Sharjah breaks global record in nutrition quality
Sharjah Leads Agricultural Innovation Globally
With growing interest from global food companies, Sharjah is looking into exporting its high-protein wheat to position itself as a key contributor in the international market. Several international certifications, including the HSP food quality certificate and the 'Made in Emirates' label have recognized the emirate's high food standards. The project also won the Best Innovation Award for Sustainability in the UAE, highlighting its impact on environmental protection and agricultural advancement.
Her Excellency Dr. Amna Al Dahak, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, emphasized the project's role in advancing climate-smart agriculture. She noted that the use of modern technologies, including AI-driven irrigation systems, has been instrumental in the project's success, reducing water consumption by 30%.
Developed under the directive of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the project cultivated high-protein wheat on 1,428 hectares of desert land using advanced agricultural technologies. This season's organic wheat harvest is expected to yield around 6,000 tonnes.
Developing Resilient Wheat Variety
The new wheat variety, developed at the Mleiha Wheat Farm, is already being used in local products such as bread, pasta, and cereals, which have attracted both local and international manufacturers.
'Through this project, Sharjah has shown that innovation could overcome even the toughest farming challenges,' Al Dahak added. With an annual output of 15,200 tonnes, the farm now meets Sharjah's entire wheat demand, significantly reducing reliance on imports.
The farm's success stems from the development of a unique wheat strain, 'Sharjah 1,' which is designed to withstand high salinity and drought conditions. A dedicated biotechnology lab has accelerated the genetic improvement process, evaluating over 1,450 wheat strains to select the best-performing varieties.
'Sharjah's wheat has exceeded global standards, making it one of the most nutritionally valuable wheat varieties worldwide,' said Dr. Osama Hussein Qambar, an agricultural expert at the Sharjah Department of Agriculture and Livestock.
The farm also integrates other state-of-the art technologies, such as satellite thermal imaging, to optimise yield and quality. A weather monitoring system provides live forecasts, helping to protect crops from environmental fluctuations.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Sharjah 24
a day ago
- Sharjah 24
SEC approves unified guide for commercial signage in Sharjah
At the outset, the Council extended heartfelt congratulations to President, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and to all the Rulers, citizens, residents, and Muslims on the occasion of the approaching Eid Al-Adha. New jobs and training support for citizens The Council praised the Ruler of Sharjah's recent approval of 400 new jobs for Emirati men and women in government departments across the emirate. It also commended the allocation of AED 55.8 million to the Sharjah Programme for Training and Qualifying Jobseekers — a move that underscores the Ruler's commitment to supporting citizens, boosting employment, and enhancing quality of life and professional development. Al Hamriyah Port fire response applauded The Council expressed its deep appreciation for the swift and professional response by national teams to the recent fire at Hamriyah Port. It noted the high level of readiness, coordination, and effective crisis management, particularly by Sharjah Police, the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Interior, National Guard, Civil Defence, emergency and crisis management bodies, and other local and federal authorities. Their efforts successfully prevented any loss of life. Unified signage guide approved A new unified guide for advertising and commercial signage was approved to harmonise business branding with the emirate's visual identity and aesthetic appeal. The guide provides design principles, permit processes, and regulatory standards for signage, aiming to create an attractive and well-organised urban environment. It covers categories such as shop signs, directional signage, and promotional boards, along with placement criteria and supervision protocols. Sharjah reinforces family and social values The Council reviewed several ongoing social initiatives aimed at strengthening Emirati families, nurturing intergenerational bonds, and upholding national, cultural, and religious identity. These efforts are part of Sharjah's broader social vision to preserve community values while supporting growth and cohesion within local households.
