UAE Aims for Half‑Local Crop Output as Sharjah Prepares to Double Waste‑to‑Energy Plant
During the “Growing a Sustainable Future” session at the ninth edition of the Sharjah Investment Forum (SIF 2026), officials said the UAE aims to grow half of its crops domestically while Sharjah announced plans to double the capacity of its waste‑to‑energy plant after diverting 93 % of waste from landfills. The forum, organised by the Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah) in collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Investment, brought together government representatives and business leaders to discuss investment opportunities in agricultural technology, artificial intelligence and resource management for greater sustainability.
Food Security Target
Mohammed Saeed Al Nuaimi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, said the country is revising its National Food Security Strategy 2051 in partnership with the private sector, aiming to produce half of the UAE’s crops locally. He noted that smart farming methods such as indoor agriculture and hydroponics can meet this goal while cutting emissions from conventional practices. Al Nuaimi stressed that government policies must align with the needs of investors and farmers, describing agricultural technology as a promising investment avenue for the coming decade and positioning the UAE as a potential regional hub for agri‑tech.
Waste‑to‑Energy Expansion
Khaled Al Huraimel, Group CEO and Vice Chairman of BEEAH Group, explained that the group’s integrated system for waste recovery, recycling and energy conversion has enabled Sharjah to achieve a 93 % landfill waste diversion rate, which he said is the highest in the Middle East. He added that the existing waste‑to‑energy facility, currently generating 30 megawatts, is set to double its output to supply all electricity required for a new community being developed by BEEAH’s real‑estate arm. Al Huraimel also pointed to artificial intelligence as a key growth area, citing uses in waste sorting, monitoring urban cleanliness and creating digital twins to test solutions more efficiently, and noted that BEEAH has expanded operations into Saudi Arabia and Egypt with further market announcements anticipated.
Forum Discussions and Participants
Layth Ibrahim Dwairi, CEO of Tathmeer Agri Tech Center, stated that Tathmeer is the first platform to receive approval from the Securities and Commodities Authority for agricultural crowdfunding. He explained that the centre in Sharjah tests and validates farming technologies before linking farmers with appropriate solutions and supply chains. Dwairi emphasised the need to develop innovations suited to the region’s environment and culture, adding that food security depends on collective action and that agri‑tech is becoming increasingly important. The discussion was moderated by Layan AbuShkier, Editor and Researcher at Forbes Middle East. The two‑day event, held during the ninth edition of the Sharjah Investment Forum (SIF 2026) under the theme “Building Adaptive Economies”, took place at the Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre and featured more than 80 speakers, over 140 activities and 80 pre‑arranged business meetings to connect investors, companies and decision‑makers.
