Sharjah: His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, inaugurated the Mleiha Dairy Factory, a 20,000 square meter facility with a production capacity of approximately 600 tonnes. During the event, the Ruler received a Guinness World Record certificate, recognising the Mleiha Dairy Farm as the world's largest A2A2 cattle farm, situated in the Mleiha region of Sharjah.
According to Emirates News Agency, the Ruler of Sharjah was welcomed by prominent figures, including H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi, H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, and several ministers and senior officials. The Ruler expressed joy at the completion of the Mleiha Dairy Farm and Factory project, which he described as a long-held vision realized with the help of Sharjah's educated youth, committed to community service.
The Ruler reviewed Sharjah's food security projects, highlighting progress in diverse farming and processing initiatives. He mentioned the University of Al Dhaid's specialized programs aimed at preparing professionals for food security efforts. Emphasizing traditional development methods, he noted the importance of natural food production and warned against the adverse effects of human interference with natural processes.
At Mleiha Farm, the rare A2A2 cows produce milk with significant health benefits, raised naturally for product purity. Other initiatives include olive cultivation at Jebel Deem and the Flybirds poultry project, focusing on natural and sustainable farming practices.
The Ruler underscored a philosophy prioritizing health over profit, aiming for self-sufficiency and healthy food production. Vegetable projects cooperate with German farms for high-quality seeds, employing digital monitoring for optimal agricultural management.
He inaugurated the factory by cutting the ribbon and activating operations, touring the facility and observing the eco-friendly packaging processes. The milking parlor features advanced platforms, producing significant milk quantities daily, supporting regional food security.
Dr Khalifa Musbeh Al Tunaiji, CEO of Iktifa, emphasized ethical food practices over market trends, aligning with the Ruler's vision. He criticized commercial greed and highlighted Iktifa's circular economy initiatives, showcasing projects like 'Saba Sanabel' wheat and 'Al Faya' honey factory.
The event included presentations on Mleiha's transformation into a thriving community and concluded with honors for collaborators. The Ruler received the Guinness World Record certificate and a commemorative shield for preserving rare breeds, underscoring the project's global significance.
Additionally, the Ruler learned about Iktifa's sustainable packaging initiatives and met with small business owners, stressing support for entrepreneurs and national initiatives.