Latest news with #AlAinFarms
Gulf Business
6 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Business
The making of a ‘National Champion': How Al Ain Farms Group is nurturing the UAE's food future
Image: Supplied Al Ain Farms began not as a commercial venture, but as a visionary response to a national need. In 1981, with just 200 cows, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan — the UAE's Founding Father — planted the seeds of what would become the country's modern food security movement. Sheikh Zayed's vision was clear: to build a homegrown source of 'nourishment' for the people of the UAE, ensuring access to fresh, local food and dairy in a land where little grew naturally. What started as a small dairy farm has since evolved into a symbol of resilience, innovation, and national pride. Going beyond just milk production, Al Ain Farms now a diverse food group that encompasses poultry, juices, eggs, and even camel farming, delivering sustainable, healthy, and affordable food to everyone in the UAE. A total of five farms, including three large dairy farms that are home to over 20,000 heads of cattle and 1,000 camels, are part of this complete food production powerhouse, handling everything from farming to manufacturing and distribution. Its driving force: An efficient system that gets products from farm to shelf within 24 hours, ensuring they're incredibly fresh. In fact, the company has never missed a day of delivery not even during Covid. Last month, As Hassan Safi, the group CEO of AAFG, notes, their mission 'has evolved into a larger vision', with the goal to to become the top producer of high-quality protein and drinks in the region. 'This is the start of something new,' Safi adds. 'It blends great operations, brand trust, and decades of know-how to deliver high-quality, affordable food to every home in the country.' Safi explains why now was the right time for this big step: 'After Covid, food security became a top national focus. This merging helps us meet that goal by making more food, sourcing more locally, and running things more smoothly. It also makes us stronger in supporting local farmers — through long-term commitments and technical assistance. 'We're also pushing for sustainability and cutting down on food waste throughout our whole system.' Signing ceremony marking the launch of AAFG at Make it in the Emirates 2025. Image: Supplied Al Ain Farms Group: Strong backing in place This bold plan is strongly supported by Ghitha Holding and Yas Holding — two powerful investment groups from the UAE, both deeply committed to farming independence and industry breakthroughs. Their involvement injects critical capital strength and operational acumen, strategically aligning AAFG's path with the UAE's big National Food Security Strategy for 2051. The move signals long-term confidence in local food systems, transforming the group into a national platform equipped to meet rising demand across the UAE and the wider region. It also reflects the UAE's ambition to lead the region in quality, sustainability, and innovation, building integrated, future-ready platforms. Smarter systems, sustainable practices AAFG is also rethinking how food is made and moved — with AI as the game-changer. From smarter product R&D to dynamic store stocking, the group is investing heavily in tech that keeps shelves filled without overloading them. 'We're using AI to improve everything — from understanding microbiotic data for better recipes, to predicting exactly what each store needs each day,' says Safi. 'It's helping us cut waste, speed up innovation, and build a food system that's actually built for the future.' This smart approach goes hand-in-hand with sustainability. Whether it's turning cow manure into nutrient-rich soil with help from Australian partners, recycling water on-site, or switching to in-house recycled PET packaging, AAFG is actively closing the loop. Even its convenience foods — like microwave-ready, cook-in-the-bag chicken — come with sustainability in mind. Every day, AAFG supplies 22,000 outlets around the country. 'The challenge is simple: the right product, in the right amount, at the right time. That's where AI really shines,' Safi says. 'Less guesswork means less waste.' While the company has already rolled out organic dairy products, going fully organic will take time. 'Right now, we're focused on making food secure, accessible, and healthy — for everyone,' he adds. The next chapter AAFG has mapped out a bold five-year plan to scale up production, drive innovation, and deepen its sustainability agenda. At the core of this strategy are three key pillars: Scale: AAFG aims to become the GCC's largest table egg producer, targeting an output of 800 million eggs annually. Product innovation : The group is expanding into long shelf-life goods, value-added products, and exploring alternative proteins to meet shifting consumer demand. Regional growth : Strategic partnerships and investments are underway to grow AAFG's footprint across the region and build export-ready capabilities. While rooted in national food security priorities, AAFG is also shaping a model for regional collaboration in agri-food manufacturing. 'As the UAE doubles down on food independence,' says Safi, 'we see ourselves as a blueprint — advancing AAFG stands as one of the UAE's clearest examples of how food security, innovation, and economic ambition can converge into a scalable model.
