SHARJAH

SHARJAH, UAE; June 8, 2026 –  The UAE emirate of Sharjah has posted a breakthrough in desert wheat cultivation, producing plants with protein levels nearly twice the global soft-wheat average and yields above international benchmarks — results that researchers say mark significant progress in crop breeding for arid regions.

Second-generation plants from Sharjah’s wheat development project recorded eight spikes per plant, surpassing the internationally recognised benchmark of seven. The crop also achieved a protein content of 19.3%, placing it among the highest levels reported globally.

Standard soft wheat varieties typically contain between 10% and 13% protein, while durum wheat averages between 12% and 15%. At 19.3%, Sharjah’s wheat falls into the premium category used for specialised food products, researchers said.

The findings come as countries across the Gulf and beyond reassess agricultural strategies in response to climate change and geopolitical disruptions to global food supply chains. 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.

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.

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. 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