Al Ain Farms Group And Khalifa University Collaborate To Enhance Sustainable Nutrition Through Research And Innovation

Al Ain Farms Group (AAFG) and Khalifa University Enterprises Company (KUEC) have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Abu Dhabi International Food Exhibition. This strategic partnership aims to enhance research, innovation, and sustainable practices in the UAE's food sector. It strengthens the country's leadership in food security and science-driven industry growth, while also fostering talent development by providing students with access to real-world facilities.

The collaboration between AAFG and KUEC focuses on three main areas: camel milk innovation, sustainable poultry feed, and talent development. By combining Khalifa University's research capabilities with AAFG's operational expertise, the partnership seeks to advance technologies in human nutrition, animal wellbeing, nutrient valorisation, and shelf-life enhancement. The alliance also explores commercialization pathways for camel milk, positioning it for global export and health-focused markets.

Khalifa University has developed key intellectual property in camel milk research. The partnership aims to unlock this potential by advancing technologies that enhance human nutrition and animal wellbeing. With a focus on nutrient valorisation and shelf-life enhancement, the alliance seeks to position camel milk for global export. This initiative highlights camel milk as a symbol of UAE heritage known for its rich protein content and health benefits.

The collaboration will pilot pioneering premix feed technologies using local agricultural by-products. This approach aims to reduce costs, improve digestibility, and transform food system waste into valuable resources. By doing so, the partnership supports the UAE's circular economy goals and advances sustainable practices within the poultry industry.

AAFG plays a crucial role in delivering high-quality, locally produced foods through its vertically integrated model. This model encompasses feed production, hatcheries, processing, packaging, and logistics. The group includes five trusted legacy brands: Al Ain Farms, Marmum Dairy, Al Ajban Chicken, Al Jazira Poultry’s Golden Eggs, and Saha Arabian Farms. Together with KUEC's support, AAFG is well-positioned to contribute to the UAE’s food security agenda.

Talent Development

Students and researchers will gain hands-on experience addressing real industry challenges through this partnership. AAFG will have access to Khalifa University's incubation hub for co-created innovation. This collaboration ensures future-proofing of the UAE talent pipeline while strengthening the nation's knowledge-based economy.

The strategic alliance will advance flagship pilot projects in camel milk and sustainable poultry feed with rapid validation and scaling. It includes co-ownership of technology and intellectual property management to ensure UAE-based breakthroughs remain nationally significant. The partnership aligns with the UAE’s ambition to rank among the top 10 countries in the Global Food Security Index.

Amal Nasser Al Jaberi, CEO of KUEC stated: "This partnership with Al Ain Farms Group reflects our commitment to translating Khalifa University’s research into real-world impact through deeper collaboration with industry." Hassan Safi from AAFG added: "By combining Khalifa University’s world-class research expertise with our deep operational experience... we aim to unlock cutting-edge research in this vital area."

This collaboration not only serves current needs but also inspires future generations by showcasing Emirati excellence globally. It supports the "We the UAE 2031" vision for diversified growth driven by sustainability and innovation.

With inputs from WAM