Zawya
22-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
ADNOC Distribution champions UAE-made products at ADNOC Oasis stores
ADNOC Distribution will partner with UAE's Federal Youth Authority to highlight and celebrate UAE national food and beverage brands and entrepreneurs with dedicated displays at ADNOC Oasis stores ADNOC Distribution operates first pop-up ADNOC Oasis exclusively featuring 100% UAE-made products at Make It In The Emirates Agreement with UAE-based Al Ain Farms will supply home-grown ingredients for ADNOC Oasis beverages, reinforcing local supply chains and supporting domestic industry Abu Dhabi, UAE: ADNOC Distribution, the UAE's largest mobility and convenience retailer, joined the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology's (MoIAT) Muntajat Watan'na initiative at this week's Make It In the Emirates exhibition (MIITE), held at the ADNEC Centre in Abu Dhabi. Through this program, ADNOC Distribution is showcasing the quality and innovation of UAE products, with select locally-made items featured prominently in ADNOC Oasis stores across the country until the end of the year. ADNOC Distribution also announced its collaboration with the UAE Federal Youth Authority (FYA) to highlight Emirati-owned SMEs through its Youth Corner initiative, featuring brands such as Emirates Beekeepers, Banna Brothers, LIWA Hot Sauce and NUWA. Products from these home-grown brands will be available for sale as part of a three-month pilot at select UAE locations. Eng. Bader Saeed Al Lamki, CEO of ADNOC Distribution, said: 'By championing local brands and products, and forging strong partnerships with homegrown suppliers, ADNOC Distribution is helping to build resilient supply chains, empower Emirati entrepreneurs and support the UAE's vision for a more self-reliant, sustainable economy." ADNOC Distribution operated a pop-up ADNOC Oasis convenience store this week at MIITE, which, for the first time, featured 100% UAE-made products for sale. The unique store showcased locally-roasted coffee, food, and specialty beverages, underscoring the company's commitment to supporting the growth of the UAE's food industry. The pop-up store reflects ADNOC Distribution's broader strategy to prioritize UAE-made products across its convenience retail network. ADNOC Distribution also announced a new agreement with Al Ain Farms Group to supply dairy ingredients for ADNOC Oasis coffee, beverages and quick-service food. These initiatives underscore ADNOC Distribution's continued commitment to elevating the UAE's industrial capabilities, empowering local talent, and promoting homegrown businesses. The company remains focused on strengthening the UAE's position as a global hub for innovation and manufacturing excellence, both through ADNOC Oasis and through its other product lines, such as the ADNOC Voyager lubricant line, which is proudly made in the UAE and exported to 47 markets worldwide. ADNOC Distribution also fosters partnerships with both established and emerging UAE brands, including its recently announced strategic partnership with noon, the UAE's leading homegrown digital delivery service. For media inquiries, please contact: media@ About ADNOC Distribution ADNOC Distribution is a leading mobility retailer in UAE. The Company has been providing energy for customers' journeys since 1973. Since this time, the Company has continuously been at the forefront of providing the best in customer service. Today, ADNOC Distribution enables, enhances, and energizes every customer journey thanks to digitally enabled, innovative customer experiences and high-quality non-fuel retail products. The Company operates service stations in all seven emirates in its home country, plus Saudi Arabia and Egypt, and sells lubricants in 47 countries across the world via distributors. Now in its 52nd year, ADNOC Distribution has 915 service stations, 555 in the UAE, 70 in Saudi Arabia (with 45 stations contracted and under development), and 245 in Egypt. As a non-fuel retail leader in the UAE, it operates 378 ADNOC Oasis convenience stores, 36 vehicle inspection centers, and other leading services spanning car wash, lube change, and has 283 EV charging points installed under the E2GO brand in the UAE. The Company is also the leading marketer and distributor of fuels to commercial, industrial, and government customers throughout the UAE. All figures as of 31 March 2025. ADNOC Distribution aims to be the global mobility retailer of choice, enabler of sustainable mobility, and provider of exceptional customer experiences. To find out more, visit
Khaleej Times
20-05-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Al Ain Farms Group to double egg production, reduce prices
Al Ain Farms Group, one of the UAE's oldest and largest food producers, is set to double its table egg production to 800 million annually by the end of 2026, making it the largest egg producer in the GCC. This expansion is part of the newly merged entity's push to enhance food security, reduce consumer prices, and position the UAE as a protein powerhouse. Speaking to Khaleej Times, CEO Hassan Safi revealed, "We currently produce about 400 million eggs per year. Once we scale up to 800 million, we will be the largest table egg producer in the region. This is a major strategic move." The company is also expanding its poultry production from 13 million kg to 19 million kg per year and introducing a range of protein-enriched dairy and juice products aimed at health-conscious consumers. The expansion follows a strategic merger bringing together five of the UAE's most trusted food producers — Al Ain Farms, Marmum Dairy, Al Ajban Chicken, Al Jazira Poultry Farm's Golden Eggs, and Saha Arabian Farms — under one umbrella. The consolidation, supported by Ghitha Holding, YAS Holding, and International Holding Company (IHC), aims to create a unified food production platform with a fully integrated supply chain. Farming in the desert The UAE's harsh climate has always posed a challenge to agriculture, but Al Ain Farms has defied the odds since its inception more than four decades ago. Safi credits the company's success to continuous innovation and now, increasingly, the