Sharjah's Fili Poultry Farm becomes first farm in UAE to be awarded Free Range label from ministry
- Last updated: October 15, 2026 | 18:41
Mahmoud Ads, Staff Reporter
Fili Poultry Farm, a subsidiary of the Sharjah Agricultural and Livestock Production Establishment (Ektifa), has distinguished itself as the first farm in the UAE to be awarded the Free-Range Label by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology. This accolade underscores the farm's dedication to internationally recognised best practices, furthering the growth and competitiveness of the UAE's food industry.
This accomplishment is a testament to Fili’s unwavering commitment to maintaining high standards in poultry care, product quality, and food safety. It not only reinforces consumer trust in their products but also solidifies their market presence and broadens the availability of healthier food options. These initiatives contribute to better nutrition, enhance quality of life, and boost the competitive edge of Emirati products.
Advancing Sustainable Industrial Growth
Dr. Farah Al Zarooni, Assistant Undersecretary for the Standards Affairs Sector at the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, highlighted the Ministry’s commitment to fostering the UAE’s industrial growth and competitiveness, aligned with the National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology and the Make it in the Emirates initiative.
She noted that the national quality infrastructure—covering standards, metrology, conformity assessment, accreditation, and market surveillance—supports sustainable industrial growth and boosts Emirati products' competitiveness locally and globally.
Dr. Al Zarooni emphasized food industries as a national priority, citing the Ministry’s Free-Range Label as a trusted tool for verifying compliance with set standards. She said awarding this label to Fili Poultry Farm reflects collaboration between the Ministry and Ektifa, promoting best practices and advancing national production standards.
She encouraged more farmers to obtain the label, highlighting its role in building consumer trust, accessing new markets, and enhancing Emirati product competitiveness.
Product Quality and Consumer Confidence
Dr. Eng. Khalifa Musabeh Al Teneiji, who serves as the Chairman of the Department of Agriculture and Livestock and CEO of Ektifa, expressed that the Free-Range Label awarded to Fili Poultry Farm marks a significant achievement. This award mirrors the farm's dedication to adopting best practices in both poultry rearing and animal welfare.
He emphasised that this recognition boosts product quality, enhances consumer trust, and bolsters market competitiveness, establishing Fili as a prominent national example of safe, organic food production.
Dr. Al Teneiji elaborated that the label acknowledges Fili's slow-growing chickens, nurtured under a free-range system without hormone use. He also pointed out the unique feed formula created by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, the Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah.
This formula is a blend of organic wheat and corn, soybeans, turmeric, and vegetable oils, complemented by garlic, wild thyme, oregano, eucalyptus, and frankincense. Such a meticulously crafted mix demonstrates Fili’s dedication to quality poultry nutrition, thereby reinforcing its commitment to quality and consumer confidence.
He further stated that this milestone underscores Ektifa’s dedication to maintaining globally recognized quality standards across its products while adhering to organic food system requirements.
Dr. Al Teneiji also praised the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology for its crucial support of Ektifa and its initiatives. He acknowledged the Ministry's efforts in fostering a conducive environment for national institutions to thrive and enhance their competitive edge within regional markets.