Gheras Develops Modern Farm Model Boosting Sharjah Food Security

Gheras Agricultural Company is advancing an integrated farming project in Sharjah, supporting the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi to strengthen sustainable food security and modern agriculture.

The project includes a honey and therapeutic products factory, expected to produce up to 120 tonnes per year. It also features student housing, administrative offices, meeting spaces, advanced irrigation systems, and smart technologies designed for desert farming.

Al Dhaid was chosen for its ideal farming conditions, strategic location, historical agricultural significance, and proximity to universities and agricultural colleges, enabling collaboration between education and practical farming.

Maryam Al Junaibi, Agricultural Sector Director at Sharjah Agriculture and Livestock Production Establishment (Ektifa), highlighted the farm’s unique cooling system for arid regions. Using solar energy and air-water properties, it reduces water and energy use by up to 70%, allowing well water to be used directly without desalination.

Currently, three hectares are cultivated in the first phase, producing around 10 tonnes annually. The project’s full capacity is expected to reach 250 tonnes.

Gheras grows organic crops using Emirati-developed techniques and non-GMO seeds preserved for over 50 years. The farm produces citrus, broccoli, tomatoes, leafy greens, strawberries, and organic blueberries, all grown on-site.

The project also emphasizes training and capacity-building for agriculture students and will include a visitor centre. Spanning 32 hectares, Gheras features modern greenhouses, open-field farming, nurseries, and packaging facilities, reinforcing Sharjah’s commitment to safe, locally produced food.