Interview: Saeed Al Bahri Salem Al Ameri
In what ways are public-private partnerships able to influence innovation and technology adoption within the agriculture sector?
SAEED AL BAHRI SALEM AL AMERI: Innovation serves as the linchpin for industrial success, and the combination of public governance and private sector dynamism provides the optimal setting for advancements in this area. Such collaboration fosters a favourable environment for research and development (R&D), expedites the transition to sustainable agricultural methods and paves the way for the broad application of advanced technologies.
Abu Dhabi, in particular, presents a significant opportunity for elevating food production through innovation, supported by both the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) and Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD). Responsible for linking producers with international markets, KIZAD operates within a business-friendly Abu Dhabi landscape that includes robust infrastructure, comprehensive legislation, secure investment avenues and legal safeguards. Consequently, Abu Dhabi is emerging as an attractive location for investment in food production.
What role do you see for data analysis in increasing efficiency, enhancing quality and improving productivity among local producers?
AL AMERI: Data analysis has become an indispensable tool for ensuring success across various industries, and agriculture is no exception. ADAFSA oversees 25,000 farms and an equal number of livestock holdings, in addition to 17,700 food-related establishments. Therefore, the role of digital transformation and data analytics cannot be overstated. By harnessing the power of data, we can gain insights into the performance metrics of both crops and livestock to develop targeted interventions. This includes optimising irrigation schedules based on weather and soil moisture levels, predicting pest outbreaks to streamline pesticide use and assessing the nutritional needs of different animal breeds.
Additionally, data analysis can help farmers decide which crops are most suitable to cultivate on their land. This information, for example, can reveal which crops are most profitable during certain seasons, or how different farming techniques impact yield and quality. These insights enable local producers to make choices that directly contribute to increased productivity.
Furthermore, we can leverage data to assess the effectiveness of new technologies or farming methods in real time, allowing us to adapt strategies for maximum impact. The goal is to create an ecosystem where data-driven decision-making becomes the norm, thereby elevating the overall product quality, increasing yield, and ensuring that Abu Dhabi remains at the forefront of agricultural innovation and food security.
How can local firms contribute to the emirate’s food security objectives, and how do you assess the R&D ecosystem in Abu Dhabi?
AL AMERI: R&D represents the future of the agri-food industry and is helping bring attractive and innovative products to market. The contributions of start-ups and entrepreneurs are particularly noticeable in the plantbased food area. For instance, one firm established in KIZAD specialises in plant-based proteins. In recent years we have seen a proliferation of commercial-scale farms, which indicates a willingness to produce crops in arid climates like Abu Dhabi, something that was previously thought to be impossible.
The cultivation of economically viable crops grown within the emirate is the direct result of ongoing R&D efforts, with the Advanced Technology Research Council helping to oversee progress in this area. ADAFSA, in partnership with the Khalifa Centre for Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology, has launched projects such as the Abu Dhabi Agricultural Genome Programme. Innovation and R&D are essential for the growth of the agri-food industry, but their true value is realised when they lead to economically sustainable solutions.
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