Latest news with #IKTIFA
Sharjah 24
2 days ago
- Business
- Sharjah 24
Majid Al Junaid: Remarkable step to enhance self-sufficiency
Sharjah Cooperative has greatly expanded its range of UAE-made products across its branches as part of its commitment to support national production. Sales of local goods have grown by over 80% since the start of the year compared to the same period last year. The Sharjah Cooperative Society now offers over 1,000 national products, including a wide variety of food and non-food items such as bread, milk, flour, dairy, rice, oils, beverages, detergents, and household supplies. Strong demand for local goods These products have received a positive response due to prominent display space and high quality, allowing them to compete with global brands. This growing popularity strengthens the country's sustainable food security efforts. Majid Al Junaid, CEO of the Sharjah Cooperative Society (SCS) stated that consumer interest in local goods highlights the importance of boosting domestic production and supporting local farms, in line with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. Al Junaid highlighted the MoU signed with the Department of Agriculture and Livestock and its affiliate 'IKTIFA', aimed at improving coordination, logistics, and information sharing to enhance supply chain efficiency and support local production. Distribution of 'IKTIFA' and local brands Sharjah Cooperative Society now offers 'IKTIFA', Arabic bread and other locally produced items, like Mleiha dairy products and Saba Sanabel flour, ensuring high-quality options for customers in cooperation with national producers. Backed over 100 local farms. Over recent years, the cooperative has supported more than 100 productive farms across the UAE by marketing their goods through its Sharjah branches, boosting the sales of agricultural products. A broad campaign was recently launched to promote local products, including wide discounts and clear 'Made in UAE' labelling aimed at raising consumer awareness and improving competitiveness. Ongoing initiatives Sharjah Cooperative Society continues to support UAE-made goods through visible display areas, priority in order fulfilment, dedicated promotion staff, and easier monthly payment terms for suppliers. Al Junaid affirmed that this expansion is a strategic move to boost self-sufficiency and national food security. He highlighted Sharjah's commitment to sustainable food practices in line with the UAE's National Food Security Strategy 2051, driven by circular economy principles and technological integration.
Sharjah 24
19-05-2025
- Business
- Sharjah 24
IKTIFA signs cooperation agreement with Emirates Macaroni Factory
Under the agreement, the factory will manufacture all types of "Saba' Sanabel" organic pasta, made from wheat grown at the Maliha farm, which boasts a protein content of 19.3%, the highest globally. Signing ceremony The agreement was signed during the "Make it in the Emirates 2025" exhibition, organized by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology at the ADNEC Centre in Abu Dhabi. Eng. Khalifa Musabah Al Tunaiji, CEO of the Sharjah Agricultural and Livestock Production Establishment "IKTIFA," and Ahmed Saeed Belyouha, Chairman of the Emirates Macaroni Factory, represented the parties involved. Event significance This milestone agreement took place at the UAE's leading industrial event, where the Department of Agriculture and Livestock and its investment arm, "IKTIFA," showcased projects from Sharjah's sustainable organic food security system, along with a variety of organic products. Manufacturing practices According to the agreement, the Emirates Macaroni Factory will produce "Saba' Sanabel" organic pasta using world-class sustainable and eco-friendly practices. This collaboration ensures the continuous availability of high-quality, healthy products from "IKTIFA" and supports the expansion of the "Saba' Sanabel" product range across the UAE. Strategic alignment The initiative aligns with Sharjah's sustainable organic food security framework and reinforces the objectives of the "Make it in the Emirates" initiative by boosting local production and reducing reliance on food imports in critical sectors. Commitment to quality Dr Eng. Khalifa Musabah Al Tunaiji stated, 'In line with the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, IKTIFA is committed to strengthening its partnerships with the private sector. This effort supports our goals of expanding our diverse range of organic and safe products for all segments of society.' He emphasized the commitment to delivering clean, safe food that enhances the overall quality of life in the UAE. Focus on local industries Khalifa Al Tunaiji further emphasized that the increasing focus on local industries—particularly the organic sector—marks a significant milestone in the development and growth of national capabilities. He noted, 'It fosters an environment that promotes collaboration between the public and private sectors while accelerating the integration of advanced technologies. This transformation is evident at the 'Make it in the Emirates' exhibition, which serves as a pivotal platform for driving industrial progress and positioning the UAE as a global leader in safe, organic food production.' Role of IKTIFA Khalifa Al Tunaiji highlighted that IKTIFA plays a crucial role in providing safe, organic food to all segments of society. He pointed out that the agreement with the Emirates Macaroni Factory to produce "Saba' Sanabel" organic pasta was made due to the factory's status as one of the leading national institutions. With nearly fifty years of experience, it is the first factory in the UAE and the region to specialize in pasta and its derivatives. Future of organic food production Ahmed Saeed Belyouha, Chairman of the Emirates Macaroni Factory, stated that the partnership with IKTIFA marks an important milestone towards a more sustainable future for organic food production in the UAE. Since its establishment, the Emirates Macaroni Factory has remained committed to delivering high-quality products that meet international standards and reflect the evolving aspirations of consumers in the UAE and the wider region. 'This agreement allows us to further advance our path of growth and innovation, a journey that has lasted over fifty years in the pasta and its derivatives industry,' he added.
Sharjah 24
19-05-2025
- Business
- Sharjah 24
IKTIFA, Emirates Macaroni Factory partner to support organic food
Dr Al Tunaiji praised the participation in the "Make it in the Emirates" forum organised by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, showcasing the "Saba' Sanabel" product, which is the first local product to receive the "Make it in the Emirates" certification. He emphasised that this agreement adds new products to IKTIFA's portfolio, providing various types of pasta and other potential products through the Emirates Macaroni Factory. A Historic milestone Ahmed Saeed Belyouha remarked that this agreement is a significant point in the journey of the Emirates Macaroni Factory, allowing it to be part of IKTIFA's noble mission. He highlighted that a key principle in the industry is the production and supply phase, affirming the adage "from farm to table." Today, they witness a comprehensive model of Emirati industry enhancing the food, beverage, and local agriculture sectors. Belyouha expressed hope for continued collaboration and the introduction of more organic food products in the future to meet public needs.
