Silal, the leading agri-food and technology company in Abu Dhabi, has announced a strategic partnership with Shouguang Vegetable Industry Group (SVG), a prominent Chinese firm known for vegetable seed breeding and counter-seasonal production. This partnership was formalized today at the Make it in the Emirates 2025 forum, where both parties outlined their plans for a significant investment.

Through this collaboration, SVG will invest over AED120 million (approximately $33 million) to develop a 100 000 square meter Agritech powerhouse in Al Ain. This initiative is seen as a major milestone for both the UAE and the regional agriculture sectors, aiming to leverage advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics to enhance efficiency and promote sustainable innovations throughout the agricultural value chain.

The Agritech powerhouse will implement SVG’s advanced “Shouguang Model” of greenhouse technology, which will be tailored for the unique climate of the UAE. It will incorporate various sophisticated greenhouse structures, including intelligent photovoltaic glass greenhouses, thin film-connected greenhouses, and large-span solar greenhouses.

Salmeen Alameri, the CEO of Silal, emphasized the partnership’s goal to revolutionize the UAE’s Agritech sector by combining SVG’s expertise in greenhouse technology with Silal’s dedication to innovation and sustainability. Alameri stated that they aim to create a cutting-edge model for agriculture that can be replicated regionally and beyond.

Additionally, the project will feature a comprehensive ecosystem that includes seedling cultivation as well as post-harvest processing, storage, and distribution centers. The entire smart greenhouse system will operate on solar energy, significantly reducing its carbon footprint while promoting eco-friendly agricultural practices.

Silal and SVG’s facility will integrate AI and robotics to enhance every phase of cultivation, enabling precision planting, faster harvesting, and improved operational efficiency. Technologies in use will include intelligent climate control, automated irrigation, robotic harvesting, and advanced AI-driven research and development.

A diverse range of crop varieties, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, melons, and strawberries, will be cultivated with enhanced traits for better taste, resilience, and productivity. Smart resource management techniques are expected to reduce water and fertilizer usage by up to 30%, fostering sustainability and environmental responsibility.

Ming Yang, the founder of SVG, remarked on Abu Dhabi’s innovative approach and its readiness to adopt new technologies, highlighting the region as a crucial testing ground for advanced agricultural solutions. He noted that the partnership with Silal offers a unique opportunity to refine these technologies.

The project will also include AI labs, technology testing zones, and a sensory experience center, along with advanced water treatment systems, modular purification units, mushroom production areas, energy storage solutions, and dedicated accommodations for employees. Complementing the production efforts, a fully equipped post-harvest complex will ensure cold storage, automated sorting lines, and logistics ready for export to maintain product integrity and facilitate seamless distribution to both domestic and international markets.