EAG announces Dhs660 million in agricultural investments across UAE, Morocco and Mauritania

Elite Agro Holding (EAG), one of the region’s leading food and agribusiness groups, has announced Dhs660 million in agricultural investments and partnerships across the UAE, Morocco and Mauritania to expand production and develop projects spanning more than 9,300 hectares. The announcement was made during Global Food Week 2026, taking place at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi from 6 to 8 October.

The investments support Elite Agro Holding’s strategy to expand its agricultural operations and production capacity in domestic and international markets. They bring together capital, farming expertise, technology and strategic partnerships to deliver lasting economic and development benefits.

The portfolio comprises Dhs440 million for the development of the Aftout/Rosso agricultural project in Mauritania, covering approximately 8,900 hectares; Dhs140 million for the development of the Sidi Yehia Farm in Morocco, covering approximately 400 hectares; and Dhs80 million for a 25-hectare blueberry production project in Al Ain, UAE.

Dr Thani Bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade said the investments reflect the UAE’s commitment to strategic partnerships that drive growth in priority sectors and support Emirati companies’ expansion into international markets.

He said, “As global food security faces growing challenges, cross-border cooperation is essential to developing a sustainable agricultural sector. Bringing together capital, expertise and advanced technologies enables us to build lasting production capacity and improve the reliability of food supply chains worldwide.”

Al Zeyoudi added that the projects demonstrate the UAE private sector’s ability to turn investment opportunities into tangible economic and development outcomes. They also reinforce the country’s position as a leading global centre for trade, investment and economic partnerships, and a trusted partner in advancing regional and international growth and prosperity.

Expanding Mauritanian production: Elite Agro Holding, the Arab Authority for Agricultural Investment and Development (AAAID) and SAPA AGRIMA have signed a memorandum of understanding to develop agricultural operations at the Aftout/Rosso project in Mauritania. The Dhs440 million investment will cover 8,900 hectares and target approximately 244,000 metric tonnes of agricultural produce. The project aims to increase production to meet local market needs and support exports to neighbouring countries.

Dr Obaid Al Zaabi, Chairman of AAAID, said, “This partnership advances Arab cooperation in agricultural investment, bringing together resources and expertise to develop projects with lasting economic and development benefits. The Aftout/Rosso project demonstrates how investment institutions and private businesses can work together to realise agricultural potential, develop value chains and improve production efficiency through modern technology and specialist knowledge. It also reflects our commitment to investments that support food security, build local capabilities and create lasting value for communities and economies, contributing to a more competitive agricultural sector in Mauritania and the wider Arab region.”

Hassan Halawy, Group CEO of Elite Agro Holding, said, “These investments mark a new phase of growth for Elite Agro Holding in strategic markets. They reflect our shareholders’ vision and our commitment to building sustainable agricultural businesses that deliver long-term economic and development value. Our expansion in the UAE, Morocco and Mauritania is part of our vision for sustainable growth and closer strategic partnerships. Through these projects, we will contribute to food security, create jobs and build local capabilities by sharing knowledge, expertise and technology.

“We also believe that lasting partnerships depend on their economic success. These agreements reflect our partners’ confidence in our ability to turn opportunities into scalable, commercially successful projects that deliver sustainable returns and real value for everyone involved. As a group founded in the UAE, we aim to bring the expertise, technology and partnership model developed here to other markets, creating tangible economic benefits and contributing to their food security.”

Growing Moroccan operations: In Morocco, Elite Agro Holding and AAAID have signed a memorandum of understanding to develop the Sidi Yehia farm through an Dhs140 million investment covering approximately 400 hectares.

Set to become Elite Agro’s eighth farm in the country, the project will focus on high-value crops, including blueberries, mandarins and avocados. It will expand the company’s presence in Morocco and increase production for domestic and international markets.

Blueberry farming expansion: Elite Agro Holding and Emirates Food Industries have signed a memorandum of understanding to develop a 25-hectare blueberry production project in Al Ain, with an investment of Dhs80 million.

The project will expand Elite Agro’s Elite Berry production in the UAE and increase the supply of high-quality, locally grown produce, drawing on modern farming technologies and specialist expertise.

Joseph Abdo, CEO of Emirates Food Industries, said, “This partnership reflects our commitment to expanding local agricultural production and building the capacity to supply high-quality fresh produce in the UAE. Working with Elite Agro Holding, we aim to combine specialist expertise with modern farming technologies to improve production efficiency and broaden the range of locally grown products available to meet market demand.”

Turning dialogue into action

A participant in Global Food Week since its launch, Elite Agro Holding is using this year’s event to advance practical opportunities for agricultural and food systems development. Its participation reflects Abu Dhabi’s role in bringing together investors, businesses, government entities, researchers and academic institutions.

Hassan Halawy, Group CEO of Elite Agro Holding, will participate in a high-level session organised by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) on shaping a vision for innovation-driven agrifood systems transformation.

The company will also take part in “From Investment to Impact: Rethinking the Return on Agricultural Research”, a session organised by the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA). The discussion will explore how investment in agricultural science and research can lead to scalable commercial applications, build local capabilities and deliver long-term benefits.

Across these discussions, Elite Agro Holding will highlight the links between investment, research and commercial delivery, with a focus on turning agricultural knowledge and technology into practical solutions that improve the efficiency, reliability and sustainability of food systems.

The new investments further expand the Group’s agricultural portfolio and demonstrate the contribution of UAE businesses and their partners to food production, food security and long-term economic development.

Advancing local sourcing: Elite Agro Holding is also building on its cooperation with Abu Dhabi National Hotels (ADNH) through a memorandum of understanding to support Emirati producers and suppliers and increase the use of local products across supply chains.

The partnership will connect local agricultural production with the hospitality and foodservice sectors, creating additional routes to market for Emirati producers and expanding the presence of locally grown products.