Sharjah has made history by developing a wheat variety with 19.3% protein—the highest ever recorded globally. This groundbreaking achievement places the emirate at the forefront of sustainable agriculture and global food security. Moreover, the innovation supports the UAE’s vision of self-sufficiency and climate-smart farming.
The wheat is cultivated at the Mleiha Wheat Farm using advanced technologies on 1,428 hectares of desert land. This project was launched under the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. Additionally, the farm uses organic methods and modern irrigation systems to ensure environmental balance and crop quality.
Sharjah plans to export this high-protein wheat, drawing increasing interest from global food manufacturers. Furthermore, the wheat has earned international certifications, including the HSP Food Quality Certificate and the “Made in Emirates” label. The project also received the Best Innovation Award for Sustainability in the UAE, recognizng its impact on environmental protection and agricultural progress.
According to Her Excellency Dr. Amna Al Dahak, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, the project reflects Sharjah’s ability to overcome extreme farming challenges. She added that AI-powered irrigation helped reduce water usage by 30%, boosting both efficiency and conservation.
The wheat variety, named Sharjah 1, is specially engineered to resist salinity, heat, and drought. To achieve this, over 1,450 wheat strains were tested in a dedicated biotechnology lab. Only the best-performing variety was selected to meet global nutrition and climate standards.
Sharjah meeting wheat demand
Currently, the farm expects to harvest 6,000 tonnes of organic wheat this season. Its annual output now reaches 15,200 tonnes—enough to meet Sharjah’s total wheat demand. As a result, the emirate has significantly reduced wheat imports and strengthened local food independence.
Locally, the wheat is used in bread, pasta, and cereals made by UAE-based manufacturers. At the same time, international producers are exploring its use in premium food products. Dr. Osama Hussein Qambar, an agricultural expert from the Sharjah Department of Agriculture and Livestock, praised its unmatched nutritional value.
In addition, the farm uses satellite thermal imaging to optimize yield and quality. It also operates a real-time weather monitoring system that helps protect crops from environmental stress. In conclusion, Sharjah’s success proves how innovation and technology can transform deserts into productive and sustainable farmland.
