UAE-based agritech food company, Silal has launched two agricultural initiatives, Innovation Oasis (iO) and the Advance AgriTech Academy, which were inaugurated by Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in the Al Ain Region. Both establishments aim to bolster the UAE’s agricultural capabilities and reinforce its long-term food security framework under the National Food Security Strategy 2051.
Launch of Innovation Oasis and Its Strategic Objectives
The Innovation Oasis (iO), developed by Silal, is a research and development hub dedicated to agricultural technology. Situated on a site spanning over 300,000 square metres, the facility is designed as a collaborative ecosystem bringing together researchers, startups, academic institutions and industry professionals. Its core mission is to support sustainable local farming practices, introduce advanced agricultural technologies, and enhance national resilience in food systems.
The facility houses a suite of specialised infrastructure including advanced laboratories, growth chambers, phenotyping units, experimental setups, greenhouses, net-houses, and open-field research plots. Research at iO will centre on climate-resilient farming systems tailored to extreme desert conditions, optimised controlled environment agriculture, and integrated water-food-energy solutions. This includes the development of saltwater-resistant crops, precision agriculture using IoT technology, and solar thermal desalination. AI-powered agricultural tools, utilising machine learning, robotics, and data analytics, will also be explored to improve farm management and post-harvest operations, aiming to increase supply chain efficiency and reduce food waste.
Establishment of Advance AgriTech Academy
Concurrently, the Advance AgriTech Academy of Silal was inaugurated to support the development of Emirati talent in the agricultural technology sector. The academy provides targeted programmes offering career guidance and hands-on training. It collaborates with global research institutions to ensure participants gain the critical skills necessary to contribute to innovation in agriculture and food systems. This initiative complements the objectives of the Innovation Oasis by nurturing a skilled workforce capable of executing and expanding research outputs across the country.
Silal-UAEU Partnership and Educational Investments
As part of the broader initiative, a cooperation agreement was signed between Silal and the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) to strengthen collaboration in agricultural innovation. This agreement includes the provision of five scholarships dedicated to students from UAEU’s College of Agriculture. The scholarships are intended to empower future professionals in the fields of agricultural sustainability and food security, contributing to academic excellence and national capacity building.
Strategic Perspective on Agritech Investment
During the ceremony, His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan underscored the strategic importance of investing in agricultural technology as a means of advancing sustainable domestic production and building a knowledge-based economy. He highlighted the urgency of strengthening food supply chains and addressing the food security challenges posed at both regional and global levels.
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The inauguration was attended by a delegation including Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan; Zaki Anwar Nusseibeh, Cultural Adviser to the UAE President and Chancellor of UAEU; Professor Ahmed Ali Al Raeesi, Acting Vice Chancellor of UAEU; Salmeen Obaid Al Ameri, CEO of Silal; Dr Mohammed Abdulmuhsen Salem Al Yafei, Acting Dean of the College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine at UAEU; Humaid Al Rumaithi, CEO of Food Security at Silal; and Dr Shamal Mohammed, CEO of the Innovation Oasis.
Salmeen Obaid Al Ameri remarked that the Innovation Oasis and the Advance Agritech Academy reflect a dedicated focus on research, knowledge transfer, and strategic partnerships to enhance the sustainability and resilience of the UAE’s food ecosystem.
“Innovation Oasis (iO) is redefining the future of agri-food in the UAE. By harnessing advanced technologies and fostering strategic partnerships, we are strengthening the resilience and sustainability of our food system. With a strong focus on research, innovation, and knowledge transfer, we are not only driving progress but also positioning the UAE at the forefront of global agritech solutions. Additionally, the launch of the iO Advance AgriTech Academy further reinforces our commitment to developing local talent, ensuring that the UAE remains a global leader in agricultural innovation.”
The inauguration of these two facilities marks a step forward in aligning national agricultural initiatives with long-term sustainability and food security goals. Through integrated research infrastructure, talent development programmes, and institutional collaboration, the UAE is enhancing its capacity to respond to environmental challenges, optimise food systems, and contribute to the resilience of its agricultural economy.
