Silal to open advanced innovation, research facility in Al Ain
ABU DHABI, July 22, 2023
Abu Dhabi-based Silal has announced plans to launch an advanced innovation, research and development centre in Al Ain as part of its efforts to enable an ecosystem to advance agriculture and food sector both in UAE and the wider region, using cutting-edge technologies.
A food, agriculture, and technology company, Silal is a unit of ADQ, one of the region's largest holding companies with a broad portfolio of major enterprises spanning key sectors of Abu Dhabi’s diversified economy.
The Innovation Oasis, which will come up on a 300,000 sq m area within the emirate, aims to be a hub for academic institutions, research organisations, and businesses to develop and trial technically robust solutions to boost agricultural growth and sustainably enhance production.
From maximising water efficiency to developing seeds, improving soil quality and better irrigation water systems, the Innovation Oasis tackles the key challenges facing agriculture and food production in the UAE and the region.
Besides its built-in laboratories and training facilities, the key facility also includes a soil and water lab, a pest and disease diagnostic lab, a variety improvement lab, a plant growth chamber and phenotyping facility for seed development, and postharvest facilities including cold stores and exhibition areas.
There will also be an open-field trial site including fertigation systems, IoT sensors, weather stations, and automated systems, it added.-TradeArabia News Service
