Fujairah Launches Ambitious Sustainability Drive with Strategic Partnership
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai
Etihad Water and Electricity , Al Dahra Agriculture Trading, and Fujairah Municipality have formalised a strategic partnership aimed at accelerating sustainable development in the Emirate of Fujairah. The agreement, signed under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, underscores a shared commitment to environmental protection, resource efficiency, and community well-being.
The collaboration focuses on three primary objectives: enhancing water and energy efficiency, promoting sustainable agriculture, and fostering community engagement in environmental initiatives. EtihadWE brings to the partnership its expertise in innovative water and electricity solutions, including the deployment of advanced metering infrastructure and smart grid technologies. Al Dahra contributes its experience in sustainable agricultural practices and food security, while Fujairah Municipality provides governance and oversight to ensure alignment with the emirate's development plans.
ADVERTISEMENT
A key component of the initiative is the implementation of smart water management systems. EtihadWE plans to install sophisticated sensors in water pumping stations capable of detecting changes in water quality and automatically shutting down operations to prevent contamination. Additionally, the company will introduce remote inspection devices for high-pressure pipelines, enhancing the reliability and safety of the water supply network.
In the realm of agriculture, Al Dahra aims to introduce sustainable farming techniques that reduce water consumption and increase crop yields. The company will work closely with local farmers to implement drip irrigation systems, soil moisture monitoring, and the use of drought-resistant crop varieties. These measures are expected to contribute significantly to the emirate's food security and environmental sustainability goals.
Fujairah Municipality will play a pivotal role in facilitating community engagement and education. Plans include the establishment of community gardens, educational workshops on sustainable practices, and the integration of environmental topics into school curricula. The municipality will also oversee the development of green spaces and the implementation of eco-friendly infrastructure projects.
The partnership aligns with the UAE's broader sustainability objectives, including the UAE Energy Strategy 2050 and the National Water Security Strategy 2036. By fostering collaboration between public and private entities, the initiative aims to create a model for sustainable development that can be replicated across the country.
Yousif Ahmed Al Ali, CEO of EtihadWE, stated, 'This partnership represents a significant step towards achieving our sustainability goals. By combining our technological expertise with Al Dahra's agricultural knowledge and the strategic oversight of Fujairah Municipality, we are poised to make substantial progress in environmental conservation and resource efficiency.'
Khaleefa Al Mazrouei, CEO of Al Dahra Agriculture Trading, commented, 'Our collaboration with EtihadWE and Fujairah Municipality underscores our commitment to sustainable agriculture and food security. We look forward to implementing innovative farming practices that will benefit both the environment and the local community.'
Eng. Mohamed Saif Al Afkham, Director-General of Fujairah Municipality, added, 'This agreement marks a new chapter in our efforts to promote sustainable development in Fujairah. Through this partnership, we aim to enhance the quality of life for our residents while preserving our natural resources for future generations.'
The initiative also includes plans for the development of renewable energy projects, such as solar-powered public facilities and the integration of electric vehicle charging stations throughout the emirate. These projects are designed to reduce carbon emissions and promote the adoption of clean energy technologies.
