Dubai: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, visited Al Barakah Dates Factory, the world's largest privately-owned dates factory located in Dubai Industrial City. The facility spans over 800,000 square feet and has an annual production capacity of 100,000 tonnes, making it a leader in packaging and processing dates globally.
According to Emirates News Agency, during the visit, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed emphasized that the UAE continues to strengthen its position as a global hub for advanced food industries through innovation, stronger production chains, and boosting the competitiveness of national products. He noted that the dates industry exemplifies the transformation of the country's agricultural heritage into a modern, high-value-added sector that supports the economy and enhances food security.
H.H. Sheikh Mohammed highlighted the UAE's investment in key sectors impacting people's lives, particularly the food sector, and its efforts to develop national industries to be more globally competitive through advanced technologies, higher production efficiency, and expanded access to international markets.
He also mentioned that the dates industry is integral to the UAE's identity and heritage, with its development reflecting a vision of turning resources into sustainable opportunities. Humanitarian initiatives in the sector, including efforts to combat malnutrition, were cited as reflections of the UAE's commitment to improving lives and addressing global food security challenges.
H.H. Sheikh Mohammed, accompanied by Malek Al Malek, Chairman of TECOM Group, was briefed by the factory founder Saleem Mohammed and his son Yousuf Saleem Mohammed, Managing Director, on the production lines, manufacturing and packaging stages, and the factory's range of products. The factory's products reach 97 countries, with the US, the UK, and the EU being key markets.
The factory is located in Dubai Industrial City, part of TECOM Group's industrial parks launched in 2004. Dubai Industrial City hosts over 350 factories and more than 17,000 employees, strategically positioned near Jebel Ali Port, Al Maktoum International Airport, and Etihad Rail's freight terminal for strong logistics connectivity. The factory's success reflects private sector achievements in the food industry and was founded by businessman Saleem Mohammed, who began his career in Dubai in 1983 before moving into dates trading and processing in the 1990s.