Silal, an agri-food and technology company based in Abu Dhabi, has announced the expansion of its operations into Ras Al Khaimah through a collaboration with the National Agricultural Centre, as part of efforts to strengthen the UAE’s agricultural ecosystem and support local farmers.

The initiative marks a step in Silal’s broader strategy to expand its footprint across the UAE, improve the marketing and distribution of Emirati agricultural products, and increase farmers’ access to markets.

The first phase of the project will begin in the Al Hamraniyah area of Ras Al Khaimah, where Silal will start working with farms in the region from March 9. The move aims to strengthen agricultural production systems and help farmers improve productivity while gaining more efficient access to markets.

Through the partnership, Silal and the National Agricultural Centre plan to establish an integrated support framework for farmers. This will include technical assistance, guidance on best agricultural practices, access to essential inputs, and oversight of post-harvest handling and product marketing to improve quality and competitiveness in local markets.

As part of the initiative, the two entities will also set up a dedicated crop collection centre to streamline the collection, distribution, and marketing of agricultural produce.

The collaboration is part of a broader effort to enhance the efficiency of agricultural supply chains across the UAE, support the long-term sustainability of the sector, and contribute to the country’s food security goals.

Dhafer Al Qasimi, Group Chief Executive Officer of Silal, said the partnership represents an important step in strengthening collaboration across the agricultural ecosystem.

“This collaboration represents an important step in Silal’s journey to expand its operations across the UAE and strengthen integration across the agricultural ecosystem,” he said. “Through our partnership with the National Agricultural Centre, we aim to empower local farmers by providing the technical and marketing support they need to enhance productivity and increase the presence of Emirati agricultural products in the market.”

Sultan Salem Al Shamsi, Director of the National Agricultural Centre, said the initiative reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen cooperation with key stakeholders to advance the UAE’s agricultural sector.

“By empowering local farmers through an integrated system that spans production, organisation, and marketing, we aim to improve the quality of agricultural products and enhance their competitiveness in the market, while supporting the sustainability of the agricultural sector and the UAE’s national food security goals,” he said.

The initiative aligns with broader national efforts to develop agricultural production systems and strengthen food supply chains across the UAE’s emirates, supporting local farmers and reinforcing the resilience of the country’s agricultural sector.