Al Aliyo HydroFarms embarks on hydroponic fodder project in HFZ

Al Aliyo HydroFarms, a hydroponic fodder farm in the UAE, has inaugurated two warehouses in the Sharjah Food Park of Hamriyah Free Zone Authority (HFZA) with initial investments estimated at Dhs9 million.

The two facilities covering an area of 12,000 square feet (sq.ft) will have a daily production capacity of about 10 tonnes of hydroponic fodder, marking the company’s first phase of investments in the Hamriyah Free Zone after a lease agreement is signed with HFZA during the 26th edition of Gulfood 2021.

Al Aliyo HydroFarms will run the UAE’s first unique project to produce and grow organic fodder for livestock in hydroponic farms based on an innovative concept using the latest technologies in the field. Saud Salim Al Mazrouei, Director of the HFZA, inaugurated the two facilities in the presence of Tarannum Malik, CEO of Al Aliyo Hydrofarms, as well as a high-profile delegation from the HFZA.

Al Mazrouei was briefed about the company’s products and innovative solutions developed based on advanced hydroponics technologies that are not dependent on temperatures and seasonality. The entire production process is 100 per cent organic, where there is no usage of pesticides or fertilisers. Moreover, there is no wastage.

Innovative sectors Speaking on the occasion, Al Mazrouei affirmed HFZA’s keenness to attract and encourage international companies operating in innovative fields to base their regional operations in Sharjah. This is in line with the vision and directives of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, which aim to turn Sharjah into a global hub for quality industries and support economic diversification plans in the emirate.

“Al Aliyo’s investments in the Hamriyah Free Zone are an excellent addition to the livestock sector in Sharjah and the UAE,” he added.

“In addition to its quality facilities, integrated business base and infrastructure, the Sharjah Food Park provides investment incentives that perfectly meet investors’ aspirations, help them build a strong presence within the global food sector and provide promising opportunities in the local and neighbouring markets,” the HFZA Director noted.

Extending over an area of 11 million square feet, the park is home to some 1,700 companies operating in food manufacturing, preservation, packaging, re-packaging, import and export to markets around the globe.

Tarannum Malik said that the company’s decision to launch its unique project was made for several considerations including HFZA’s growth-stimulating environment and unparalleled facilities that live up to their aspirations and serves their goals and strategic plans.

Malik added that with minimal carbon emissions and reduced energy consumption, Al Aliyo is economical, sustainable, green and environmentally friendly. With enhanced nutritional content and hygienic-sanitary growing processes, the fodder is an excellent addition or replacement to synthetic feeds, which will reduce feeding costs by 20 to 45 per cent.

Salim appointed to World FZO: Salim Omar Salim, Director of Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone (SPC Free Zone), has been appointed Board Member of the World Free Zones Organisation (World FZO), a global not-for-profit organisation offering an authoritative and collective voice for free zones around the world.

As the Board Member of World FZO, the SPC Free Zone Director will bring his extensive cross-sectoral experience to its knowledge committee responsible for developing the intellectual base for economic free zone research and global trade rules. In addition, he will lead a number of tasks related to communication with international organisations, private sector associations, multinational companies as well as industry and financial sector representatives from the global investment community.

The World FZO brings together free zones from all over the world and promote their positive impacts by providing guidance, knowledge and services to its members, to enhance free zones’ contribution in the economic prosperity and social development of the host country.

Since 2019, SPC Free Zone has been a voting member of World FZO and has benefitted from several services open to members including industry research, operational and administrative support services, high-level training, and strategic networking opportunities with peers, consultants, service-providers, policy makers, and key business decision makers from around the world.

The SPC Free Zone - established in 2017 as the world’s first printing and publishing free zone, has emerged as a value-driven organisation that offers a thriving environment for publishers to grow and reach new markets.

The free zone’s integrated ecosystem, which is home to companies representing a broad spectrum of publishing, printing, and allied businesses, offers a promising investment environment, an array of competitive advantages, a world-class infrastructure and several cost-effective options to support publishers and other businesses and enhance their access to global markets.

WAM