Community Jameel

Established in 2022 in response to global food supply crises triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic and exacerbated by the conflict in Ukraine, the wheat farm at Mleiha, Sharjah is a breakthrough in desert wheat farming and local wheat production. Overseen by His Excellency Dr Engineer Khalifa Musabeh Alteneiji, the farm uses artificial intelligence monitoring systems and satellite imaging to adjust irrigation levels to reduce water consumption by 30-40% compared to other farms. The farm celebrated its first harvest in March 2023, representing a milestone in the United Arab Emirate's ambition to reduce its reliance on foreign imports and reaffirming Emirati ties with the desert.

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"There was a previous belief that it was not possible to cultivate wheat in commercial and standardised quantities in this region. What is currently happening in the Emirate of Sharjah is a break from this belief and the start of an experiment at a standardised level, not just at a trial level. The results have indeed been encouraging, motivating and inspiring, prompting us to continue developing the experiment, while harnessing—not fighting—these climatic conditions," said Alteneiji.

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Photo and interview by Jonathan Rashad.

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UAE

HE Dr Khalifa Alteneiji, Sharjah