As part of the agreement, the partners will establish a joint task force to oversee the implementation of the various projects and ensure that they meet established sustainability benchmarks. Regular progress reports will be published to maintain transparency and keep the public informed of developments.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The National
6 days ago
- The National
Grow more with less: Al Dahra chief plots global growth from the ground up
Arnoud Van den Berg, group chief executive of Al Dahra, is a man on a mission: to turn one of the Middle East's leading agribusinesses into the world's largest irrigated farming platform. From the company's headquarters in Abu Dhabi, Mr Van den Berg is leading a strategy of expansion, technology adoption, and sustainable transformation rooted in the belief that feeding a growing world population must go hand-in-hand with preserving its natural resources. 'We've only just begun,' he tells The National in an interview. 'We have the mandate, we have the capital, and we have the proof of concept. Now we are scaling.' The company, which operates in more than 20 countries and manages approximately 150,000 hectares of land, has set its sights on tripling that figure to 500,000 hectares in the years ahead, with potential to go even further. 'The global market for agriculture is so vast that no one has more than a one per cent share,' Mr Van den Berg says. 'There's space to grow – and a real need.' Regenerative Roots At the heart of Al Dahra's growth strategy is a commitment to regenerative agriculture, a term Mr Van den Berg admits lacks a definition, but one he is determined to help formalise. 'Like the term 'organic' before it, regenerative farming needs a framework,' he says. 'We are working with global organisations to define it clearly and apply it consistently.' Al Dahra's version includes core practices such as no-tillage farming, reduced pesticide and fertiliser use, and long-term soil health management. These practices are not only environmentally responsible, Mr Van den Berg says, but commercially smart. 'Healthy soil gives you better yields, requires less water, and lowers input costs. It's a win-win.' The company's newly updated sustainability report commits to farming 80 per cent of its land regeneratively by 2030. Today, it is at 35 per cent. 'We've set KPIs for every country we operate in,' he says. 'It's no longer optional. Every market must contribute.' Climate realities and data-driven farming A global water risk assessment recently completed by Al Dahra has revealed startling regional variations and growing unpredictability. 'In 2024, we had more rainfall in southern Egypt than in Romania. That's unheard of,' Mr Van den Berg says. 'It shows how fast things are changing. You can't farm like its 1990.' Precision and flexibility are key. Through investment in AI and farm management platforms, Al Dahra is building a digital infrastructure capable of tracking inputs, predicting weather shifts, and optimising planting schedules. For example, Mr Van den Berg says that such AI models can predict whether planting a crop a week earlier or later can change yields by 10 per cent. 'That's a 10 per cent increase in food with no increase in footprint.' The company is launching a unified digital farm management system across its operations in Romania, Serbia, Egypt, and Morocco. It's a complex process that requires synchronising equipment, methodology, and mindsets. 'First comes the philosophy,' Mr Van den Berg says. 'Then, the machinery.' Strategic farming focus crucial in the UAE Not all forms of agriculture make sense in the UAE, Mr Van den Berg says. 'I don't think it should be an objective for the UAE to do every potential form of agriculture.' For instance, growing rice or bananas is, he says, not a good idea. It's not sustainable. 'But we can pick the crops in the UAE that we can grow here. Well, for instance, vegetables in the green greenhouses, like potato tomatoes or cucumbers.' Al Dahra quit its joint venture with Pure Harvest, a high-tech greenhouse operator, last year to refocus on its core competency: large-scale, irrigated, rotational farming. The model is flourishing in countries such as Romania, where Al Dahra owns the largest contiguous farm in Europe, and Egypt, where desert land has been transformed into high yield, export-ready farmland. 'We see similar potential across Africa and Latin America,' Mr Van den Berg says. The company is now in discussions with 10 African governments for long-term land leases, aiming to build large-scale farms that can boost local food security. 'Ninety-nine per cent of food in Africa is grown by smallholder,' he says. 'But large-scale farming allows for capital investment, irrigation, and yields that are ten times higher. That's how you solve food insecurity.' Latin America, by contrast, is viewed more as a platform for export. Al Dahra plans to acquire underperforming farms in Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay, and upgrade them with regenerative methods. 'If we apply the regenerative practices that we typically do, we can upgrade the soils and have better yields. So we intend to invest to upgrade and bring these farms to full potential.' Looking ahead to 2030 In five years, Mr Van den Berg hopes, Al Dahra will be able to demonstrate that its strategy has delivered: tripling farmland, halving emissions, and a taking a major role is feeding the 25 per cent global population increase anticipated by 2050. 'We're not just growing crops,' he says. 'We're growing a platform. One that is digital, sustainable, and global in scope. And if we succeed, we'll feed more people using less land, less water, and fewer resources.'
