SHARJAH

SHARJAH, UAE; June 4, 2026 – Selected second-generation plants from Sharjah’s wheat development project recorded eight spikes per plant, surpassing the internationally recognised benchmark of seven. Experts described this achievement as a major progress in crop breeding for desert agriculture and food sustainability in arid regions.

The crop also recorded a protein content of 19.3%, placing it among the highest levels reported globally. Soft wheat varieties contain between 10% and 13% protein, while durum wheat averages between 12% and 15%, classifying Sharjah’s wheat among premium wheat used for specialised food products.

The results come amid growing pressure on global food supply chains from climate change and geopolitical tensions, pushing countries to reassess agricultural strategies and strengthen long-term food security.

Dr. Fadel ElZubi, director of the Geneva Centre for Studies and an international food security expert, noted that Sharjah’s experience represented an “exceptional case study” in the Arab world. He urged that it serve as a regional model for developing crop varieties resistant to drought and climate change.

ElZubi said the recording of more than seven spikes per plant in some selected second-generation wheat plants reflected “significant advances in selective breeding and trait stability,” adding that the project marked a crucial step toward producing crops capable of thriving in harsh climates.

Sharjah’s agricultural model relies on an integrated system combining precision farming, artificial intelligence, ground sensors, and satellite imagery to manage irrigation and reduce water loss in one of the most climate-challenging regions.

The expert, a former head of mission at the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), said food security was no longer determined solely by fertile land or water resources, but also by technology, scientific research, and efficient resource management.

ElZubi stressed that Sharjah’s approach shows how high-quality agricultural production can be achieved through long-term investment and innovation.

He added that precision farming technologies could raise productivity by 20% to 40% while cutting water consumption by up to 30%, improving the economic and environmental sustainability of farming in dry regions.

According to the expert, Sharjah’s strategy has moved beyond dependence on imports by focusing on local production of strategic commodities such as wheat and dairy products.

Sharjah has recently increased locally produced food products through investments in agricultural technology and sustainable farming, supporting the UAE’s broader efforts to address climate change and resource scarcity.

Hussain Al Mulla
Media Relations Executive – Sharjah Government Media Bureau

+971563980067
Hussain.almulla@sgmb.ae