The UAE has prioritized AgriTech to address food security, a need underscored by the Covid-19 pandemic and global supply chain disruptions. According to a new report by the Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP) and Deep Knowledge Analytics (DKA), the UAE is now embracing innovative, self-sustaining agricultural methods to mitigate its reliance on imports, which account for over 85% of its food supply.

The report, AgriTech in the UAE Industry Landscape Q3 2022, reviews over 100 companies, 30 investors, 10 government agencies, and eight key sectors, mapping out the UAE’s strategic shift towards high-tech agriculture. The government’s 2018 National Food Security Strategy targets a 30-40% increase in food production within ten years, aiming for 50% of the UAE’s food to be produced locally by 2051.

Given that global agricultural demand is set to rise by 50% by 2050, the UAE faces unique challenges in its harsh desert climate. Innovations such as solar-powered saltwater farming, food waste reduction, and vertical farming are central to these efforts. Advanced practices like hydroponics, robotics, AI, and blockchain-supported systems are being leveraged to increase efficiency and reduce resource consumption. AgriTech investment in the UAE surged in 2021, with venture capital funding climbing to $51.7 billion, marking an 85% increase from 2020.

Key sectors in UAE AgriTech include indoor farming (36%), precision agriculture (15.9%), and Agri inputs (15%). The market is anticipated to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.5% from 2022 to 2027. Startups like Pure Harvest Smart Farms, Madar Farms, and Farmin have become central players in this burgeoning ecosystem, supported by local and international investors.

The UAE’s strategic location and government-backed initiatives make it an attractive destination for AgriTech investors. As global AgriTech is expected to reach $22.6 billion by 2025, the UAE aims to set a regional precedent.

To advance its National Food Security Strategy 2051, Abu Dhabi’s Silal plans to invest $54 million over two years to upgrade 80 farms with smart technology. The UAE’s strategy outlines a 13% reduction in food waste, a 35% decrease in food safety issues, and a 30% yield increase from tech-enabled production by 2051.

The UAE’s AgriTech advancements showcase a transformative approach to desert farming and set the groundwork for a more sustainable and resilient food system.

– QANTARA (c) 2024