use of AI. "When we first started putting cows in the desert, it was a revolutionary idea," said Safi. "Now AI is making everything smarter — from cow health monitoring to sales predictions.' In partnership with UAE University and a global AI firm, Al Ain Farms is developing a predictive model that uses both historical and real-time consumption data to optimise supply and reduce waste. "Today, the industry average waste in retail is about 7%. With AI, we believe we can cut that down to 3%," he said. "That would be a significant gain for food security and operational efficiency.' AI is also being deployed to detect early signs of illness in cows using robotic systems, allowing for faster and more precise intervention. "We're exploring robots that roam the barns, capturing images and identifying unwell cows before humans even notice." In addition to AI, the company is investing in sugar reduction, lactose-free dairy, sustainable packaging, and alternative protein innovations. Safi declined to share specific export figures due to listing regulations but hinted at ambitions to replicate Al Ain Farms' full-value-chain model in underdeveloped markets. "We're not looking to export fresh products directly, but we are studying opportunities to invest and build similar models regionally. We're already in advanced stages of our feasibility studies." Platform for future collaborations Issa Al Khoory, deputy CEO of Ghitha Holding, said the integration of all five companies is designed not just for scale, but also for impact. "We're not just building a dairy giant, we're building a food security champion," Al Khoory said. "We see this platform as one that can host future acquisitions and partnerships in the UAE and abroad.' He added that the group is now uniquely positioned to attract international partners in health-focused and innovation-driven categories, such as plant-based foods and smart agriculture. "We have the scale, the data, and the ambition. And most importantly, we have the responsibility to contribute to the UAE's food resilience." Safi emphasised that product quality is a key strategic focus for the newly merged group. "We're raising the bar on quality. We want our customers to trust that every claim on the label is real. That includes better transparency, traceability, and overall integrity in our offerings,' he concluded.
Al Etihad
15-03-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Al Ain Farms to acquire producer of ‘Golden Eggs' in Dh285 million deal
15 Mar 2025 11:19 REDDY (ABU DHABI)Al Ain Farms, which is a subsidiary of Ghitha Holdings, has signed a deal to acquire full ownership of Al Jazira Poultry Farm for Dh285 million. Falal Ameen, Group CEO of Ghitha Holdings, in a stock market disclosure, said a share purchases agreement was signed to this effect. 'The completion of the transaction is subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions under the agreement and receipt of regulatory approvals,' he said. Al Ain Farms, which was established in 1981 by the UAE's Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, holds the distinction of being the first dairy company in the UAE. 'With a rich history spanning over four decades, Al Ain Farms continues to set benchmarks in the food industry, offering a diverse range of fresh, nutritious and high-quality products,' notes a description of the company on Ghitha Holdings' website. Al Jazira Poultry Farm, an egg production facility founded in Dubai in 1999, has grown to become the largest egg producer in the Jazira Poultry Farm's eggs, dubbed Golden Eggs, are renowned for their rich golden-yellow yolks. 'It was also the first poultry company in the region to produce value-added eggs, including DHA, Omega 3, super eggs, and Lutein-enriched eggs, as well as eggs from hens that are fed certified organic feed,' a promotional media report on the company said recently. The latest acquisition by the Al Ain Farms is expected to cement its position as the leader in the poultry sector. Ghitha Holdings, which is part of the International Holding Company (IHC), focuses on sectors related to food production, processing and distribution. It is listed on Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) and is valued at Dh4.387 billion.
Emirates 24/7
18-02-2025
- Sport
- Emirates 24/7
All-Female C1 Championship Set for a Thrilling Finale in Dubai
The highly anticipated grand finale of the All-Female C1 Championship is set to take place on Saturday, February 22, at the Al Marmoom Camel Racing Club in Dubai. After an intense five-month season featuring seven competitive races, the championship's top jockeys will compete for the ultimate title. This historic racing series has showcased the world's best female camel jockeys, driven by the motto "Dare to Fly." The season-ending event will feature two decisive races over 2 km and 1.2 km, where every second will be crucial in determining the champion. Title Contenders in a Tight Race With a close competition at the top of the leaderboard, the final races promise an electrifying showdown: Joanna Patejuk (PL) – 38 points Swaantje Jorina Niehus (CH) – 36 points Rawan Salah (JOR) – 34 points Linda Krockenberger, founder of the All-Female C1 Championship, highlighted the significance of the event: "This championship goes beyond racing; it's about breaking barriers, empowering women, and highlighting the incredible talent of female camel jockeys on a global stage. The season finale will be a testament to their dedication, courage, and passion." Strong Sponsorship Support The championship is backed by Camellait, Al Ain Farms, and Zabeel Feed Mill, whose support has been instrumental in the event's success. Beyond the thrilling races, the event will feature a race village, offering shopping opportunities, camel interactions, ice cream, coffee, and an engaging atmosphere for attendees. Event Details: Venue: Al Marmoom Camel Racing Club, Dubai Date: Saturday, February 22, 2025 – 4 PM onwards Final Races: 2 km & 1.2 km Free tickets for general admission can be booked at For media inquiries, interviews, and accreditation requests, please Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
