 ventures, with more than 20 focused on sustainable agriculture and irrigation technologies. Al Nuaimi highlighted their efforts to attract international agritech companies to the UAE to scale their solutions regionally.

Hamed Al Hamed from Gracia Group discussed their homegrown solutions for regional agricultural challenges. "Gracia Group was born out of the need to find solutions for water scarcity and difficult farming conditions. We have developed integrated systems that cater to the UAE’s unique environment, from advanced irrigation techniques to sustainable crop management," he explained.

Ahmed Hammoud of Alesca Technologies spoke about vertical farming's potential in sustainable agriculture. He said, "Since 2013, we have been working on perfecting vertical farming solutions that can be integrated into urban settings, reducing the carbon footprint and providing fresh produce directly to residents." Hammoud highlighted how smart technologies enhance efficiency by lowering costs and boosting profitability.

Dr. Alteneiji also referenced Brazil's success in achieving 80 percent self-sufficiency in wheat during 2022-23 as a model for UAE efforts. He stressed that similar initiatives are vital for overcoming environmental challenges and ensuring long-term food security within the region.

Entrepreneurship and Agritech Innovations

Sara Al Nuaimi expressed optimism about future prospects under the National Strategy for Food Security. The strategy aims for the UAE to lead globally in food security by 2051 with a goal of achieving 50 percent local production. Sheraa is committed to supporting innovators with investments and networks to help them grow.

Hamed Al Hamed emphasised creating local solutions tailored to UAE needs rather than relying solely on imported technology. "We can either import technology or create our own, adapting it to suit local needs and environment," he noted.

The forum underscored the importance of smart agricultural technologies in enhancing food security across challenging climates like those found in the Middle East. By leveraging these innovations, countries can reduce dependency on imports while promoting sustainable practices tailored specifically for their environments.

With inputs from WAM