Sharjah’s Ruwad Foundation has launched a new book examining agricultural entrepreneurship and innovation in the UAE, with a focus on the emirate’s experience. The launch took place at Sharjah Expo during the Sharjah International Book Fair.
Published in Arabic and English, the book is the first release in Ruwad’s annual research series, “Entrepreneurial Sectors in Sharjah.” It explores investment and business opportunities in agriculture, as well as the role of technology, research and entrepreneurship in strengthening food security and sustainable supply chains.
The publication covers five main chapters, including the UAE’s agricultural development, challenges facing entrepreneurs, digital transformation and emerging technologies such as smart, vertical and hydroponic farming. It also includes six case studies from Sharjah, covering wheat production in Mleiha, organic farming, agricultural cooperatives and agri-tech startups.
According to the announcement, the research reviewed 43 studies and reports and identified nine major challenge areas, including financing, technology, markets, talent, land and water access, regulation and global market volatility.
The book highlights Mleiha’s wheat farm, which expanded from 400 hectares in 2022 to 880 hectares in its second phase, with a target of 1,400 hectares. It also cites UAE agricultural market growth from around $3B in 2024 to a projected $4.3B by 2030.
Source: Sharjah24