Zawya
28-05-2025
- Zawya
EtihadWE and Emarat formalise strategic collaboration to enhance customer experience through EmCan Loyalty Program
Abu Dhabi: Etihad Water and Electricity (EtihadWE) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Emirates Petroleum Company (Emarat) on the sidelines of the World Utilities Congress 2025, marking a new phase of collaboration that brings EmCan — the loyalty program — into the utilities sector. The signing ceremony was held in the presence of H.E. Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, and Chairman of both EtihadWE and Emarat. Through this partnership, EtihadWE becomes the first utility provider in the UAE to integrate with a loyalty platform. Customers can now earn EmCan points by paying their utility bills via EtihadWE's digital platforms within five days of the bill issue date. Each qualifying payment earns 1,000 EmCan points — equivalent to AED 10 — redeemable at Emarat stations and across a wide network of partner outlets, including retail, dining, and lifestyle destinations across the UAE. 'This partnership reflects our continued commitment to innovation that delivers real value to our customers,' said Eng. Yousif Ahmed Al Ali, CEO of EtihadWE. 'By turning everyday transactions like bill payments into rewarding experiences, we are deepening engagement and offering tangible benefits that strengthen trust and loyalty.' Ali Khalifa Al Shamsi, CEO of Emarat, added: 'Our collaboration with EtihadWE is a meaningful step in extending EmCan to essential public services. By rewarding routine actions, we make loyalty more relevant, accessible, and part of customers' daily lives.' The signing took place during EtihadWE's participation at the World Utilities Congress 2025 in Abu Dhabi (27–29 May), where the company is showcasing key national projects shaping the future of the water and energy sectors: Naqa'a Seawater Reverse Osmosis Plant: One of the world's largest SWRO facilities, producing up to 250 million cubic metres of potable water annually using advanced technology. The plant operates with over 60% less energy than conventional systems. Khuraijah Water Storage and Distribution Centre: With a total storage capacity of 180 million gallons across nine tanks, the centre uses gravity-fed distribution from its 80-metre elevation, saving about 36 million kilowatt-hours and over AED 16 million annually. Distributed Solar System Project: In collaboration with the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, this initiative enables customers to install rooftop solar panels and feed excess power into the grid in exchange for energy credits, reducing bills and supporting national clean energy goals. AMI Smart Metering Project: A long-term program for full smart meter deployment across the Northern Emirates, enabling automatic readings, early fault detection, and improved operational efficiency. EtihadWE's participation at the Congress reaffirms its commitment to innovation and long-term sustainability — continuously advancing services that meet the evolving needs of communities across the UAE.
Zawya
22-05-2025
- Zawya
Al Dahra forges strategic partnership with Getreide AG Ukraine to bolster global grain supply chain
ABU DHABI, UAE – Al Dahra, a global leader in agribusiness, has signed an exclusive agreement with Getreide AG Ukraine to establish strategic grain sourcing operations in Ukraine, significantly expanding Al Dahra's global footprint and supply chain capabilities. This landmark partnership grants Al Dahra direct access to Ukraine's abundant and highly productive agricultural sector, which stands as one of the world's leading exporters of wheat, corn, and barley on the global stage. The collaboration strengthens Al Dahra's competitive position in international grain markets while ensuring reliable supply to its customers across the Middle East and Africa. Under the agreement, Al Dahra `will initially source between 100,000 and 150,000 metric tonnes of agricultural commodities, with plans to scale operations beyond 500,000 metric tonnes. This Ukrainian venture complements Al Dahra's established operations in Serbia, Romania, Egypt, and the United States, creating a robust and diversified global sourcing network. "This partnership marks a pivotal advancement in our global strategy to secure resilient supply chains for our customers," said Arnoud van den Berg, Group CEO, Al Dahra. "Our exclusive relationship with Getreide AG Ukraine positions us strategically in one of the world's most vital agricultural regions, enhancing our ability to meet growing global food demand." Despite regional challenges, Ukraine remains a cornerstone of global food security, with projections to export more than 60 million metric tonnes of agricultural commodities this year. This partnership enables Al Dahra to leverage Ukraine's agricultural prowess while supporting international food security initiatives. The integration of operations is scheduled for completion before the new crop season in July 2025, with dedicated teams from both companies collaborating to ensure a seamless transition and immediate operational efficiency. This partnership will further strengthen Al Dahra's capabilities as a leading player in grains trading, enhancing its market position and ability to respond dynamically to global supply and demand fluctuations. About Al Dahra Al Dahra is a prominent multinational leader in agribusiness, with over 400 thousand acres of agricultural land in Egypt, Romania, Serbia, USA, and other countries, specialized in cultivation, production and trading of nearly 3 million tons of essential food commodities and up to 3 million tons of animal feed. Serving a large customer base from Commercial enterprises to Government agencies, Al Dahra has a widespread geographic footprint, operating in over 20 countries and catering to more than 40 markets with a leading position in Africa, Europe and the Middle East. For more information, visit For media inquiries, please contact:
