His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Ain Region, has witnessed the inauguration of Silal's Innovation Oasis (iO), a research and development facility specialising in agricultural technology. iO aims to support national efforts to advance sustainable farming practices and strengthen the UAE's food security, in line with the objectives of the National Food Security Strategy 2051.
His Highness also witnessed the inauguration of the Advance AgriTech Academy, established to develop the UAE's next generation of AgriTech leaders and offering specialised programmes in career guidance and practical training, in collaboration with global research institutions, to equip Emirati talent with the skills and capabilities required to drive innovation in food and agriculture.
In addition, His Highness witnessed the signing of a cooperation agreement between Silal and the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) to further strengthen collaboration in advancing agricultural research and innovation, including offering five scholarships aimed at empowering students from the College of Agriculture at the UAEU in the field of agricultural sustainability and food security, in support of academic excellence and national talent.
© SilalHazza bin Zayed witnesses inauguration of Silal's iO and Advance AgriTech Academy
Salmeen Obaid Alameri, CEO of Silal, said: "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."
Spanning over 300,000 square metres, iO is a dynamic ecosystem designed to foster collaboration among researchers, industry leaders, startups and academics. The facility is an incubator for agritech innovations, focusing on climate-resilient farming, optimised controlled environment agriculture, and resource-efficient food production.
© Silal
Key focus areas include climate-resilient farming techniques to address the extreme temperatures of the UAE, water-food-energy solutions integrating solar thermal desalination, IoT-enabled precision agriculture, and saltwater-resistant crops. Additionally, AI-driven food systems will also be explored at the facility, leveraging machine learning, robotics and data analytics to enhance farm management and post-harvest technologies, improving supply chain efficiency and minimising food waste.
For more information:
Silal
silal.ae/