Sharjah 24
a day ago
- Sharjah 24
EPAA completes study on ingestion of marine debris by seabirds
This accomplishment takes on special importance during global World Environment Day celebrations, as the study serves as a pioneering effort that sheds light on threats to marine biodiversity and calls for collective action to protect marine ecosystems from escalating pollution. Reinforcing Sharjah's Position as a Leading Regional Hub for Environmental and Biodiversity Research and Supporting Marine Ecosystem Sustainability Her Excellency Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, Chairperson of the Environment and Protected Areas Authority in Sharjah, stated: 'This unprecedented scientific study in the region reaffirms our firm commitment to monitoring and documenting pressing environmental challenges, in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah. It represents a pioneering scientific accomplishment at both national and regional levels, based on a rigorous methodology that supports the development of evidence-based conservation policies and establishes a reliable database for tracking long-term trends. These findings lay a critical scientific foundation for monitoring the future impacts of marine waste on marine life, including seabirds, which play a key role in maintaining the balance of coastal ecosystems.' Her Excellency added: 'At the EPAA, we are committed to continuing these specialized research efforts in collaboration with local and international experts, to further strengthen Sharjah's position as a regional hub for environmental and biodiversity studies. These efforts also aim to reduce the impacts of marine pollution and promote public awareness of the importance of preserving biodiversity in our seas and coastal areas, supporting the sustainability of marine ecosystems across the Middle East.' She emphasized that World Environment Day is not merely a celebration, but a global call to review environmental policies and enhance community-driven initiatives and green technologies aimed at protecting ecosystems. 'Through our research and awareness programs, we continue to promote a culture of sustainability within society, one that is rooted in biodiversity protection and striking a balance between development and conservation for future generations.' Examination of the Digestive Tracts of 478 Stranded Marine and Coastal Birds Across 17 Species The study involved the examination of the digestive systems of 478 stranded marine and coastal birds from 17 different species that were found deceased along the shores of the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. The results revealed that 12.8% of the birds had ingested marine pollutants: 11.1% had consumed marine debris, and 1.7% contained crude oil and tar balls. Plastic polymers were the most commonly ingested materials, particularly among black-headed gulls (Chroicocephalus ridibundus), with polyethylene identified as the most prevalent polymer, followed by glass as another frequently ingested substance. Juvenile Large White-Headed Gulls Were More Susceptible to Debris Ingestion The findings further showed that juvenile birds of the large white-headed gull species were more prone to ingesting waste than their adult counterparts, highlighting the vulnerability of younger age groups to marine pollution. In a subsample of 20 birds, the ingestion of microplastics was examined. The results showed that microfibers made up 77.8% of all detected microplastics, suggesting that wastewater from laundry could be a major source of this type of pollution. The study also found that oil balls and fishing hooks posed immediate and serious threats to the survival of these birds. Sharjah Strandings Response Programme The Sharjah Strandings Response Program is a core component of EPAA's strategic agenda. It integrates scientific surveys, environmental research, marine life rescue efforts, and community awareness. By responding directly to cases of marine wildlife strandings across Sharjah, the program contributes to ecosystem monitoring, biodiversity conservation, and the advancement of environmental education and stewardship.
2 days ago
Sharjah Ruler allocates AED55.8 million to train Emirati jobseekers
His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has allocated AED 55.8 million to training 1,520 local citizens under a program aimed at reducing unemployment within the Emirate. The Sharjah Job Seekers Training and Qualification Programme will receive the trainees from July 1 until the end of the year. His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan also approved 400 new government jobs, Chairman of the Sharjah Human Resources Department Abdullah Ibrahim Al Zaabi, said. Interviews are expected to begin after Eid al-Adha and are open to those who have already completed their training. He added the Department appointed 704 male and female citizens to government agencies from the beginning of 2025 until the end of last May, including 360 male citizens and 344 female citizens. #حاكم_الشارقة يعتمد مبلغاً قدره 55 مليوناً و800 ألف درهم، لتدريب وتأهيل 1520 مواطناً ومواطنة. #الشارقة_للأخبار #الإمارات #الشارقة — الشارقة للأخبار (@Sharjahnews) June 2, 2025
