FOSTERING INNOVATION AND SUSTAINABILITY IN THE UAE FOR FUTURE GROWTH
FOSTERING INNOVATION AND SUSTAINABILITY IN THE UAE FOR FUTURE GROWTH
GHITHA HOLDING PROJECT
DIRECTED BY: JAMIE WAITE
ARTICLE WRITTEN BY: LAURA WATLING
The United Arab Emirates government has made its determination clear when it comes to ensuring food security for the Middle East.
Aiming to achieve zero hunger in the region, the government’s National Strategy for Food Security aims to make the UAE the world’s best in the Global Food Security Index by 2051.
It also aims to develop a comprehensive national system based on enabling sustainable food production by using modern technologies and enhancing local production.
Amongst its goals, the strategy aims to develop international partnerships to diversify food sources; activate legislation and policies that contribute to improving nutrition, as well as initiate legislation and policies to reduce waste.
The strategy specifically aims to implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production, that help maintain ecosystems.
Supporting the country’s plans for food security is Ghitha Holding Company (Ghitha Holding), which represents the largest integrated food manufacturing, trading and distribution company in United Arab Emirates.
With a portfolio of more than 60 subsidiaries, associates, and joint ventures, its brands operate in six business segments including dairy, protein, fresh juice, fresh fruits and vegetables, manufacturing, trading and distribution, agriculture and investments.
“Ghitha Holding stands as a catalyst for economic transformation in the Middle East, known for its forward-thinking approach and commitment to investing in sectors that enhance food security, promote technological advancement, and create lasting value for the communities it serves,” shared Chief Executive Officer of Ghitha Holding, Mr.Falal Ameen.
He continued: “Through strategic investments and partnerships, Ghitha Holding continues to shape the future of the region by supporting diverse industries and driving sustainable development.
We contribute significantly to the food security of the UAE through the local supply of fresh dairy, poultry, fish, fruits and vegetables, as well as edible oils and grains”.
The Holding Company, encompassing notable brands such as Al Ain Farms, Al Ajban Poultry, NRTC Fresh Fruits & Vegetables, Advoc, Zee Stores International, Anina Culinary, Al Jaraf Fisheries, Royal Horizon and many more has implemented a comprehensive approach to addressing food security in the Middle East to support the UAE government’s plans.
This includes strategic investments across the agricultural value chain, supporting sustainable agriculture, empowering local farmers, enhancing food processing capabilities, promoting diversification, and fostering technological innovation.
Chief Executive Officer of Ghitha Holding, Mr. Falal Ameen
MANUFACTURING, TRADING & DISTRIBUTION GHITHA HOLDING
An Instrumental Contributor to the Middle East
Celebrating100%businessrevenue growthin2023,GhithaHoldingisone ofthefastestgrowingcompaniesinthe UAE, aswellasbeingoneofthelargest verticallyintegratedfoodmanufacturing anddistributionfoodcompaniesinthe region.
“Wearecommittedtocontributing towardsachievingtheUAE’sprimary missionto“diversify thenon-oileconomy” andFoodSecurityStrategytoattainthe toprankingintheGlobalFoodSecurity Indexby2051”,sharedMr.FalalAmeen.
GhithaHolding’sinitiativesinthefood sectorareinstrumentalindiversifyingthe MiddleEast’seconomy.
Byinvestinginagriculture,promoting foodsecurity,supportinglocalbusinesses, andintegratingtechnology,thebusiness contributessignificantlytosustainable economicdevelopmentandreducingthe country’sdependencyonsectorslikeoil andgas.
The company achieves this by implementing initiatives through five strategic pillars: Investment in Agriculture and Food Production; Promotion of Food Security; Support for Agribusiness and Small Farmers; Job Creation and Economic Growth; Integration of Technology and Innovation.
Ghitha Holding invests heavily in agriculture and food production infrastructure. This includes funding for modern farming techniques, irrigation systems, and agricultural projects aimed at increasing productivity and sustainability.
“By doing so, we are not only boosting the local food production but also reducing the country’s dependency on food imports,” explained Mr. Falal Ameen.
Meanwhile, by enhancing local food production capabilities, Ghitha Holding contributes to food security in the region. This is crucial for stability and resilience against external economic disruptions in food supply chains.
In addition, the Holding provides support to agribusinesses and small-scale farmers cooperation models.
This includes supporting milk production within the dairy industry as well as in egg hatching and layering.
This support further enables the expansion of the food sector by creating employment opportunities across various stages of production, from farming to processing and distribution.
“This contributes to broader economic growth and reduces unemployment rates in the region,” added Mr.Falal Ameen.
As an active stakeholder of driving the industry pace forward, Ghitha Holding integrates technology and innovation into the food sector, promoting efficiency and sustainability.
This includes the adoption of precision agriculture and food processing
technologies that improve yields and reduce environmental impact.
Commenting on the outlook for the UAE’s food sector, Mr. Falal Ameen highlighted that: “The region faces challenges related to dependency on imports, sustainability, climate conditions, but it also benefits from its strategic location, technological advancements, government support, and diverse consumer base.
Addressing these challenges while capitalizing on its advantages will be key to shaping a resilient and sustainable future for the UAE’s food sector. Diverse populations with varied dietary preferences, coupled with a thriving tourism sector, create opportunities for a wide range of food products and culinary experiences.
This diversity stimulates demand and innovation within the food industry,”. Emphasizing its commitment to innovation, Mr. Falal Ameen added that the business must be aware of the impact of technology on economic growth and the transformative role it plays in various sectors, including the food and distribution landscape.
“Embracing digital transformation and leveraging advancements like artificial intelligence, blockchain, and Internet of Things can enhance productivity, efficiency, and innovation across industries”, he said, “whilst continuing this growth we must also continue our efforts as an industry in sustainability and corporate social responsibility initiatives as these not only benefit communities and the environment but also enhance longterm business resilience and reputation.”
GHITHA HOLDING
MANUFACTURING, TRADING & DISTRIBUTION
Fostering Partnerships for the Betterment of the UAE
In alignment with Abu Dhabi’s Economic Vision 2030 and the UAE’s Next 50 development strategies, and highlighting that partnerships are crucial to the Holding Company, Ghitha Holding actively engages in various businesses.
This is with a strong emphasis on preparing for the future, fostering creativity, bolstering resilience, and driving the transformation of the food sector via sustainable practices and ethical farming.
On Ghitha Holding’s relationship with Gulfood, Mr. Falal Ameen mentioned that Gulfood is the most comprehensive food and beverage exhibition in the world, featuring 5,500 exhibitors from over 190 countries.
It serves as a significant platform for industry networking, showcasing innovations, and discussing trends in the food and beverage sector, vital for levelling-up the government’s food security agenda.
“Ghitha Holding will continue supporting the initiatives related to food security, sustainability, and participate in industry events and discussions aimed at promoting economic growth and innovation in the food sector of UAE and Middle East,” closed Mr. Falal Ameen.
www.ghitha.com
