His Excellency Engineer Saif Mohammed Al-Shara', Assuistant Undersecretary for Agricultural and Livestock Affairs, Ministry of Environment and water, and Golden Tsai, CEO of Horien Inc., have signed a contract for the implementation of the technology of waterk extraction from humid air at the Ministry’s headquarters in Dubai. The move comes within the Ministry’s framework to use technological innovations in the development of the agriculture sector and conservation of natural resources. In addition, the Ministry also uses scientific research to harness traditional water sources to address the water needs of the agricultural sector and contribute towards domestic production cycle with an aim to enhance food safety and sustainability.
Al-Shara emphasized that the Ministry is looking to keep pace with advanced technologies and systems to achieve sustainable development and give new dimensions to the agricultural sector. It is also keen to implement innovative concepts in agricultural research to serve the objectives of the ‘Agricultural Innovation Center’ that was recently opened by the Ministry. The establishment of the center is in line with the ‘National Innovation Strategy’ launched by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to make the UAE one of the most innovative countries in the world over the next seven years in the seven main sectors which include water.
Explaining further, Al-Shara said that the Ministry has undertaken a promising experiment of extracting water from humid air in cooperation with Horien. The experiment will not only address the issue of water scarcity but would also pave way for the success of alternative and sustainable solutions that are derived from natural sources. Its positive outcome will benefit the UAE’s agriculture sector by providing water for cultivation. He added that experiments and research on traditional or modern agricultural technologies will be conducted in accordance with accepted standard and methodologies in order to evaluate the efficiency and suitability of the UAE’s natural conditions. Al-Shara noted that after implementing this technology and demonstrating its effectiveness, training programs will be designed and integrated into the agricultural production system for farmers.
Al Shara pointed out that the Ministry of Environment and Water is constantly seeking ways to strengthen cooperation with scientific and technical organizations, universities and scientific research centers, and all authorities and institutions. It intends to do so through the exchange of successful experiences and implementation of research and studies, which will contribute towards the development and promotion of the agricultural sector's ability to meet challenges, such as scarcity of water for cultivable land. For his part, Golden Tsai was delighted to sign the contract and expressed his willingness for future cooperation in other areas.
The Agricultural Innovation Center, which opened in December 2014, aims to attract and adopt innovative agricultural techniques to promote agricultural development. The Center also works to forge strategic partnerships with private sector organizations, having technical knowledge in areas such as the implementation of the plans and programs of scientific twinning and partnership in international centers, and the use of bodies, international organizations and experts in this field. This is designed to advance the development of systems that contributes to increased agricultural productivity and conservation of natural resources.