Sharjah Ruler Inaugurates Mleiha Dairy, Sets World Record

His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, on Wednesday inaugurated the Mleiha Dairy Factory, a landmark food security project spanning 20,000 square metres with a production capacity of around 600 tonnes.

During the inauguration ceremony, His Highness received a Guinness World Record certificate recognising Mleiha Dairy Farm as the world’s largest A2A2 cattle farm, located in the Mleiha region of Sharjah. The farm is home to more than 6,400 A2A2 cows, a rare breed known for producing milk with significant health benefits.

High-level reception and attendance

Upon arrival, the Ruler of Sharjah was welcomed by His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah; His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah; Sheikh Dr Salem bin Abdulrahman Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Ruler’s Office; and Sheikh Engineer Mohammed bin Abdullah bin Majid Al Qasimi, Director of the Department of Municipal Affairs.

The event was also attended by a distinguished group of federal and local leaders, including Abdulrahman bin Mohammed Al Owais, Minister of Federal National Council Affairs; Dr Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology; Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism; and Ohood bint Khalfan Al Roumi, Minister of State for Government Development and the Future, alongside senior officials, heads of government entities, and partner organisations.

A dream realised after six decades

In his address, His Highness expressed deep satisfaction at the completion of the Mleiha Dairy Farm and Factory project, describing it as a long-held dream spanning 65 years. He said the project reflects a lifetime dedicated to serving society and building sustainable foundations for future generations.

Reflecting on the journey across generations, the Ruler of Sharjah noted that while the vision began decades ago, it has now been realised by the fourth generation, driven by educated and capable young Emiratis who combine modern knowledge with strong values and a sense of responsibility.

Food security rooted in nature

His Highness reviewed Sharjah’s growing portfolio of food security initiatives, highlighting the rapid development of farms and processing facilities across the emirate. He pointed to specialised academic programmes at the University of Al Dhaid, including colleges of Agriculture, Veterinary Medicine and Desert Sciences, designed to prepare skilled professionals to support national food security goals.

He stressed the importance of returning to natural origins in development, particularly in desert environments, which he described as a vital source of food production. Projects covering poultry, cattle, goats and crops are based on original seeds and natural breeding, avoiding excessive chemical intervention.

The Ruler of Sharjah warned of the harmful effects of human interference in plant and animal genetics and overreliance on chemicals, noting that natural methods have proven safer and more beneficial over time.

A2A2 cows and health-first philosophy

At Mleiha Dairy Farm, the cows belong exclusively to the rare A2A2 breed, producing milk known for its digestibility and health benefits. The animals are raised in a carefully controlled environment and fed a natural diet to ensure the purity, quality and nutritional value of the milk and dairy products.

“Our goal is not profit,” His Highness said. “Our goal is the health of the people. If we achieve self-sufficiency and provide healthy food, then we have achieved something truly important for our country.”

Expanding sustainable agriculture projects

The Ruler of Sharjah also highlighted several complementary initiatives, including olive cultivation on Jebel Deem, where 3,800 olive trees have already been planted, with 1,200 more underway and plans to add 1,500 trees annually. These efforts aim to support the production of high-quality olive oil.

The Flybirds poultry project was cited as another model of ethical production, with free-range birds fed exclusively on natural feed and medication, taking around three months to reach production readiness.

Vegetable farming projects rely on original plant varieties, developed in cooperation with German farms to cultivate pure seeds. The result, His Highness noted, is produce with superior taste, aroma and nutritional value.

Technology meets tradition

While rooted in nature, Sharjah’s agricultural projects also employ advanced technology. Digital monitoring systems precisely regulate humidity and irrigation, ensuring optimal growing conditions and efficient water use.

One notable example is Sharjah wheat, branded “Saba Sanabel,” where a single grain can produce seven ears, reflecting careful management and respect for natural cycles.

Factory tour and operations

Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony and official activation of the factory, His Highness toured the Visitors Centre, receiving briefings on the factory’s layout, modern equipment and strict quality assurance systems.

He visited the processing area, central control room and packaging lines for fresh milk, yoghurt and labneh, which together can produce up to 4,500 units per hour. The factory also introduced eco-friendly packaging that meets international standards, underscoring its commitment to sustainability.

At the circular milking parlour, the Ruler of Sharjah observed operations across 80 platforms, capable of milking 500 cows per hour and producing approximately 100,000 litres of milk daily. He also inspected silage harvesting and packaging facilities producing 50 tonnes of organic feed per hour, as well as modern cattle pens designed to ensure animal welfare, hygiene and veterinary care.

Vision, ethics and recognition

A visual presentation traced Mleiha’s transformation from desert land into a fully integrated agricultural and industrial hub, highlighting the role of the Sharjah Agricultural and Livestock Production Foundation (Iktifa) in advancing food security and public health.

Dr Khalifa Musbeh Al Tunaiji, Chairman of the Department of Agriculture and Livestock and CEO of Iktifa, emphasised that the foundation prioritises ethical food practices over commercial trends, describing food as the first line of medicine.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, His Highness honoured federal and local entities and private sector partners for their contributions. He also received a commemorative shield from the Danish Holstein Breeders Association for efforts to preserve rare cow breeds globally.

The inauguration of Mleiha Dairy Factory stands as a major milestone in Sharjah’s long-term strategy to achieve food security, promote public health and build a sustainable future rooted in nature, ethics and knowledge.