In a remarkable triumph of agricultural innovation, the Mleiha Wheat Farm in Sharjah has successfully demonstrated how cutting-edge technology and strategic planning can transform harsh desert landscapes into productive agricultural zones. Launched in 2022, this pioneering project has not only achieved impressive crop yields but also produced what experts claim is the world’s highest protein wheat.
The farm, spanning an impressive 1,400 hectares, represents a pathbreaking approach to agriculture in challenging environmental conditions. By leveraging advanced AI technologies and precision farming techniques, the project has created a fully automated, organic wheat cultivation system that challenges traditional agricultural limitations.
“We call technologies our ‘third eye’,” explains Abdelaziz Hassooni, Head of Data Gathering at the Department of Agriculture and Livestock. “We have continuous, 24/7 monitoring of the farm, tracking everything from soil moisture to nitrogen levels and water usage.”
One of the most striking achievements is the farm’s water efficiency. By implementing smart irrigation systems and utilising thermal imaging, the project has managed to reduce water consumption by 30-40%, using approximately 3,000 cubic metres per hectare – significantly less than initial projections.
The farm’s most exceptional achievement is the development of ‘Saba Sanabel’ wheat, translated to English as ‘Seven Spikes’, considered by agricultural experts to be the planet’s premier wheat variety. This breakthrough came after rigorously testing over 1,500 seed varieties, with only three proving suitable for Mleiha’s unique climate and soil conditions.
Lamya Fadil Alsuwaidi, an agricultural guide, highlighted the ongoing innovation, revealing plans for ‘Sharjah One’ – a wheat strain designed to withstand high salinity and diverse weather conditions and maintain excellent taste and baking qualities.
With minimal human intervention, just twenty workers manage the entire 1,400-hectare operation – the farm represents a model of technological agricultural efficiency. The organic approach, completely free from chemicals, pesticides, and GMO seeds, further underscores the project’s commitment to sustainable farming. Looking forward, the team plans to expand their success by supporting local farmers and exploring the cultivation of additional crops, potentially transforming agricultural practices in the region. This desert miracle isn’t just about growing wheat; it’s about reimagining what’s possible in agricultural technology and food production.
